The Last Beekeeper by Pablo Cartaya
Published by HarperCollins on July 12, 2022
ISBN: 0063006553
Pages: 304
Genres: Adventure, Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
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This middle grade novel takes place in the aftermath of severe climate change, where landmarks have crumbled and a large portion of plants and animals have become extinct. Humanity quickly adapts to its new environment, re-establishing a new government and creating advanced technology such as augmentation. Yoly, a 12-year-old Vally resident of Silo, is excited to complete her final course in Neurolink to become an official Neurolink Surgeon. This career will undo her family’s ruined name and get her and Yoly’s sister, Cami, out of the Vally and into Silo’s elite. Yoly’s world begins to crumble as unknown forces manipulate her to give up a family heirloom or become a traitor to Silo.

Pablo’s narrative writing and fast-pace storytelling will open the reader’s eyes to the gloomy future if we do not slow down global warming. There are some black and white illustrations under the chapter titles which complement the plot. The book’s audience is young readers ages 8 to 12. Readers who like sci-fi, post-apocalyptic, and dystopian novels will highly enjoy this book, and since Cartaya does not go into complex explanations about technology and science, this is an excellent introduction to the science fiction genre. He also illustrates to readers that the world is not fair or equal between community status and government. Librarians should add this to their diverse collection because Pablo does a fantastic job incorporating his Cuban heritage into this futuristic world.

Reviewed by Brandon Dyer, Auburn Public Library