Only teens have survived a mysterious catastrophe in the first YA novel from acclaimed film producer, director, and screenwriter Chris Weitz

Although this may not be the first time a post-apocalyptic, teenage-run world has been written about, it is one of the best in the genre. Chris Weitz has his finger on the pulse when it comes to cultural references and his fantastically diverse characters pop out of the action-packed pages. Narrated by two protagonists, Jefferson and Donna, this rollercoaster of a story demands to be read in one sitting. Highly recommended. Booktrust It is not difficult to imagine this as a punchy, all action blockbuster... The violence is well handled and not too graphic and various ever-changing romantic liaisons are portrayed with realistic angst and tears. The action concludes with a suitable cliff-hanging scenario, and this will be excellent for fans of Hunger Games, Chaos Trilogy and The Faze. -- Stephen King The School Librarian

Chris Weitz is the director of Twilight: New Moon, A Better Life, About a Boy, The Golden Compass, and American Pie. The Young World is his first novel.