The Scavengers - by Michael Perry (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Jeanne DuPrau's The City of Ember meets Louis Sachar's Holes in this imaginative and humorous middle grade debut from Michael Perry, New York Times bestselling author of the adult novels Population: 485 and Truck: A Love Story.

When the world started to fall apart, the government gave everyone two choices: move into the Bubble Cities...or take their chances outside.

Maggie's family chose to live in the world that was left behind. Deciding it's time to grow up and grow tough, Maggie rechristens herself "Ford Falcon"--a name inspired by the beat-up car she finds at a nearby junkyard.

Ford's family goes to this junkyard to scavenge for things they can use or barter with the other people who live OutBubble. Her family has been able to survive this brave new world by working together. But when Ford comes home one day to discover her home ransacked and her family missing, she must find the strength to rescue her loved ones with the help of some unlikely friends.

The Scavengers is a wholly original tween novel that combines an action-packed adventure, a heartfelt family story, and a triumphant journey of self-discovery in a world where one person's junk is another person's key to survival. Katherine Applegate, author of the Newbery Medal winner The One and Only Ivan, raves: "Michael Perry pulls out all the stops in this colorful tale."

What happens when the scrappy girl who calls herself Ford Falcon is the only one left to save her family?

• A Post-Apocalyptic Adventure: In a world split between sparkling Bubble Cities and the wild OutBubble, one family's junkyard scavenging is the only thing keeping them alive.
• A Strong Female Protagonist: When her family vanishes, Maggie renames herself Ford Falcon and must grow up fast to uncover the truth and face down dangers like solar bears and the mysterious GreyDevils.
• Found Family: Ford can't do it alone and must rely on the help of her quirky, wise neighbors to find the strength she needs for her quest.
• Middle Grade Humor: Filled with witty dialogue and one very memorable rooster named Hatchet, this story perfectly balances thrilling action with laugh-out-loud moments.

From the Back Cover

I wedged my fists on my hips and I announced that Maggie was yesterday, and from this day forward I would answer only to Ford Falcon.

When the world fell apart, most people moved into the Bubble Cities. After her parents chose to live OutBubble, Maggie decided it was time to grow up and grow tough. She's renamed herself Ford Falcon, and she spends her days scavenging in a junkyard while fending off occasional attacks from solar bears and GreyDevils.

Although times are hard, Ford's family has been making do. But when she returns from a bartering trip to find her home ransacked and her family gone, Ford must prove she is brave enough to face this wild world alone and overcome whatever obstacles stand in the way of rescuing her loved ones.

Review Quotes

"Gifted and gritty, Ford Falcon is a heroine with heart. She grabs you by both arms and hauls you into her world--a haunting futurescape where you have to be inventive to survive, where every decision has a price. Michael Perry's writing is exquisite, humorous and thrilling. You can pour yourself a cup of tea for this read, but be prepared to spill it." - Leslie Connor, author of Waiting for Normal

"Gifted and gritty, Ford Falcon is a heroine with heart. She grabs you by both arms and hauls you into her world--a haunting futurescape where you have to be inventive to survive, where every decision has a price. Michael Perry's writing is exquisite, humorous and thrilling." - Leslie Connor, author of Waiting for Normal

"This brave, smart, funny, independent young hero is totally unlike anyone I've seen before, and she uses her wits to survive in a world unlike anything I could have dreamt up." - Wendy Mass, New York Times bestselling author of The Candymakers

"Michael Perry pulls out all the stops in this colorful tale, complete with zombie-like GreyDevils, a demented rooster-cum-secret weapon named Hatchet, and the occasional spoonerism. You gotta love Ford Falcon, an intrepid heroine who can pepper-bomb a solar bear while quoting Emily Dickinson. As her friend Toad might say: Le-dightful." - Katherine Applegate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Newbery Medal book The One and Only Ivan

"Michael Perry pulls out all the stops in this colorful tale. You gotta love Ford Falcon, an intrepid heroine who can pepper-bomb a solar bear while quoting Emily Dickinson. As her friend Toad might say: Le-dightful." - Katherine Applegate, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Newbery Medal book The One and Only Ivan

"Unique and interesting cast of characters. Maggie is a strong, brave, adventurous, and resourceful role model for younger readers." - School Library Journal

"A fast-paced, post-apocalyptic Laura Ingalls Wilder wilderness story. Comparisons to other gritty, engaging tough-girl-with-a-strong-moral-compass stories are inevitable, but Maggie has originality and grit to spare." - Kirkus Reviews

"A fast-paced, post-apocalyptic Laura Ingalls Wilder wilderness story. With plenty of contemporary issues wrapped around a good story, this should make fertile ground for book-club discussions and teen-survivalist daydreams. Comparisons to other gritty, engaging tough-girl-with-a-strong-moral-compass stories are inevitable, but Maggie has originality and grit to spare." - Kirkus Reviews

"Ford's resilience is one of the most memorable aspects of this novel, and Perry carefully balances the protagonist's occasional vulnerable moments with healthy doses of the bravado any kid would need to endure the situation. The intense family dynamic, wherein Ford is often the most parental of all, is also beautifully conveyed. Ford Falcon capably demonstrates how a smart, determined kid might handle the end of the world and her place in it." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Ford Falcon capably demonstrates how a smart, determined kid might handle the end of the world and her place in it." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books