When the world has gone awry, send a disaster to eradicate the past and allow pristine youth to reform civilization. This is the core thesis of Nation, and the tsunami that wipes out Mau’s nation effectively traps him between childhood and manhood. Daphne is rescued from society’s clutches by the same catastrophe. The two young people discover themselves at the center of a rapidly expanding new nation in the middle of a boundless ocean. Al though Nation is independent of Pratchett’s Discworld, there are enough similarities for fans to relish. Humor, irony, irreverence, and literary refer ences to other classic Robinsonades, such as Lord of the Flies (Golding 1954), Robinson Crusoe (DeFoe 1719), and Call It Courage (Sperry 1940), will chal lenge and engage both adults and younger readers. 2009 USBBY Outstanding International Books List, 2009 Odyssey Honor, 2009 Michael L. Printz Honor for Excellence in Young Adult Literature, School Library Journal Best Book, Horn Book Fanfare, Kirkus Reviews Best Children’s Book, BCCB Bulletin Blue Rib bon, Publishers Weekly Best Book, ALA Notable Children’s Book, ALA Top 10 Best Book for Young Adults, ALA Best of the Best Books for Young Adults, Booklist Editors’ Choice, Kirkus Reviews Best Young Adult Book, Chicago Public Library Best of the Best. lmp