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Agnes at the End of the World
Kelly McWilliams
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
June 9, 2020
Young Adult/Teen Fiction
Ages 12 and up
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The Handmaid's Tale
meets
Wilder Girls
in this genre-defying novel about a girl who escapes a terrifying cult, only to discover that the world Outside has succumbed to a viral apocalypse.
Themes:
Sisterhood, dystopia, religious fundamentalism (cult escape), pandemic, feminism, type 1 diabetes representation, spirituality, and faith.
"A believable world, deeply drawn relationships, and an inspiring heroine.”
—
School Library Journal
, starred review
“
Strong apocalyptic worldbuilding…absorbing and dynamic.”
–
Publisher’s Weekly,
starred review
“An excellent read... takes readers through Agnes’ and Beth’s journeys of reconciling their faith and desires, imbuing the well-rounded characters with purpose."
—
Kirkus,
starred review
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Join my virtual tour with my mom, Jewell Parker Rhodes. She’ll talk about her middle grade novel, BLACK BROTHER, BLACK BROTHER, and I’ll be talking about AGNES AT THE END OF THE WORLD.
We’ll also chat about life as a mixed race family, the writing process, books we love, why we write what we do, the Black literary tradition, and writing while parenting. P
lease attend one of our upcoming events, which we hope will uplift and encourage.
-Kelly McWilliams
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Dear Readers,
Agnes at the End of the World
is a story about the power of hope and faith to help us surmount impossible odds. Agnes begins her journey as the victim of a fundamentalist cult based in northern Arizona, where medicine and contact with Outsiders are strictly forbidden. But Agnes's younger brother, Ezekiel, has type 1 diabetes. He'll die if they stay.
When Agnes finally finds the courage to run, she discovers that the Outside world battles a terrible pandemic. So Agnes must join forces with a band of Outsider survivors—regular teenagers and an ICU nurse named Matilda.
At first, Ezekiel, still brainwashed by cult life, is deeply suspicious of these new people. But one night, the Outsiders serve Ezekiel's favorite meal, macaroni and cheese, hot off the camping stove. When Ezekiel smiles at his first bite, beginning to laugh and joke with their new friends, Agnes realizes the Outside world is a place worth fighting for. And as it happens, Agnes (and her unshakeable faith) just might be the key to curing the pandemic and saving the world.
I truly hope you enjoy reading Agnes's story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Most of all, I hope the novel leaves you with an enduring hopefulness and empowerment. Agnes is in rebellion and ready to fight for what she believes in, ready to create the better world she's dreamed. Are you ready, too?
Warmest wishes,
Kelly McWilliams
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Kelly McWilliams Book Club Recipes
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Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Photo
Danielle Hammelef
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Agnes's younger brother Ezekiel LOVES macaroni and cheese. While traipsing through the desert during the raging pandemic, the characters eat Kraft's straight off the cookstove. You can eat boxed mac and cheese if you love it or try this homemade recipe.
Alternatively, you can serve up this low-carb cauliflower mac and cheese. Ezekiel has type 1 diabetes. In the book, Zeke and Agnes are still just learning how to manage his carbs and blood sugar. I like to think that one day, sometime after their adventure is over, they try out this cauliflower macaroni recipe. Of course, people with type 1 diabetes can eat anything they want with some planning! So feel free to pick whichever entree you like!
—Kelly McWilliams
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Kelly McWilliams Book Club Menu
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Agnes is responsible for nearly all the chores in her large family. If you've got time, try making crackers from scratch—it's a real project. Now imagine doing it every week!
During the adventure Matilda, a nurse, always keeps a chocolate bar on hand for extra energy. Enjoy some for dessert on its own, or try melting dark chocolate in a fondue pot or on the stovetop. You can dip fruits, nuts, or marshmallows into it!
—Kelly McWilliams
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BOOK (AND SWAG!) GIVEAWAY
Kelly McWilliams will also send each book winner a signed bookplate and an enamel "Are You in Rebellion?" pin, designed by Hey Atlas Creative.
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