A powerful post-apocalyptic novel in which nuclear war has devastated America. Z for Zachariah by Robert C. O'Brien is one of The Originals from Penguin—iconic, outspoken, first.
Ann Burden has been living alone in a valley for over a year—until Loomis, a scientist in a radiation-proof suit, arrives. She hopes they will be companions but his behaviour towards her becomes increasingly threatening as he attacks her and then cuts off her food supply and tries to bring her under his control. A terrifying battle of wills ensues between a girl and the last man on Earth.
The Originals are the pioneers of fiction for young adults. From political awakening, war and unrequited love to addiction, teenage pregnancy and nuclear holocaust, The Originals confront big issues and articulate difficult truths. The collection includes: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith, Postcards from No Man's Land by Aidan Chambers, After the First Death by Robert Cormier, Dear Nobody by Berlie Doherty, The Endless Steppe by Esther Hautzig, Buddy by Nigel Hinton, Across the Barricades by Joan Lingard, The Twelfth Day of July by Joan Lingard, No Turning Back by Beverley Naidoo, Z for Zachariah by Richard C. O'Brien, The Wave by Morton Rhue, The Red Pony by John Steinbeck, The Pearl by John Steinbeck, Stone Cold by Robert Swindells