At the End of Everything

Reach for this book when your teenager feels isolated, misunderstood, or cynical about the world's systems. It speaks directly to the experience of being labeled a problem child and the deep-seated desire to find a place where one truly belongs. The story follows a group of overlooked youth at a juvenile treatment center who are abandoned during a global pandemic. As they face a deadly plague and dwindling supplies, they must overcome their personal traumas to build their own community. It explores heavy themes of institutional neglect and systemic injustice, but ultimately centers on the power of choosing your own family. This is an intense, realistic portrayal of survival for ages 14 and up that validates the struggles of marginalized youth while offering a path toward resilience.