How to Survive the End of the World: A Graphic Exploration of How to (Maybe) Avoid Extinction

Historical evidence as well as contemporary scientific and cultural expertise propel Doughty’s thoroughly researched nonfiction graphic novel about what the debut creator calls the end of the world. To open, a chapter titled “The Beginning”—the first of eight distinct segments conveyed via approachable text—recounts a brief history of Earth and human society, and defines extinction as “not just the end of a species... but also the end of a planet... or a way of life.” Subsequent sections cover topics relating to climate change, space exploration, technological advancement, and more as they ruminate on global factors that could contribute to possible apocalypse. For example, an entry titled “Plagues and Pandemics” details the origins of bacteria strain yersinia pestis, three plagues that evolved from it, the resulting advent of antibiotics, and the threat of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Across saturated, full-color illustrations that evoke vintage travel posters, an unnamed human with black hair and brown skin appears in depictions of the past, present, and potential futures, acting as a stand-in for the audience. Visual humor provides levity throughout fact-heavy infographic-style spreads and somber recreations of tragic events, while a recurring river motif suggests hope and optimism for the future. Ages 14–up. Agent: Caryn Wiseman, Andrea Brown Literary. (Mar.)