Grasshopper Jungle

by Andrew Smith

Smith, A. (2014). Grasshopper jungle. New York, NY: Dutton Books.

Science fiction novel Grasshopper Jungle is the story of a hormonal and sexually confused teenager Austin Szerba.  Austin attends private high school Curtis Crane Lutheran Academy with his best friend Robbi who happens to be gay and in love with Austin.  Austin has a girlfriend Shann, whom he has extremely strong feelings for, yet he wonders if it’s possible that he is in love with Robbi as well.  When Robbi asks Austin for a kiss, Austin obliges and is left feeling more confused than ever.  Amidst all his personal drama, due to a series of unfortunate events, a plague that turns people into gigantic praying mantises with insatiable appetites for food and mating is unleashed upon the withering city in which they live.  The three friends find safety in an old abandoned silo where they discover the origin of the plague and all of the supplies they will need to survive.  Once the boys figure out how to put a stop to the plague, using Robbi’s blood and a paintball gun, they take out the monstrous bugs, but are too late to save their town.  Austin and Shann have a child together, beginning the repopulation of Earth, however the bond between Austin and Robbi remains strong as they partner up to take on the post-apocalyptic world.  Due to the heavy references to sex, this book would be best for grades 9 and up.

Andrew Smith on Grasshopper Jungle