What happens when the society suddenly breaks down, something scary and unknown is threatening life, and everyone is scared of everyone? What’s it like to be 13 years old and on the run in this scenario?

Abdi (13) and his little sister Alva have to escape through the forest after the civilization around them suddenly collapses and their mother – and many others – is murdered by some scary and until now unknown beasts. They don’t know what the beasts are or where they come from, all they know is that their society has been turned upside down, a lot of people have been murdered, and everyone fears everyone. Can Abdi and Alva survive long enough to reach the coast, where safety hopefully awaits them?

Beasts is Cormac McCarthy’s The Road for children: Shudderingly creepy and incredible – and easy to read.