THE ONLY ONES by Aaron Starmer

copyright date: Sept. 2011

primarily marketed for: 5^th grade and up

The Only Ones is a post-apocalyptic story where all adults mysteriously vanish from the earth and a small group of kids seem to be left behind. 

Martin Maple, the protagonist, is a young boy who was odd prior to the apocalyptic disappearance of adults from the earth.   His mother had disappeared about the same time he was born and his father, though he cared for Martin, was not very nurturing.  Until the mysterious vanishing of adults, Martin and his father lived a very secluded life on an island.  Martin was discouraged from talking to anyone for fear other people will find out about the machine Mr. Maple was building. 

After the disappearance of the adults, Martin ventures to the mainland and meets up with other kids who were left behind.  The story that ensues is reminiscent of Lord of the Flies by William Golding, including plays for power, manipulation, violence, mental illness, and even murder.  Although this is marketed for 5^th grade and up, it is a complex and disturbing story.  The scientific concepts involved in the creation and use of the machine Martin’s father was building, which Martin eventually recreates, demand a high level of interest in and understanding of the relationship between space and time.

This is not my kind of story, but that is not to say it was not a good story.  It is an interesting idea played out by interesting characters.  My favorite character had to be Felix, who builds a post-apocalyptic internet.  Each website is a hollow wooden box, covered in handwritten information, with important documents or objects locked inside.  Links are provided in the form of strings attached to important words/phrases on each block that lead to other blocks.  The Only Ones is filled with thought provoking images like this one that add up to create a unique story, but not necessarily in a world where I would like to be.