Ashfall by Mike Mullin

Ashfall by Mike Mullin.  Published by Tanglewood Press, 2011. 

No one believed that there could be a global extermination of people similar to what happened to the dinosaurs.  But after a super volcano in Yellowstone Park erupts, life changed for everyone in the United States. 

Alex was home alone for the weekend.  His parents and sister left to visit his uncle after Alex had yet another argument with his mom.  He was enjoying having the house to himself.  No one to boss him around or nag at him- no one to tell him to stop playing video games. 

He ignored the weird rumbling noise.  He felt the house shake a little, but nothing major.  Then the power went out, the floor tilted and the walls started falling down.  Trapped beneath a desk and bookcase, he could smell something burning and knew he had to get out. 

Now,  Alex is trying to survive. No one has power and everyone is afraid.  Alex’s neighbors offer to help him and he goes home with them.  But everyone is terrified when the earthquakes continue along with unceasing, deafening noise.   They all know they can’t count on any help.  There are fires all over the neighborhood and the fire and police departments are overwhelmed.  

Alex realizes he has to try to get to his parents and sister on his uncle’s farm in Iowa.  With ash everywhere, he has to find inner resources and be creative and strong if he’s going to survive.   Along the way, he’ll experience terrible things but also find love.  

Visit author Mike Mullin's website.