Gone Viral Booklist

by Yoli, Teen Librarian the Marmalade Branch

​Libraries across the nation have seen an increase of checkouts of viral-themed books during the Covid-19 pandemic. We created this “Gone Viral” booklist to help you find some books that deal with pandemics, epidemics, quarantines, or viruses. The list includes both nonfiction and fiction selections. Check them out! Here’s an abbreviated list with some of my favorites!
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"Hazmat Guy 8804 Lego Minifigures Series 4" by brickdisplaycase.com is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel ​
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The book follows different characters during a (fictional) swine flu pandemic called the “Georgia Flu”. It causes the collapse of civilization as we know it. I liked the way the story unfolds, and getting to know the characters and their fight to survive, and seeing their memories and emotions in the face of such a loss. The writing is beautiful and sad. But there is a thread of hope that persists in the survivors of the illness, who find each other among the chaos and devastation. Reading this book made me want to hold my loved ones closer, and feel an appreciation for being here.

Grasshopper Jungle: a history by Andrew Smith ​
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The book is wacky, even for Sci-Fi standards. It mixes Americana with out-of-the-box Sci-Fi.  The main character, Andrew is a teen who lives in a small town in the midwest, experiencing things that a lot of teens can probably relate to, first kiss, working at their first job, dreaming of a better life and future after graduation…and then it all goes very, very weird. While working in an antique store, Austin accidentally breaks a scientific artifact from the 50’s and ignites a small viral explosion that mutates some townspeople into Giant killer grasshoppers. They kill with impunity. Austin, Robby, and Shannon are 3 friends who must figure out a way to survive the grasshopper apocalypse and hopefully save humankind.
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"Grasshopper" by diverevan is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

The Young Elites by Marie Lu  
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Cosplayer as Adelina Amouteru: Photo credit "The Young Elites" by margotwood is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

​In Adelina Amouteru’s world, many people have succumbed to the “blood virus”. Her mother passed away when she was a child, leaving two daughters with their bitter and angry father. Adelina is a survivor, but bears some marks of the virus; she is missing one eye, and has silver white hair. The virus caused a mutation that gives her powers to create illusions. Adelina and other mutants are not welcomed by society; their physical changes and powers are considered demonic. She lives in an archaic time when a woman is expected to become a wife and mother, and since a marriage arrangement is out of the question, her father tries tries to sell her into slavery as a “mistress.” Instead of accepting her fate, she fights and runs, leaving her younger sister behind. Adelina meets other mutants, and they form an alliance against corrupt political rulers. As she learns to master her powers of illusion, she becomes an incredible fighter too. This book also explores how gaining power can make us lose sight of who we really are, and how family can be the key to remember the best parts of ourselves.

Thank you for reading my post about our library's Gone Viral booklist. Please take care of yourselves, and each other. And if you have any suggestions to add to this book list, please fill out this suggestion form.

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