Shy took the summer job to make some money. In a few months on a luxury cruise liner, he'll rake in the tips and be able to help his mom and sister out with the bills. And how bad can it be? Bikinis, free food, maybe even a girl or twoÑevery cruise has different passengers, after all.

But everything changes when the Big One hits. Shy's only weeks out at sea when an earthquake more massive than ever before recorded hits California, and his life is forever changed.

The earthquake is only the first disaster. Suddenly it's a fight to survive for those left living.

ÒDe la Pe–a has created a rare thing: a plot-driven YA with characters worthy of a John Green novel.Ó-Entertainment Weekly, A-

ÒAction is first and foremost. . . . De la Pe–a can uncork delicate but vivid scenes.Ó ÑThe New York Times

Ò[The Living] is special because of its extraordinary protagonist, Shy, who I havenÕt been able to shake from my mind in the weeks since I read the book.Ó-John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars

"There's no way to classify The Living. It's everything I love mixed into one fantastic, relentless, action-packed story. As always with Matt, the characters are the best part. So real. I loved this book."-James Dashner, New York Times bestselling author of the Maze Runner series and The Eye of Minds

[Star] "An addictive page-turner and character-driven literary novel with broad appeal for fans of both."-Kirkus Reviews, Starred

[Star] "An excellent, enthralling ride...a great read for those looking for adventure and survival stories."-VOYA, Starred

"De la Pe–a (I Will Save You) delivers near-constant action, a high body count, and a compelling cast of characters in this socially aware thriller."-Publisher's Weekly

"Pe–a takes the time to establish some solid rapport among his characters before unleashing the mayhem, though, and the central disease and drug scam is so viciously immoral that readers will probably book passage on the upcoming sequel, to learn whether Shy and his two smokin'-hot love interests will bring the bad guys to their knees."-The Bulletin

"Adventure survival enthusiasts will relish the vivid and raw descriptions of the sinking ship, blistering sun, and shark-infested waters. But most appealing is the empathetic teen, portrayed as a tough guy with a romantic side, who will appeal to both males and females, and is likely to appear in the upcoming sequel."-School Library Journal

"A straight-up tour de force, a breathless, horrifying dash into the void...he fun of de la Pe–a's latest is how unexpectedly he blends genres, making this, in a sense, four books in one: a finely observed social-class drama, an on-the-sea survival adventure, a global-disaster book, and a contagion thriller."-Booklist

Pura Belpre Author Honor Award Winner

An ALSC 2014 Notable Children's Book Pick