5th Wave, The

This award-winning novel, for grades 9-12, takes place after aliens have all but conquered Earth through four "waves" of attack. Cassie, a strong adolescent who lost her parents to previous "waves" and her brother to captivity, searches for and rescues her brother, joins forces with other characters, and fights the alien foes. Suitable for a literature circle or independent study, the novel provides opportunities for discussion of prejudice, survival, resilience, and relationships. Different characters narrate sections of the novel, providing varied perspectives on Earth's predicament.