We are the Ants

Sixteen-year-old Henry has a lot to deal with – his father abandoned him, his boyfriend committed suicide, his sexual partner torments him, he is bullied and abused – and now the aliens who regularly abduct him say only he can save Earth from being destroyed. But Henry isn’t so sure that Earth is worth saving until he meets Diego who makes him question his beliefs and Henry sees a ray of hope. This engaging speculative novel deals with sensitive issues of mental health, self-hate, guilt, suicide, dementia, homophobia, bullying, sexuality, divorce, and anger management, and is suitable for independent reading or a literature circle, with teacher guidance. Social considerations noted; teacher preview recommended.