Rick Yancey's "The 5th Wave" meets A. S. King's "Dig."

There is no doubt that David Arnold is one of the most interesting contemporary YA writers out there, with a vivid imagination and a gift for words. But this also makes him a tough sell for most teens, in my opinion (as a teen librarian). For instance, "The Electric Kingdom" starts with multiple adult POVs, with little setup or explanation, and follows with the introduction of its teen characters in a mysterious apocalyptic future, surviving in the wake of all-consuming flies. There is also a hint that time travel or "the multiverse" may be a part of this narrative as well, but it's hard to say. The grim but quirky survivalist tone gives me major "The 5th Wave" vibes, while the narrative style reflects the multi-voiced confusion/thoughtfulness of last year's Printz winner "Dig." Give this to teens who don't mind a challenge or who resonate with a slightly off-kilter, original, inspired narrative style.