Andrew Smith's 'Grasshopper Jungle' - Plot Summary and Themes Quiz

Andrew Smith's "Grasshopper Jungle" - Plot Summary and Themes

Andrew Smith's novel "Grasshopper Jungle," published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in 2013, weaves together elements of science fiction, satire, and coming-of-age storytelling to create a gripping narrative. This unique work has garnered praise from critics and readers alike, earning recognition as a New York Times Best Seller, a National Book Award Finalist, and a Printz Honor book in 2015. In this article, we will explore the intricate plot summary and dive into the underlying themes present in "Grasshopper Jungle."

Plot Summary

The story unfolds through the eyes of Austin Sijohn, a thirteen-year-old boy living in Ealing, Illinois, where his family owns a ramshackle Safari World Zoo. When Austin discovers a portal to another world within his garage, he is suddenly thrust into a grave situation. A gigantic grasshopper appears and devours members of his community, triggering a catastrophic chain reaction that unknowingly leads humanity towards its impending doom.

As Austin navigates this new reality, he learns that the grasshoppers are not just local to his town but have been taking over the world, and the only way to save humanity may lie with the help of Shiva, the ancient Hindu goddess of destruction. Alongside his best friend Robbie Hartman, Austin sets out on a journey to stop the impending doomsday and bring order back to his world.

Themes

Survivalism

The novel explores themes of survivalism through its end-of-the-world narrative. Characters must adapt to their circumstances and rely on one another to survive. Readers witness the lengths people will go to in order to preserve themselves and those close to them.

Coming-of-Age Story

At its core, "Grasshopper Jungle" is a coming-of-age story that showcases the courage and maturity of young protagonists like Austin and Robbie. They face the harsh realities of life and navigate difficult decisions while trying to protect their loved ones and ultimately humanity itself.

Environmental Issues

Smith also touches upon environmental issues within the novel. Through the grasshoppers, readers see the consequences of human negligence towards nature. This theme highlights the importance of preserving our planet for future generations and serves as a stark reminder of humanity's responsibility to nature.

Through these subtopics, "Grasshopper Jungle" delivers a thought-provoking exploration of survival, growing up, and the environment, all wrapped in a captivating science fiction package.