13 must-read June YA book releases to start your summer off right

Agnes at the End of the World – Kelly McWilliams

Maybe right now is a bit of a weird time to say what we should all do is read a book about cults, pandemics and the possible end of the world, but, here we are. Because Kelly McWilliams’ Agnes at the End of the World sounds as though it’s the most original and unexpected book on our list this month.

For sixteen-year-old Agnes, her life at Red Creek is all she’s ever known. Though she’s a devout believer in the faith of her people, which teaches things like women are inferior and those who aren’t part of the collective aren’t to be trusted, she nevertheless seeks help from one of those same Outsiders to treat her diabetic younger brother.

This is only the beginning of her inner debate between science and religion, as a viral pandemic encroaches on the world, infecting animals and humans alike, and Agnes and her brother Ezekiel must try to escape from their Prophet’s clutches and survive the world that’s waiting outside.

The official synopsis has more story details.

"Agnes loves her home of Red Creek–its quiet, sunny mornings, its dusty roads, and its God. There, she cares tirelessly for her younger siblings and follows the town’s strict laws. What she doesn’t know is that Red Creek is a cult, controlled by a madman who calls himself a prophet. Then Agnes meets Danny, an Outsider boy, and begins to question what is and isn’t a sin. Her younger brother, Ezekiel, will die without the insulin she barters for once a month, even though medicine is considered outlawed. Is she a sinner for saving him? Is her sister, Beth, a sinner for dreaming of the world beyond Red Creek? As the Prophet grows more dangerous, Agnes realizes she must escape with Ezekiel and leave everyone else, including Beth, behind. But it isn’t safe Outside, either: A viral pandemic is burning through the population at a terrifying rate. As Agnes ventures forth, a mysterious connection grows between her and the Virus. But in a world where faith, miracles, and cruelty have long been indistinguishable, will Agnes be able to choose between saving her family and saving the world?"

Agnes at the End of the World is available on June 9.