Digger: Dig or Die!, by Deborah Cholette, is a fantasy novel for all ages. The story follows siblings Nick and Lily as they try to save their community when oxygen levels drop dangerously low. Nick’s knack for digging becomes crucial when he uncovers a hidden tunnel system that links homes, allowing people to breathe. Meanwhile, Lily uses her ingenuity to set up a network of walkie-talkies and baby monitors, creating a communication lifeline as everything around them falls apart. Together, they must race against time to complete the tunnels and help their neighbors survive, battling food shortages and dwindling air supply.

I was completely hooked by the vivid dystopian world Cholette creates. Her writing pulls you into a society on the brink of collapse, where every act of resourcefulness and hope feels like a lifeline. From the start, I was captivated by the courage and creativity of the siblings as they faced down a disaster. Nick’s digging skills and Lily’s clever communication system were not just interesting—they were integral to the plot and made the survival story even more exciting.

What really stood out to me was how authentic Nick and Lily felt; they weren’t simply young heroes, they were real kids doing whatever they could to protect the people they loved. The high stakes and tension kept me turning pages, eager to see how they would pull through. One of the best things about this book is how it balances intensity with heart. I loved it so much that I shared it with my nieces, and they were equally absorbed by the siblings’ cleverness and the fast-paced struggle against the clock. It’s hard to find a dystopian tale that feels both thrilling and heartwarming, but this one managed to hit every emotional note perfectly.

Deborah Cholette’s Digger: Dig or Die! is a must-read for anyone looking for a story that combines suspense and ingenuity with hope. I highly recommend it for both children and adults who want an adventure filled with danger, heart, and a fierce drive to survive.

Pages: 240 | ISBN : 164371399X