Books with author Rebecca K. O'Connor

An experiment in “re-wilding” the western United States and reviving the environment seems a stunning success -- at first. A virus spread by the predators and prey relocated and now thriving in the West devastates the adult human population, raging out of control and reshaping the county. Cordoned off to separate the now much smaller populace from the dangers of virus-spreading wildlife, 100 years later, "National Park West" has become as wild as and even more dangerous than it was when Lewis and Clark first mapped the West. When Imogen “Genny” Jones, a 23-year-old headstrong virologist hears rumors of a vaccine at an abandoned CDC lab, she sets out on a journey to find a cure. Walking 700 miles through the now forbidden wilderness, she struggles to survive ravenous predators, harsh weather, starvation, and sickness. Finding companionship in a savvy feral dog and an orphaned cheetah cub, she also discovers the wonder of the new wild, strength, and peace. Yet, she soon discovers that her world may need a lot more than a cure to a virus and she may not be the hero it needs.

An experiment in “re-wilding” the western United States and reviving the environment seems a stunning success -- at first. A virus spread by the predators and prey relocated and now thriving in the West devastates the adult human population, raging out of control and reshaping the county. Cordoned off to separate the now much smaller populace from the dangers of virus-spreading wildlife, 100 years later, "National Park West" has become as wild as and even more dangerous than it was when Lewis and Clark first mapped the West. When Imogen “Genny” Jones, a 23-year-old headstrong virologist hears rumors of a vaccine at an abandoned CDC lab, she sets out on a journey to find a cure. Walking 700 miles through the now forbidden wilderness, she struggles to survive ravenous predators, harsh weather, starvation, and sickness. Finding companionship in a savvy feral dog and an orphaned cheetah cub, she also discovers the wonder of the new wild, strength, and peace. Yet, she soon discovers that her world may need a lot more than a cure to a virus and she may not be the hero it needs.

"She still hasn't gotten over that Easter Bunny letter," said Zozo."So what?" said Penina. "If my parents want me to go to Peekskill, what can Ms. Anderson do? Kidnap me?""No," said Zozo. "She can't kidnap you, but she can flunk you."Penina Levine has a bossy best friend, a tattletale sister, crazy parents, and a big, fat zero on her school assignment to write a letter as the Easter Bunny. It was a stupid assignment, completely impossible, totally unfair. Penina's never going to do it―not ever―and it's no use telling her parents about it. They never listen to her anyway. But Penina's grandmother does. Grandma doesn't think Penina should do the assignment. It's a matter of principle. It's a matter of strength. It's a matter of five thousand years of history and a couple dozen hard-boiled eggs.