A fascinating examination of the real-world possibilities behind famous YA dystopian fiction, and what teens can do to stop them from actually happening.

Could the countries of North America collapse in the wake of a series of environmental disasters, as they did in the world of The Hunger Games? It might happen if we don’t correct course and reduce carbon emissions. Will we fall prey to a fungal infection like in The Last of Us? Maybe—but we could also take steps to minimize the chances of a not-so-friendly fungi takeover.

In A Dozen Dystopias and How to Dodge Them, A.J. Van Belle dives into twelve dystopian fiction scenarios that have gripped our collective interest, the real science of how those not-so-desirable futures could come about, and what we can do to prevent them from happening. Each chapter features relevant current events and lively explorations of related environmental science and cutting-edge technology.

With discussions of some of YA literature’s most beloved dystopian novels and thoughtful interviews with well-known authors, including Lois Lowry and Scott Westerfeld, A Dozen Dystopias and How to Dodge Them is as gripping as our favorite futuristic fiction, with an added dose of grounded, science-informed hope.