Digger: Dig or Die!

Climate change is presently a worldwide concern, however, what is not often mentioned is that greenhouse gas emissions not only affect Earth’s lower atmospheric layers but that they also affect Earth’s outer layers which protect us from solar particles entering our atmosphere and damaging satellites, power grids and aircraft electrical systems.

In this dystopian middle grade novel Digger: Dig or Die!, a climate change disaster forces humanity to search for safety as Earth's atmosphere escapes into space. Narrated by siblings Nick and Lily, the story follows their resourcefulness in aiding neighbors. Nick's digging prowess and Lily's strategic planning become vital as oxygen diminishes. Nick unveils a hidden tunnel connecting houses, forming a lifesaving network as breathable air disappears. Lily crafts a communication system with walkie-talkies and baby monitors to share critical information. A frantic race ensues to complete tunnels before food and oxygen become scarce; it’s a tense battle for survival in a world teetering on the edge of extinction.

5.25" x 7.75"   240 pages   Ages 9 to 12

BISACS: JUV059000  JUV029030  JUV029010

Free Educator & Library Discussion Guide.

Jacketed Hardcover / 978-1-64371-399-1 / $18.99 (List)

Ebook and Audiobook editions to be available.

On-Sale date: February 4, 2025

Pre-Orders Are Open!

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Order in time for Earth Day April 2025 and watch the trailer below.

Early Praise for Digger: Dig or Die!

“As siblings Nick and Lily watch panic engulf their neighborhood, their talents—Nick digs tunnels; Lily is a champion organizer—take on new importance. The pace of the story never lets up as the two kids struggle to provide their neighbors with the basics that they have always taken for granted: food, shelter, and above all, air. Based on a scientific possibility, Digger: Dig or Die will have middle-grade readers on the edge of their seats from the first page to the last.”
—Cindy Trumbore, Sibert Medal-winning author of Parrots Over Puerto Rico and other award-winning books for children

"This action-packed dystopian novel kept me turning pages.  I was cheering for our heroes Nick and Lily, who are well-drawn and compelling characters. Digger: Dig or Die! contains a fascinating and fresh twist on Earth-threatening disasters. Best of all, this book contains the wonderful message that kids can lead and truly make a difference.  I really dig this story!"
--Polly Holyoke, Author of the award-winning Neptune and Skyriders series

"A thrilling adventure for middle-graders packed full of twists, turns, suspense --and a powerful climate change message."
--The Wishing Shelf

"An imaginative, thought-provoking action packed, sci-fi adventure, about a  group of kids who try to save humanity and repair damage to Earth caused by adults." 
--Readers' Choice

"This cli-fi (climate science fiction) story has an appealing dual-protagonist narrative and a table-turning "adults broke it, but kids will fix-it" plot. . . .As the story unwinds, the action reaches a fever-pitch. Young readers will find this a (pun intended) breathtaking page-turning read!"  -- BlueInk Reviews

"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." 5 Stars-- April Pulliam for Literary Titan

"This concisely written novel, aptly depicting a worldwide catastrophe through the lens of one small neighborhood, ends on a satisying and convincing note. Ortu's crisp, comic-book style illustrations feel immersive as they wraap around the text, cover multiple pages, or show above- and underground perspectives simultaneously.  Engaging adolescent heroes propel this streamlined, riveting eco-fiction."    -- Kirkus Reviews

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