Praise for The Flooded Earth
2019 Green Earth Book Award Winner
2018 Booklandia List & Shout: Twins Peak roundup selection
2017 Readings Children's Book Prize shortlist (Australia)
[T]his adventure novel is a strong series opener with a unique and timely concept. The fast-paced story will keep readers engaged, and solid world building will draw readers into this fascinating cli-fi (climate fiction) tale. VERDICT A timely addition to most middle grade collections.-School Library Journal
McConnochie covers serious topics prevalent today through the journeys of four kids who provide touches of innocence in this gritty world, each with their own tragedies and obstacles that they turn to one another for help overcoming. A bright adventure that touches upon a range of intense themes, from climate change to the refugee crisis.-Booklist
McConnochie does a fine job of world-building, creating vivid images of abandoned waterfront communities and also developing the technical and governing structures that shape that world. The plot-driven adventure is deepened by interactions and revelations that shape the characters as they make their way across the ocean.-The Horn Book Magazine
As is typical of the cli-fi genre, McConnochie explores current-world issues within her adventure....Despite the post-disaster setting, an exciting and old-fashioned sailboat quest with pirates, secret codes, storms, and cannibals.-Kirkus Reviews
Questions of valuing human life, responsibly caring for the environment, proactively responding to natural disasters, and thoughtfully considering governmental authority could emerge as a result of reading this book...these advanced themes makes the story richer...In a racially charged society, focusing character development on relationships, rather than physical attributes, is mentally refreshing....Recommended.-School Library Connection
Mardi McConnochie's middle grade, cli-fi dystopia is a wild adventure across a wildly different Earth....The magnificent capabilities of the book's determined young leads emerge as The Flooded Earth's dominant force. Readers of this first in the series will be eager to learn where the team's sailboat takes them next...-Foreword Reviews
We rated this book: [5/5]...The journey is more than just a search for their father but an uncovering of secrets and the reveal of betrayal. McConnochie explores a variety of themes including refugees, climate change, slavery, and bullying. The Flooded Earth is the journey of two siblings as they brave open waters to find their father and encounter along the way a variety of dangers in this gritty cli-fi world of water.-Tulsa Book Review
A taut, suspenseful, masterfully written 'cli-fi' thriller, The Flooded Earth combines the best of speculative fiction with strong characterization and moral dilemma....[R]eaders will find themselves...exhilarated, and begging for more. Highly Recommended.-CM Magazine
[W]ell-paced, full of adventure and an exciting read. Current issues explored in this book besides climate change include immigrant issues, poverty, human trafficking and more.-Youth Services Book Review
[T]he first in a series of books following the children, and I am dying to find out the next adventures for them. The author is well-known for both children's and adult fiction in Australia, and I am pleased to discover her.-Canadian Bookworm
This intriguing story of friendship, family, and adventure is perfect for middle grade students, both boys and girls.-Angie Brand's Classroom
