I thought that this was a great sci-fi/dystopian book that can introduce kids into this kind of genre. I think that it's relatable, even though it's set in a futuristic land, and exciting to read.

I really liked this book. It was different than the other books by Cartaya and I think that made it even better. This is Hunger Games meets Last Cuentista meets A Wish in the Dark.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for giving me free access to the advanced copy of this book to read.

This was a wonderfully tense story, one that promises a very slight chance of success for the main characters and harrowing odds of failure for the protagonists. You could tell from the start that you were dealing with power grabbing bad guys in a dystopian climate, you just couldn't tell how bad it would get before it would all come to a head. The fact that there is plainly more story to come when you finish only adds to pleasure that this was to read. The combative relationship between the two sisters is believable and well-handled. The setting is just the right combination of severity and quietly hopeful. In all, it's a really good high tension plot that'll force readers to set aside whatever else they're doing to read all the way through to the conclusion. I will certainly be sharing this with fans of the genre and awaiting the second book that is sure to come.

Thank you, NetGalley, for an e-ARC of The Last Beekeeper by Pablo Cartaya.
Yolanda, Yoly, lives in a world where climate change has caused major problems and most of the world is uninhabitable. The honeybee may be the solution to the problem and to securing Yoly's future. Well-written with strong characterization. This is a book that will appeal to middle-grade readers.

The set up here is strong. We have a world where people are increasingly struggling to get by on their own. The environment is failing them and there is little hope that things will get better. Even in the early chapters we get hints of increasing governmental controls, little stories of people banished for shadowy reasons. And as the title suggests, we're exploring the impact of pollinators on an environment. The ecological messaging is pretty much what we'd expect from a middle grade novel. The political aspects might be a bit of a reach but not too much for an engaged reader. The writing itself is a bit chaotic. It doesn't give us enough background into relationships and characters. Only a few have any depth, so there isn't the emotional connection. We have no basis for understanding how they will act and why. The big ideas behind this book are certainly worth discussing and it was an easy enough read. Just not one that will top my list.

A timely environmental dystopian tale for kids in grades 5-8. Yolanda and her older sister live on a farm outside of the Silo, but they haven't harvested ripe strawberries for years, and Yolanda dreams of becoming a neurolink surgeon and living inside the Silo's walls. However, these dreams take a turn when a scholarship to continue her schooling come with a dangerous agreement and Yolanda dives into a beekeeping book written by her late abuela. She comes to the realization that life in the Silo and its leadership is not all it's cracked up to be. Yolanda, along with her sister, good friend, and neighbors take a united front against leadership...but just how long will the change last? This question will perhaps be explored in a possible sequel?

I will likely recommend this book to young teens looking for new dystopian books--especially since more and more youth care about the environment and global warming. Two main complaints: the action scenes weren't always very clear (I had a hard time picturing what was going on), and the final few chapters seemed to each suggest the end of the book (only to turn the page and realize there was still more).

The Last Beekeeper is an intriguing science fiction thriller about survival, control, and redemption. The story takes place in the not-so-distant future. Climate change has ravaged the planet, including a valley where most of its survivors are hanging on by their fingertips. Unfortunately, their desperate situation is not just due to climate change. They also are at the mercy of what lurks in Silo, a small city built from the rubble of the past and controlled by its mayor and his evil sister. They control the lives of everyone around them through deceit, manipulation, and with the help of technology. They are always watching and listening, a world of Big Brother personified.
This is a story of good and evil. But, as is sometimes the case, it’s hard for the characters—and readers—to know which is which. For example, twelve-year-old protagonist Yolanda Ciceron is the protagonist and ultimately the heroine, though you would never expect it at the beginning of the story. And Mayor Blackburn comes across so nice and caring at the beginning of the book, seemingly concerned for the welfare of everyone in Silo and beyond. But it’s all an act.
There’s a lot to like about the book. What I enjoyed most were the social dynamics, particularly those between Yolanda and her older sister, Cami. I also found the dialogue realistic and the characters well-developed and believable. I’m not sure I can say the same for all the situations and facts. There was a time or two when they seemed a bit thin on detail or muddled in execution, particularly some technology descriptions and bee information.
But all in all, I enjoyed the book. It was a fun, compelling read. I look forward to the sequel, which the author set up readers to expect.
Note: I want to thank HarperCollins and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance review copy of this book.

This terrific, fast paced science fiction story is about Yoli, who lives with her big sister. Her parents have been exiled and no one really knows what happened to them. They try to make a living selling strawberries that they grow on their small farm but since bees have been eradicated from this dystopian future, the plants are pollinated with drones and it's not really working out that well. Yoli really wants to go to school to become a doctor but Cami, her big sister, doesn't have the money. The mayor agrees that Yoli can go, provided she signs a contract. Yoli does so happily but it turns out that there is a clause in the contract that terrifies both girls. As they try to figure a way around the clause, a bigger mystery appears that includes why their parents disappeared, why their grandmother died and who's really in charge. This was a wonderful story and I can't wait to give it to my students.

Thank you to HarperCollins Children’s Books and #NetGalley for letting me read a digital ARC of The Last Beekeeper by Pablo Cartaya. This is my 99th book of 2022 and my 9th book of the summer. This book will be released on July 11, 2022. All opinions are my own.

Yolanda “Yoly” Cicerón lives in a world that has been altered by climate change and those who profit from it. Her parents were exiled when she was young, and she’s lived with her older sister ever since. Yoly focuses on her education and wants to become a neurolink surgeon. Their family farm, though, is failing and they can’t afford her latest class. When the mayor offers her a scholarship, Yoly ignores her sister’s warnings and accepts without her consent and without reading the fine print. Yoly soon realizes that all actions have consequences and not everything is as it seems.

This book covers some powerful themes related to power, climate change, technology, family, and standing up for what you believe in. It has several strong female characters. The concept was interesting and the dystopian world was believable (almost scarily so). That being said, I had trouble getting into the story and felt it didn’t flow as well as it could have.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digitally galley. All opinions are my own.

An interesting story, but it took longer than expected to pick up. Somewhat of a dystopia/science fiction novel looking at the downfalls of technology, big brother, and not taking care of nature or all citizens. I struggled with the pacing and the bizarre interspersing of Spanish in the text. Nature lovers and environmentalists will enjoy.

A very well written middle grade dystopian that does all that it should: make us think, call us out, prepare us to be better. The characters were written to where you enjoyed their presence and were engaged. Pablo did a great way to hash out any and all experiences of the characters to curate a very complete plot line.

Yoli lives in the valley, but wants nothing more than to become part of the ultra tech community in nearby Silo. She wants it so much that she signs an agreement for a scholarship offered by the mayor when her family can't pay for her schooling. Yoli soon finds out that all is not what it seems with the mayor and Silo. While appearing to be kind and benevolent, the government is actually oppressing the people of the valley and using them for their own gain. With the help of her sister, her friends, and her community, she begins to fight back for a better life for everyone. Readers will root for this underdog and her friends as they help others discover the strength they have in family, friends, neighbors, and community.

“The Last Beekeeper” is a middle grade novel by Pablo Cartaya which is due to be released July 12, 2022.

“The Last Beekeeper” is a futuristic dystopian novel. There are mysteries, secrets, and seemingly insurmountable odds as Yolanda, Yoly, tries to navigate her future. A future she believes will lead her down one path, but soon veers down another. With the help of friends, family, and a book written by her grandmother, Yoly discovers the power of the honeybee. And the secrets left behind by her parents and grandmother that will surely shape her future and the future of everyone important to her.

I believe this could be a read aloud starting at 3rd grade. I’m really hoping author Pablo Cartaya is currently working on a book 2 for this story, because Yoly's journey is definately not finished. Fingers crossed!

"The Last Beekeeper" is simply put...a keeper in the world of middle grade dystopian fiction.

In a future shaken by climate disasters, Yolanda Cicerón knows that nature is something to be feared. While life in the Valley is brutal and harsh, Yoly dreams of leaving her farm to live in Silo—the most advanced town for miles around. But first, Yoly will need to prove she belongs in a place where only the smartest and most useful are welcomed.

So it's a middle grades book and I think it's very age appropriate but I also enjoyed it. Great for opening up discussions on the theme of the story with younger readers as well.

I am reviewing thsi book for School Library Connection, so I will provide the review once it appears in print.

Literally OBSESSED!!!! This book fits perfectly into existing units that I teach and will be great for my students who love Percy Jackson. Climate change can be a scary topic and this was so well done.

This was SUCH a great book!! I loved the message and the main character. It was a really interesting and unique plot too.

Thank you to Netgalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.