A Guide to Dystopian

and Post Apocalyptic

Fiction

What is it?

The future…but terrible

Mostly Sci-Fi

Cultural anxieties that are taken to the next level

Stories of survival and rebellion

Society or environment is the antagonist

Government

The government is controlling people’s lives in a

negative way.

Epidemic

A disease or health issue that destroys the human

race.

Zombies and Aliens

There are monsters, aliens or other supernatural creatures

attacking the human race.

Environmental Disaster

We’ve ruined the environment

Appeal

Escapism

A reaction to the world we see around us

World building

Fast paced

Action and adventure

Dark and disturbing tones

Key Dystopian Titles to Know

Asked for Authors

Margaret Atwood

Paolo Bacigalupi

Ursula K. Le Guin

George Orwell

Mira Grant

Red Rising Trilogy by Pierce Brown

Wool (Silo Saga) by Hugh Howey

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

The Water Knife by Paolo Bacigalupi

Don’t Forget Teen

Tips and Tricks

Find out what your reader is looking for

Many formats

Movie tie-ins

Non fiction read-a-likes

Helpful Resources

BiblioCommons lists

GoodReads

NoveList Professional Toolbox

Pinterest

Hugo Awards

Nebula Awards