Everybody Sees the Ants is a realistic look at life as a teen

Readers need to know that Everybody Sees the Ants has a complex thematic content. It touches on realistic issues such as bullying, teen suicide, adultery, and addiction. This book is not one that readers want to grab for an easy read.

The main character is physically and verbally abused by a high school bully, and one of his friends is punched in the eye by her mother. There are also violent dream images from the Vietnam War.

However, the novel is a moving and well-constructed tale of learning to stand up for yourself, told with insight and humor. It will capture young readers everywhere it helps them develop and understand bullying.   

Characters are Lucky Linderman who is thoughtful, and who is constantly bullied by Nadar. Nadar Mcmillian is the bully of Lucky throughout the story. Lucky’s mom is not the best mom she is always going to the pool and swims and she does nothing to stop the bullying. Lucky’s dad is always at his restaurant, and is never there for Lucky. Lucky’s grandfather is a veteran in the Vietnam war. Aunt Jodi is Crazy, and Uncle Dave is a strong role model for Lucky.

Lucky lives in Pennsylvania, but travels to Arizona with his Aunt Jodi and Uncle Dave because of what happened with Nadar.   

Amy Sarig King is the author of Everybody Sees The Ants; her previous work includes I Crawled Through It, Ask The Passengers, and Reality Boy. Her previous work also follow teens and young adults going through a conflict such as bullying, or love, and even their parents.

The theme or message of the book is good and evil, and it is learning how to face your problems, and not running away from them.

Lucky Linderman didn’t ask for his life. He didn’t ask his grandfather not to come home from the Vietnam War. He didn’t ask for a father who never got over it. He didn’t ask for a mother who keeps pretending their family is fine. And he certainly didn’t ask to be the recipient of Nadar McMillan’s relentless bullying, which has finally gone too far.

I actually liked this book because I could relate to it: a teenage child going through some drama and learning how to deal with it.

I would read more of this authors books because I love how she let the main characters of her book be about teenagers my age and its dramatic, funny, and so much more she is just a great author.

I would encourage others to read this book because it helps you learn how to face your fears it helps children, and young adults see how one little action you make can change you life forever.