Digger: Dig or Die!

by Deborah Cholette, Davide Ortu (illustrator)

In this dystopian middle-grade novel, a climate change disaster forces humanity to flee 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 dwindles. Lily crafts a communication system with walkie-talkies and baby monitors to share critical information. A frantic race ensues to complete the tunnels before food and oxygen become scarce, a tense battle for survival in a world teetering on the brink.

Genres: Middle Grade, Climate Change, Dystopia

240 pages, Hardcover

Published February 4, 2025

Reviews

[dedareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally finished this after literally having to squeeze myself to get time to read it it was so so so worth my time love love LOVEDDD it I was genuinely scared at first because this is so realistic its actually terrifying but whoever I love it so so so much the idea of the book wonderful the characters. Lovable literally PERFECT

[Sky · Rating 1 out of 5]

Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, and Abandonment
Moderate: Domestic abuse

Thank you Netgalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

And hoo boy will this be honest.

This was just bad. It was break-neck pace where things were given a max of a page and then swiftly moved onto the next thing, characters were super flat and had no growth, so many "plot points" introduced and went no where, absolutely no real logic and super inconsistent for the imagined logic presented too.

The characters are just... really flat and feel like just a bullet point list of potential character ideas that have yet to be turned into actual characters. The mother has a phobia or severe anxiety of some sort, but it's treated horrifically badly and is literally one of the points of contention and anger at the end which is NEVER RESOLVED. Don't give this book to any kids that have a form of social anxiety, it's demonised pretty much at the end and it just really doesn't feel great to read.
There's no growth to any of them, they all start how they end. The 2 main characters have a defining trait each (... mostly) and the rest barely have even that. There's way too many characters as well, I kept forgetting the main 2 had a sister and the majority of the side characters just have a couple lines sprinkled throughout. Absolutely no reason to have so many introduced at the start and just more keep being added...

The inconsistencies drove me mad as well. The red line kept dropping a few feet apparently each time, but it barely dropped at all, and seemed to be dropping at different rates across the same street? The "redlining" was mad as well, I'm pretty sure "surface tension" of air doesn't entirely negate gravity.. They tried to give a scientific explanation for that but it doesn't really stick. Everything turns out to mean pretty much nothing in the end as well, and the general timeline of everything - I genuinely couldn't tell you how many days, weeks, this book covers.

Pacing is absolutely wild. Things legit get about a page and that's it. Someone dies, and it takes a page from the kids to learn he's dying, to him being dead and then instantly switches to the next scene/topic/conversation right after. Nothing is given any room to breathe or be actually explained. Nothing is shown, literally everything is only told. A lot is also just not resolved, the main plot ending is very neatly wrapped up and resolved through absolutely no input from the characters, it's just "the book's ending now, situation just happened to be resolved now because *shrugs*", but a lot of the side things are just completely left untouched - like the mothers' anxiety/phobia and the "problem" that caused.

The whole mental health thing in this is also wild. It's just thrown in randomly, random characters have random mental health issues and nothing is explained, resolved, or even has a place. A kid just randomly goes "I have mild depression but it's ok" and it's just, ignored I guess for the rest lmao. Like this is not how you do mental health topics in books at all, or medication around that as well.

I can appreciate trying to teach global warming and such to children, but I think terrifying them about being unable to breathe suddenly maybe isn't the way to do that? This book in the end feels very doomer and "there's really nothing you can do in the end, you're just going to die anyway" unless a complete miracle entirely out of your control happens. There's nothing about what could have been done to prevent it or anything, it's just "the adults screwed up now we're gonna die".

[Tessa1316 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5*

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this.

In this book we follow siblings Nick and Lily plus their mom who are experiencing the worst consequences of climate change; loss of breathable air.

The siblings come up with a plan to help their neighborhood (whoever is left in it) to survive for as long as possible, employing the neighborhood kids and adults in the process.

‘Some adults don’t know any of their neighbors,’ Lily said. “Kids already have a network just by going to school and having friends that live nearby. We’re using connections we already have to…” “…save lives.” I said.

Some of the main themes in this book are having to grow up quickly, mental health and overcoming your fears. Mainly Nick takes on the biggest responsibilities causing him to feel responsible for all the adults as well, as if the world is depending on him. The little sister (Lily) has anxiety, the mother is claustrophobic and can’t handle crowds and others who have their struggles. These all come into play during the story and show how a community can help others through troubling times. Despite each person’a fears and struggles they all have to do things that scare them and prove that they are more capable than they thought.

The stakes in this story are realistic, however scary that prospect may be. The illustrations are nice and add to the story. Also fun for the kids to see. It’s also refreshing to read a story where there isn’t even a mention of a romantic interest. The focus is fully on survival and community.

I think this story might scare children a little bit because the stakes are so real, but if parents talk through it with their children it can be a very inspiring story. Not just for the children. Kids can do anything is the main takeaway from this novel and I assume it will stay with many children for years to come.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: DIGGER: DIG OR DIE!
Author: DEBORAH CHOLETTE, ILL. BY DAVIDE ORTU

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 5/5

Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
“Loved it! It’s very exciting with lots happening all the time. I liked the kids too – they’re resourceful and brave.” Girl, aged 12
“A well-written, dystopian novel for younger children. Possibly not all parents will want their kids to take on this genre at 9 years old, but it is a fun adventure, and the pacing is excellent. There’s also a little climate change info in here, so it’s educational too.” Primary school teacher, aged 58
“This novel is all about ‘resourcefulness’ and how important it is not to give up. I think that’s a good message.” Boy, aged 12
“I thought it was a bit too scary, so not for me. It’s not a happy book.” Girl, aged 9 – with a little help from mum
“Oxygen level is dropping (literally) so they have to start digging to survive. The pacing is crazy. Too fast? Probably. Didn’t get to know the characters very well. I liked the premise – it’s very clever. Never a dull moment.” Girl, aged 12 – with a little help from her TA
“Easy to understand, fast moving, adventure story. I liked that the kids took control and were the MCs. The second half is the best as there’s lots of suspense – will they survive?!?! Good story.” Boy, aged 11

To Sum It Up:
“A fast-paced, thrill-a-page adventure for middle graders. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digger: Dig or Die!, by Deborah Cholette, is a fantasy novel for all ages. The story follows siblings Nick and Lily as they try to save their community when oxygen levels drop dangerously low. Nick’s knack for digging becomes crucial when he uncovers a hidden tunnel system that links homes, allowing people to breathe. Meanwhile, Lily uses her ingenuity to set up a network of walkie-talkies and baby monitors, creating a communication lifeline as everything around them falls apart. Together, they must race against time to complete the tunnels and help their neighbors survive, battling food shortages and dwindling air supply.

I was completely hooked by the vivid dystopian world Cholette creates. Her writing pulls you into a society on the brink of collapse, where every act of resourcefulness and hope feels like a lifeline. From the start, I was captivated by the courage and creativity of the siblings as they faced down a disaster. Nick’s digging skills and Lily’s clever communication system were not just interesting—they were integral to the plot and made the survival story even more exciting.

What really stood out to me was how authentic Nick and Lily felt; they weren’t simply young heroes, they were real kids doing whatever they could to protect the people they loved. The high stakes and tension kept me turning pages, eager to see how they would pull through. One of the best things about this book is how it balances intensity with heart. I loved it so much that I shared it with my nieces, and they were equally absorbed by the siblings' cleverness and the fast-paced struggle against the clock. It’s hard to find a dystopian tale that feels both thrilling and heartwarming, but this one managed to hit every emotional note perfectly.

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.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Digger by Deborah Cholette is a first person dual-POV Middle Grade apocalypse novel. When the air starts lowering and it feels like the world is about to end, siblings Nick and Lily have a plan to not only save their mother, but also to their neighborhood. Nick has been digging a tunnel at the bottom of his home and starts to dig to the other homes while Lily gets in contact with as many people as she can and plans their community out.

I cannot speak to whether or not the science is accurate as I was not familiar with several terms or the line of breathable air actually lowering or what a Red Line is. A student who really loves science and geology would enjoy learning about these terms and could open the door to further research.

The kids are very much put in charge here as Lily and Nick are the ones to formulate a plan and go through with it as well as bring other kids into the plan. Nick’s friends help him dig the tunnels while Lily’s friends assist in getting information to the people in their network and keep an eye on the Red Line. Several of the adults also help the kids, particularly Ms. Jennifer, who remembers WWII and does what she can to assist the kids without taking away their autonomy or belittling them. Not all the adults are content with this, however, and one in particular is willing to resort to violence to get what she wants.

Content warning for mentions of a plane crash, use of the word ‘crap’ and ‘holy crap,’ guns, and allusions to domestic abuse

I would recommend this to middle school students who love science and younger students who are mature enough to start seeing depictions of an apocalyptic event.

[♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ARC I received from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Man, I was crying and sobbing while reading this book. It’s so insanely good and taught me something I don’t think I ever knew about before. Though I’ve always been aware of climate change, I wasn’t aware of how extreme the consequences could really be beyond natural catastrophes and extreme heat and cold. I never thought about the fact we could run out of oxygen and the sky could fall and now that I learned about it, I feel both terrified and glad I learned about it.
This book is very nuanced, even for a Children’s Book. And it’s a real gem. It has bittersweet moments with tragic backstories and problems. It sheds light on so many important factors and issues that need to be considered, like the fact the adults are ruining the worlds for the children and it will be up to the youth to save the world. What about those who cannot help themselves? What about those in need? How will we be able to help them when we can hardly help ourselves? So many sentences in here were worth gold and could be quoted because they are so true.
I believe this book should be read by any age group. It’s insanely good and important especially in today’s age. I certainly loved it. And all the illustrations were really cute!
My only issue with this book is the ending. It came so abruptly and feels rushed. I would love if that was handled differently.
Either way, I am extremely glad that I read this book. It’s so great.

[Avira N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cholette’s razor-sharp dystopian thriller thrusts two siblings into a race for survival as they battle a world unraveling around them. A climate disaster drains Earth’s atmosphere, forcing humanity to flee. Siblings Nick and Lily must adapt swiftly, their survival hinging on Nick’s ingenuity and Lily’s quick thinking as they rely on each other’s strengths to protect their community.

The novel’s pacing is taut, driving the story forward with a steady, tense rhythm perfect for young dystopian fans. Each chapter deepens Nick and Lily's harrowing fight for survival, balancing urgency with genuine character depth. Cholette shifts perspectives between the siblings, creating a gripping dual narrative that pulls readers into both personal stakes and the broader, perilous world they navigate. This approach amplifies suspense while revealing their contrasting personalities and unique coping strategies.

The siblings' banter provides moments of levity amidst the bleakness, allowing young readers to connect with the characters on a deeper level. With striking illustrations by Davide Ortu, this book captures both the tension and optimism present in humanity's ability to persevere amidst adversity. 
Equal parts exhilarating and insightful, the novel offers a profound reflection on environmental responsibility, family bonds, and the strength of community. A must-have for any middle-grade collection.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

First let me start with saying I hate dystopian stories. I find them too depressing, and too close for comfort. But this story intrigued me. A world where the “sky fell” meaning that the oxygen level fell to within a few feet of sea level. So people that were living higher than, say, 10 feet above sea level, had to move so they could still breathe.


Told in two voices, Lily and her brother Nick figure that they have to do something. Nick, who likes to dig, has been digging tunnels from his house to the ravine, and so when the oxygen level gets too low, he organizes friends to dig with him, so that people can escape from their homes when they can’t go out the front door, because the level is too low.


There are bad guys, while all this is happening, and the adults end up helping as well, once they see what the kids are doing. Nick and Lily both feel that it isn’t about being an adult or a child. That is it something that has to be done, and rather than wringing their hands, they dig to survive.


Very fast paced, as the level drops and drops, and the level of the top of the oxygen is called “the red line”, which is what the kids call themselves.


I think that even kids (and adults) that don’t like dystopian stories, will enjoy this one. The characters and their problems are quite real.


Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book is coming out on the 4th of February 2025

[Megan Royce · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would you do if the breathable air around you suddenly started to disappear? Would you panic, or try to find a solution?

In Digger: Dig or Die!, both children and adults must navigate through a sudden ecological disaster unfolding around the globe. From food shortages to the genuine possibility of suddenly being trapped without air, Cholette has delivered the quintessential dystopian novel that prompts us to stop and consider: how far are we from this becoming non-fiction?

Digger: Dig or Die! is truly the ideal dystopian novel for today's world. The setting feels authentic, as do the events that unfold throughout the story. The world in which the characters live is set up as if it could occur today, which is both eerie and exciting because it realistically illustrates what our future might look like due to climate change and the depletion of the ozone layer. I also appreciate that the focus of the novel is on children of various ages because you can see what is happening through multiple lenses. Additionally, you can witness multiple ways people react to stressful situations, both as adults and as children, and then see where their actions take them.

This novel will truly keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end!

Warning: This novel does contain gun violence and death.

#NetGalley #Digger #DiggerDigOrDie

[Chrissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Digger offers an action packed story featuring smart and resourceful young people. I appreciate the variety of personalities in the group of kids, although the lack of disagreements is a little out of character. Fans of quick adventure novels like I Survived should enjoy the quick succession of obstacles and solutions. The association between a group of kids solving the neighborhood's problems while the adults are mired in fear and worry with and environmental disaster caused by an adult world and the kids who will have to solve it is clear and appropriate. I understand needing to simplify a story for middle grade readers, but the idea that, in a world wide disaster, there would be only one human antagonist is a bit far fetched. The two protagonists are nicely written and show understandable angst and growth under circumstances. I think middle grade readers looking for adventure and problem solving will enjoy this read.

[Kay S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why is this the most TERRIFYING book I've ever read? Just enough science to sound believable. Just enough realism to trigger the millennial climate anxiety and the anxiety over my own lack of real survival skills. Stevie and me aren't surviving the apocalypse and he needs to learn to accept that.

While I wasn't really a fan of how different the kids seemed (Lily read so young while Nick read like a battle-hardened teenager but is in middle school), the book reads like an adventure novel for young readers - sentences are descriptive yet simple, action sequences are quick and snappy and life-changing for characters. Each character, both good and bad, are fairly unique and have distinct strengths and weaknesses (do I think a middle-grade kid could drive a CAT after watching his dad do it? No. But suspension of disbelief).

[Lex · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was definitely middle grade book. I believe this will be appreciated by lots of middle graders who are starting to read. The topic is quite scary though to be honest. I'm a full grown adult and I'm actually scared that the scenarios in the book will happen sometime soon. It was nice to see that the kids, even though they are kids, are responsible enough to know and to take action. I love that they initiated all of it. And that the adults supported them. Would like to read them more. Huge thanks for the eARC, Netgalley and Red Chair Press!

[Red Chair Press · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Young readers will find this a breath-taking, page-turning read that shows kids can lead and make a real difference. The book is a must-read for any middle-reader looking for a story that combines suspense and ingenuity with hope." --Children's Literature/CLCD
"...a powerful and unforgettable read." -- Bookshelf

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really giving it a 3.75. The ending wrapped up way too quick and was underwhelming. I wish there had been perhaps a cliffhanger which would lend to making this into a series and therefore sequel books.

[Drew · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a lot more intense than I was imagining and it definitely becomes a survival story. We get a very rich and realistic world portrayed in the book and the characters are all real and believable.

[Christel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐

Thanks netgalley for this book.

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - it ended very quickly

The environmental aspect of this book was terrifying

[Kip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much better than its title.

[Valerie Aethra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Middle Grade Dystopia that follows two resourceful siblings as they navigate a world on the bring of collapse: the oxygen levels in the world are collapsing! Selfish adults trying to hoard resources instead of helping their peers and kids having to grow up way too quickly -- it doesn't get more relevant than that. We have anxiety & claustrophobia rep and gorgeous, gorgeous illustrations which will forever be my fav bit about children's books. Also Ms. Jeniffer was so wholesome -- the adult figure we all need in apocalyptic times.

Recommended for all younger readers who love a nuanced story -- this book is a bonus for all the science nerds out there!

PS: This is the Skyfall Adele was talking about fr

TW: Gun violence, death, domestic abuse