River Rats — Caroline Stevermer

A Murky Future
Decades after a nuclear holocaust, a troop of orphans travels up and down the toxic Mississippi River in an ancient but sturdy paddle wheeler. In exchange for food and provisions, they deliver mail to settlements along the river. And for fun, they perform concerts at each stop from the deck of their boat. Their music is post-apocalyptic rock and roll, a music as rough and ragged as the Rats themselves.

Life is difficult for the Rats, but floating down the river on their own provides refuge from the dangerous shores. What were once huge cities are now ruins, haunted by gangs of savage children. Although a few places remain that could offer safety, with that safety comes rules -- rules the rebellious Rats would rather ignore. But when they break their own rule, "No passengers," by rescuing a stranger from the poisonous river, all the problems of the old world threaten to put an end to their travels forever.