Go Big or Go Home

Gr 5–8—Whether biking, exploring caves, or playing video games, 14-year-old Brady Steele enjoys living life to its fullest, so when a meteor crashes through his bedroom ceiling one August night, Brady's life goes from extreme to insane in a matter of hours. With his cousin Quinn by his side, the twosome discover that the meteorite is no ordinary space rock: originating from Mars, it is one of the rarest and most valuable of its kind. As they enjoy their extreme adventures in their Black Hills hometown, not only do they notice something strange happening to Brady—his endurance, speed, and agility have improved to the point of being super powers—but they learn from visiting meteor expert Dr. Rip Ripley that Brady's meteorite is home to extraterrestrial bacteria, which may have infected Brady. What was thought to be an amazing discovery could end up costing Brady his life if a cure for his infection isn't discovered soon. Filled with action and adventure from start to finish, Will Hobbs's story (HarperCollins, 2008) is sure to appeal to fans of extreme sports and astronomy. Brady and Quinn are realistic, energetic teen boys whose love for the outdoors, and the Black Hills in particular, is refreshing. Narrator Charles Carroll's portrayal of the cousins perfectly captures the inflections and cadences heard in the speech of many teen boys. An adventurous romp with broad appeal.—Audrey Sumser, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Mayfield, OH