MiNRS

Gr 5–8—Christopher, his parents, and a few other families live on Perses, a planetoid in Earth's solar system that has been set up as a mining operation, shipping much-needed ore back to Earth. One night, just as a communications blackout begins, raiders attack Perses, bombing and shooting into the gathered crowds. Christopher and a few other kids survive, hiding in the mining tunnels. It will be two months before the blackout is over, however, and Christopher isn't sure they can hold out that long. As the oldest, it's up to him to find a way to keep everyone alive and figure out a way to contact Earth once the blackout ends. A survivor with a more militant agenda, the discovery of Perses' dark secret, and a spy within the ranks threaten not only his plan, but everyone's survival. MiNRs combines elements of science fiction and adventure to create a novel with high appeal. Christopher is a very well-developed, realistic character. Secondary characters are developed to varying degrees, but their motivations are clear and each is essential to the story. Plot twists and turns pull readers through the novel and keep them on the edge of their seats. There is never a dull moment or unnecessary scene.