The Moon Platoon (Space Runners #1)

In this SF thriller, the worldas best and brightest youths become its last line of defense after theyare taken to the Moon to participate in a scholarship program at the behest of a wealthy philanthropist. For Benny, who has grown up in a caravan community amid the desert wastelands of California, itas a chance to change his familyas fortunes as well as play with the best toys, including the luxurious, tech-laden Space Runners, cars capable of interplanetary travel. At the Lunar Taj, he befriends daredevil Hot Dog, hacker Ramona, and obnoxiously confident Drue, but their curiosity to investigate the Moonas secrets brings them face-to-face with the real reason theyave been gathered together. Kraatz (the Cloak Society series) maintains a satisfying balance of action, intrigue, and wonder in this first book in the Space Runners series. Memorably entertaining characters play well against the tense premise and high stakes. Although some of the worldbuilding is glossed over, such as the current state of affairs on Earth, this remains an enjoyable adventure. A Full Fathom Five property. Ages 8a 12. Agent: Eric Simonoff, William Morris Endeavor. (May) Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly Used with permission.

Gr 4-6--An action-packed space romp that's sure to please young science fiction readers. It's 2085, and Benny Love has spent most of his life on Earth scavenging in arid desert lands, just trying to survive. When he wins a once-in-a-lifetime scholarship that will send him to the moon's first lunar resort to study and invent, it's a dream come true. On a moonbase full of spacefaring cars, high-tech holograms, and temperamental AIs, Benny and his new friends compete against other kids in challenges meant to hone their skills. But all is not as it seems at Lunar Taj. Benny and his teammates discover that are secrets on the dark side of the moon, which could endanger everyone back on Earth. Despite familiar science fiction tropes and elements, the author's engaging characters, fast-paced storytelling, and keen enjoyment of the genre produce an altogether entertaining read. VERDICT Newcomers to science fiction will find this an accessible jumping-off point from which to explore more titles in the genre. Hand this to fans of Monica Tesler's Earth Force Rising and Sophia McDougall's Mars Evacuees.--Stephanie Whelan, New York Public Library

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"I'd race to the moon and back to get a copy of this thrilling, funny, and ingenious book!"—C. Alexander London, author of The Wild Ones and the Dog Tags series