The Jamie Drake Equation
by Christopher Edge (Author)
From the author of The Many Worlds of Albie Bright comes another cutting-edge cosmic space adventure for anyone who's ever looked up at the stars and wondered about the universe. An exploration of the constellations, an appreciation of the courage of astronauts, and a loving father-son story. Perfect for fans of Scott Kelly's Astrotwins series.
How amazing would it be to have a dad who's an astronaut? To see him go on rocket launches, live in zero gravity, and fly through space like a superhero? Jamie Drake knows. His dad is orbiting Earth in the International Space Station. Jamie thinks it's cool, and he's proud of his dad, but he also really misses him. Hanging out at the local observatory one day, Jamie is surprised when he picks up a strange signal on his phone. Could it be aliens? Are they closer to our planet than anyone realizes?
With his dad in space, Jamie feels he has no choice but to investigate on his own. But when something goes wrong with his dad's mission, Jamie is reminded that space is a dangerous place. He decides it's time to prove that he's a hero too.
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School Library Journal
Gr 4-7--Jamie used to think his biggest problem was missing his dad, an astronaut. Then Jamie discovers a secret science lab on the top of a hill and downloads a mysterious alien intelligence onto his phone. Now he's drawing amazing portraits of an alien homeworld and writing out super long equations--and he wasn't even good at math before! But things go from strange to worrying and very soon, Jamie has to save his dad and his family. This book touches on some interesting math topics that will thrill some and confuse others. The real-life social issues that are tackled, such as divorce, are approached in believable and satisfying ways. There is even a small section in the back that answers questions on aliens contact. VERDICT A fine purchase for beginner sci-fi readers or any child interested in aliens and space flight.--Kathryn Kania, Pelham Public Library, NH
Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Publishers Weekly
Featuring an intriguing premise, this novel by Edge (The Many Worlds of Albie Bright) nimbly intertwines science, math, and fiction. Jamie Drake's father, a British astronaut commanding the International Space Station, is on an unprecedented mission to launch an array of tiny, laser-propelled "nano-spacecraft" into the stars to search for alien life. Days before his father's space walk, Jamie ventures into a seemingly abandoned observatory. There, he discovers an eccentric astronomer who is combing the galaxy for alien signals, drawing inspiration from American astrophysicist Frank Drake's 1960s algebraic equation that estimates the number of possible intelligent civilizations in the Milky Way. Fiction entertainingly edges out science as Jamie gets pulled into the space fray after downloading a message from an alien in distress. Jamie is catapulted to stardom as he sets off to rescue both his alien buddy and his stranded father in a fantastical finale. Back matter explaining scientists' real-life search for extraterrestrial intelligence brings readers back to earth--and leaves them wondering, "What if...?" Ages 9-12. (June)
Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
School Library Journal Nimbly intertwines science, math, and fiction. Fiction entertainingly edges out science . . . in a fantastical finale. —Publishers Weekly Jamie's first-person narrative will draw readers into the story and surprise them with twists along the way as its space-age realism bends toward science fiction. —Booklist Edge balances the eerie and the emotional to offer accessible science fiction even when the science itself is inexplicable. —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Packed with astrophysics, emotion and invention on a galactic scale, this is science fiction at its most moving and exciting. —The Guardian (UK) Edge has found the equation that solves the problem of how to write a fun, intellectually challenging novel with an emotional center. —The Times (UK) With family drama and alien intrigue, this captures both the wonder of space and the complexity of growing up. —The Bookseller (UK)
JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure
JUV013060 - Juvenile Fiction | Family | Parents
Fathers and sons
Families
Family life
Science fiction
England
Life on other planets
Astronauts
