Trex

Definitely buzzworthy.

Gr 3-7--Twelve-year-old Trex Wilson is used to cross-country moves, having zero friends, and being unable to touch anyone without wearing rubber gloves. It's all par for the course when you're a middle schooler with an experimental brain implant whose side effects include shooting lightning bolts out of your fingertips. Ever since he received the first biotechnology of its kind after a near-fatal car accident, his mother has kept them on the move, fearing that The Company wants Trex as a test subject. When they arrive in Hopewell, Trex convinces his mom that he can keep his powers under wraps while attending school for the first time. What he isn't counting on is a classmate like Mellie Chandler, an aspiring detective who witnesses a zap and begins spying on Trex. After the two bond over their shared social isolation (she suffers from excruciating stomachaches and is the target of bullying), Mellie enlists Trex's help investigating The Prowler, a mysterious stranger that Trex worries could be a Company representative. This novel delivers on its engaging Stranger Things--meets-superheroes hook with a well-plotted mystery that balances action, friendship, and thoughtful discussion of mental health. Although some plot revelations are delivered too conveniently, the book's major twist pays off and fuels an action-packed second half. Both protagonists are presumed white. VERDICT A worthwhile purchase with cross-cutting appeal for readers of mystery, science fiction, or heartfelt friendship narratives; hand to fans of Greg Van Eekhout or Stacy McAnulty.--Elizabeth Giles

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Praise for Trex

"Trex is a terrific adventure, with scheming sci-fi villains, mad scientists, secrets, lies, double identities, and two brave friends who risk everything in order to bring down an evil corporate conspiracy. Smart, thrilling, loads of fun, and perfect for Stranger Things fans!"—Elizabeth C. Bunce, Edgar Award-winning author of the Myrtle Hardcastle Mystery series

"Original, exciting, and chock-full of mysteries for the reader to unpack, Trex has all the makings of a hit."—Wesley King, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Wizenard Series

"Spies, secret identities, human science experiments, evil corporations, and two big-hearted kids solving big mysteries—an electrifying tale!"—Jess Redman, author of The Miraculous

"Trex is a heart print, page-turner about finding friendships, keeping secrets, and accepting what makes us uniquely and wonderfully different. A must read!"—Elly Swartz, author of Dear Student

"This novel delivers on its engaging Stranger Things-meets-superheroes hook...hand to fans of Greg Van Eekhout or Stacy McAnulty."—SLJ