Book Review: Red's Planet

RED’S PLANET by Eddie Pittman is the first book in a new, science fiction graphic novel series for middle grade readers.

When Red stows away on a UFO to get away from her foster family, she begins an adventure that crosses the galaxy. After her spaceship crashes, Red and an odd assortment of aliens must survive on a hostile planet.

The high-quality, color illustrations and fast-paced story will easily attract readers to this new science fiction series. Librarians will find a large audience for this graphic novel among readers of Bone, Amulet, Hilo, and the many other middle grade fantasy series. Fans of Eddie Pittman and his Disney series Phineas and Ferb will enjoy the familiar batter of characters and nonstop action.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.eddiepittman.com/.

Published by Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS on April 19, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Illuminae

ILLUMINAE by Amie Kaufman is a fast-paced science fiction novel using transcripts, instant messages, and other interesting means to tell an amazing outer space story.

Katy and Ezra are survivors of an attack on their remote mining colony. With the enemy in hot pursuit, a virus wreaking havoc, and an unstable artificial intelligence system in charge of the nuclear weapons, the two teens must use all their skills and resources to escape alive.

The first heart-pounding book in the new Illuminae Files series sets the stage for what’s likely to be a popular new young adult science fiction series. The author’s skillful use of fictional documents to convey the action will be attractive to many readers.

With so much of the fantasy market consumed with dystopian works, librarians will find a huge audience for this science fiction novel. This YA adventure also fits right into the resurgence of interest in science fiction works like Star Wars and Star Trek works.

To learn more about the author, go to http://amiekaufman.com/
To learn more about the series, go tohttp://www.randomhouse.com/teens/illuminae/.

Published by Random House for Young Readers on October 20, 2015. ARC from the publisher.

Multiplatform Book-Tech-App Review: Voyagers: Project Alpha

The VOYAGERS series is a multi-platform experience including books, an app, and a website filled with engaging activities.

Each book in this science fiction series is written by a different author. The first title, PROJECT ALPHA by D.H. Hale features four children battling against a wide array of creatures to become part of an elite team that will be sent into space to help save the world. The books contain attractive graphics and cool coded symbols to engage readers.

The Voyagers website contains information about each book. A “Code Entry” area is used to unlock secret information based on the codes found in the books. The “Beyond the Universe” page contains information about the team’s ship and fictional information about planets. New sections will be unlocked as each book in the series is launched. The “Project Alpha” area invites participants to take a quiz and become part of the team. Users will also enjoy creating their own ZRK Commander using the “Customizer” tool.

Voyager: The Game is an app that immerses players in the world of the books. Users pilot their space craft through an asteroid field, test their knowledge, complete puzzles, and explore planets.

This multi-platform experience could serve as the focal point for a fun library book club or literature project. Aimed at the middle grades, even reluctant readers will be drawn to the action and multi-media approach. Students would enjoy inventing their own planets and writing their own stories based on the book characters.

To visit the website for the app and games, go to https://www.voyagershq.com/.

Published by Random House Children’s Books.