Stowaway

The beloved author of Posted and Ms. Bixby's Last Day returns with the first book in a coming-of-age sci-fi duology about Leo, a kid trying to navigate the galaxy in order to save his family--and, possibly, the planet Earth.

When scientists discover a rare and mysterious mineral buried in the Earth's crust, they have no idea that it just happens to be the most valuable substance in the entire universe. It's not long before aliens show up to our little corner of the galaxy offering a promise of protection, some fabulous new technology, and entry into their intergalactic coalition--all in exchange for this precious resource. A material so precious that other alien forces are willing to start a war over it. A war that soon makes its way to Earth.

Leo knows this all too well. His mother was killed in one such attack, and soon after, his father, a Coalition scientist, decides it would be best for them to leave Earth behind. It's on this expedition that their ship is attacked, Leo's father is kidnapped, and Leo and his brother are stranded in the middle of space. The only chance they have is for Leo to stow away on a strange ship of mercenary space pirates bound for who knows where and beg the captain to help him find his father.

But the road is dangerous, and pirates, of course, only look out for themselves. Leo must decide who to trust as he tries to stay alive and save his family, even as he comes to understand that there aren't many people--human or alien--that he can count on in this brave new universe.

Author: John David Anderson
Publisher: Walden Pond Press
Published: 08/03/2021
Pages: 384
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.99lbs
Size: 8.59h x 5.80w x 1.20d
ISBN: 9780062985941
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 5.4
Point Value: 13
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 513073 / Stowaway


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 06/15/2021
Publishers Weekly 06/28/2021
School Library Journal 08/01/2021 pg. 76
Booklist 08/01/2021 pg. 72
Horn Book Magazine 11/01/2021 pg. 95