Annex

Nonstop action, including prison breaks and alien fight scenes, mixed with backstabbing and spine-tingling suspense, infuses this wild sci-fi adventure. Violet and Bo fight alongside the self-named Lost Boys to survive the alien invasion and keep clear of the Othermothers hunting them. Each has their own personal demons to overcome in order to save themselves, their friends, and possibly the world. Violet, 14, is transgender and is terrified that this chaos spells doom for her transition and acceptance. Though Bo is only 11, he's determined to rescue his beloved sister, whom he lost in an escape attempt. The novel alternates between Violet's and Bo's points of view, and readers learn how this dystopia came to be and about the protagonists' allies, while Violet and Bo desperately try to stay just one step ahead of their relentless pursuers. The plot is complex, the world-building fully fleshed out, and the characters deep and relatable. This fast-paced, highly engaging narrative avoids sci-fi tropes—all with an ominous Peter Pan vibe. There is occasional strong language, but the protagonists' ages and situations make this title suitable for any teen.