Magnetic Shift

Gr 9 Up—Lexi Adams has a knack for mechanics, an abusive stepfather, and dead parents. When the teen is struck by lightning, she gains the ability to manipulate metal, allowing her to accentuate her already impressive mechanical skills. When NASCAR team owner Dean catches wind of Lexi's skill and her stepfather's abuse, he takes her under their team's wing. The protagonist must keep her abilities a secret, as she is frightened she would be locked up and tested like a lab animal. The NASCAR team's driver, Colton, is intrigued by Lexi—and so is archenemy Carl, owner of a competing team. Once Carl realizes Lexi's supernatural abilities, he attempts to blackmail her with near-deadly consequences. The entire narrative would be strengthened without the supernatural (and underunexplained) plot device, as Briand excels at describing the fast-paced, fuel-laced NASCAR life.