BOOKS

The Moon Platoon

352p. (Space Runners: Bk. 1). HarperCollins. May 2017. Tr $16.99. ISBN 9780062445971.
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Gr 4–6—An action-packed space romp that's sure to please young science fiction readers. It's 2085, and Benny Love has spent most of his life on Earth scavenging in arid desert lands, just trying to survive. When he wins a once-in-a-lifetime scholarship that will send him to the moon's first lunar resort to study and invent, it's a dream come true. On a moonbase full of spacefaring cars, high-tech holograms, and temperamental AIs, Benny and his new friends compete against other kids in challenges meant to hone their skills. But all is not as it seems at Lunar Taj. Benny and his teammates discover that are secrets on the dark side of the moon, which could endanger everyone back on Earth. Despite familiar science fiction tropes and elements, the author's engaging characters, fast-paced storytelling, and keen enjoyment of the genre produce an altogether entertaining read.
VERDICT Newcomers to science fiction will find this an accessible jumping-off point from which to explore more titles in the genre. Hand this to fans of Monica Tesler's Earth Force Rising and Sophia McDougall's Mars Evacuees.

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