The Stellow Project

Gr 8 Up—For Lilah Stellow, the act of breathing is often a Herculean task. As a result of her damaged lungs, her overprotective environmental scientist father has enforced climate-controlled spaces, experimental drugs, and invasive surgeries to keep her alive. But as a wild storm sweeps into New York City, even the best intentions fall flat, as everything in Lilah's perfectly ordered, safe life is swept up in the turmoil. Swoon-worthy romantic interest? Check. Secret research lab in the middle of the Adirondacks? Check. Eco-terrorism, betrayal, a crazy scene in which an SUV is almost blown off the road? Check, check, check. This speculative fiction/thriller is not only an intelligent pulse-racer, it's also a fun read. Though a read-alike for James Dashner's "The Maze Runner" series (Delacorte), its mystery and adventure are rooted in cool science. Becker keeps a riveting pace while developing a compelling backstory through flashbacks. She keeps readers engaged, but many will be frustrated by the cliff-hanger ending. Most of the characters are well drawn, complete with their foibles and unanswered questions, especially Lilah and her sister Flori.