The Trap

Gr 6–8—When your best friend's older brother is a bully, what's a seventh grader to do? Henry Nilsson takes the punch, and even helps look for Carl when the bully mysteriously goes missing. While searching for Carl, the twins Henry and Helen, and their friends Alan and Nicki stumble across a book about "subtle travel." They learn how to access the subtle plane: their "subtle bodies" can be up and around while their physical bodies remain asleep. The four friends encounter adventure and danger as they hunt for Carl, meet other astral travelers, and dodge the National Flux Travel Security Association. The 1963 rural Iowa setting means frequent bike riding, corded phones, and parents who don't give a second thought to four youngsters staying overnight with an elderly neighbor. The science fiction elements are balanced by historical details such as the space race, as well as realistic elements, such as details of the meals Henry likes to cook, family stress caused by his father's job loss, and asking a crush to the school dance. At times the book waxes philosophical, examining the nature of the body, consciousness, death, and humanity. The ending loops back in a satisfying way. For larger collections where readers appreciate a story that mixes adventure with musings on the nature of human goodness and immortality.—Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley School, Fort Worth, TX