The Seventh Level

Twelve-year-old Travis is desperate to solve the seven puzzles that will allow him to become part of "The Legend," a mysterious school society about which "no one knows anything... except the members always use blue, they put on amazing school events, and they make you pass a test before they let you in." Unfortunately, there are a few things in Travis's way: the assistant principal, who follows his every move after catching him hanging off the school rooftop; his curious friends, who aren't allowed to be in on the secret; his nemesis, Randall; and a teacher who always finds Travis in the wrong place at the wrong time. Despite the setbacks, Travis's boundless energy and inquisitive, mathematical mind allow him to zip through the puzzles until he realizes that something fishy is going on, and winds up confronted by a bigger mystery than he imagined. Feldman's (The Gollywhopper Games) story moves at warp speed, with the momentum of Travis's strong-spirited whims, resulting in a weightless, but nimble mystery with solid middle-grade appeal. Ages 10–up. (June)