The Moon Platoon

In this SF thriller, the world’s best and brightest youths become its last line of defense after they’re taken to the Moon to participate in a scholarship program at the behest of a wealthy philanthropist. For Benny, who has grown up in a caravan community amid the desert wastelands of California, it’s a chance to change his family’s fortunes as well as play with the best toys, including the luxurious, tech-laden Space Runners, cars capable of interplanetary travel. At the Lunar Taj, he befriends daredevil Hot Dog, hacker Ramona, and obnoxiously confident Drue, but their curiosity to investigate the Moon’s secrets brings them face-to-face with the real reason they’ve been gathered together. Kraatz (the Cloak Society series) maintains a satisfying balance of action, intrigue, and wonder in this first book in the Space Runners series. Memorably entertaining characters play well against the tense premise and high stakes. Although some of the worldbuilding is glossed over, such as the current state of affairs on Earth, this remains an enjoyable adventure. A Full Fathom Five property. Ages 8–12. Agent: Eric Simonoff, William Morris Endeavor. (May)