Project Mercury

Having recently moved to the same military base, two Black former friends work together to unravel a top-secret mission that could spell doom for one of their parents. Thirteen-year-old military kid Ike Pressure prefers video games to playing sports, something that drove a wedge between him and estranged friend Eesha Webb. Following Ike’s discovery of strange footprints in a secure area of the Mercury, Nev., military base, and a shortwave radio in his mother’s room that transmits mysterious messages, he recruits Eesha—the only other person he knows on the compound—to uncover what Ike’s mother has been hiding about her new job. Their efforts are consistently thwarted by enigmatic men in black, authorities who investigate UFOs and aliens. Fearing for his mother’s safety, Ike endeavors to do whatever it takes to protect her. The action-driven plot is ripe with suspense and adventure as Ike and Eesha investigate the mystery, encountering myriad unexpected foes along the way. Smith (Where the Black Flowers Bloom) crafts a warm and inviting tale of reimagined futures, friendship, bravery, and environmentalism with a futuristic twist that will have readers rallying behind the intrepid protagonists of this hopeful story. Ages 8–12. Agent: Molly Ker Hawn, Bent Agency. (Aug.)