Encounter at Owl Rock

When government officials usurp defunct ATLantis Adventure Park on behalf of real estate developer Orion Industries in Owl Rock City, an Atlanta suburb, 12-year-old twin brothers Cypress and Oakley decide to commemorate the loss of their beloved childhood water park by making it the set location of their next homemade movie. Budding director Cy insists they make a horror film, putting him at odds with Oak, who yearns to delve into alien conspiracy theories. While filming a stunt that goes sideways, Oak vanishes, leaving Cy—along with their best friend, Jaz—distraught. Unbeknownst to Cy and Jaz, Oak has been abducted by an alien he dubs Lil Rune, who needs his help. When the trio finally reunite, they realize that Orion Industries is hiding an interstellar secret of cosmic proportions. Moses (Kingston and the Magician’s Lost and Found) delivers a pulse-pounding adventure marked by epic stunts, creepy extraterrestrial antagonists, and a plethora of contemporary hip-hop references. It’s an always-moving tale that balances an out-of-this-world premise with heartfelt ruminations on the importance of friendship, family, and, most prominently, indomitable brotherhood. Cy and Oak are Black; Jaz is Black and Italian American. Ages 10–up. (June)