The Arctic Code

February 16, 2015
The Earth has entered a new Ice Age in this initial installment of Kirby’s Dark Gravity Sequence, and a girl braves the killing cold of the Arctic when she goes in search of her missing mother. Eleanor Perry’s mother is a geologist working in Alaska. Just before she vanishes, she sends Eleanor a mysterious message filled with information Eleanor must keep safe. Worried, Eleanor stows aboard a plane headed for Alaska, little knowing that she’s embarking upon a wild and dangerous escapade. The Earth’s new layer of ice may not be entirely natural, and the powerful Global Energy Trust, led by the brilliant Dr. Skinner, may not be entirely trustworthy. As always, Kirby (The Lost Kingdom) delivers a fast-paced, intense story, albeit one that goes off the rails a little as it shifts from a subzero struggle for survival to something much stranger, larger, and more unpredictable. However, readers should still find it easy to root for headstrong, resourceful Eleanor as she barrels ahead, heedless of consequences, trying to save her mother. Ages 8–12. Agent: Stephen Fraser, Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency.

February 1, 2015

Gr 4-7-In the first of this new sci-fi series, the northern part of the world is enveloped in the Freeze, a new ice age that is steadily creeping southward. Twelve-year-old "devilishly clever" Eleanor Perry is safe in relatively warmer Phoenix, AZ. While hoards of northern refugees flood into the city and are housed in buildings plagued by crime, plumbing issues, and power outages, she lives comfortably in the suburbs with her geologist mother and uncle. Currently, her mom is in the Arctic, exploring the frigid ice sheet for a nonprofit organization. Eleanor grows concerned when she receives a cryptic message from her mom, which includes mysterious files from G.E.T., the monolithic and suspicious energy corporation headed by the equally untrustworthy Dr. Skinner. She learns that her mother has gone missing and determinedly stows away on a plane bound for the Arctic. Upon arrival, Eleanor discovers that G.E.T. and Dr. Skinner control everything involving the exploration. Eleanor doesn't trust the doctor's motives and she secretly sets out to find her mom. What she discovers will surprise her-and readers. This is an exciting, page-turning tale. Middle grade readers will be compelled by Eleanor's daredevil adventure to find her mom and thrilled as she unearths some startling secrets. VERDICT While the scientific descriptions may be confusing at times, intrepid readers will be rewarded with an action-packed, intriguing story.-Diane McCabe, John Muir Elementary, Santa Monica, CA

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