Starbounders

Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson, authors of the beloved Familiars series, ramp up the action in this space-age adventure that School Library Journal calls "a satisfying choice," perfect for fans of Star Wars and Percy Jackson.

Zachary Night has been waiting his whole life for this moment. Like his family before him, he's finally headed to Indigo 8, a top secret training center where future Starbounders learn the skills to protect the galaxy. But being a Starbounder is no walk on the moon. No sooner has Zachary mastered the warp glove basics than a mission into space goes wrong and puts him and his new friends right in the line of fire. And when a plot to destroy Indigo 8 comes to light, Zachary will have to get back to Earth on his own and fast?before there's no Earth left to go back to.

With the "winning combination of action and humor" (SLJ, starred review) that earned The Familiars an Indie Next List Pick and eight state award nominations, Starbounders is an out-of-this-world adventure that has surefire kid appeal.

• Secret Academy: Welcome to Indigo 8, a hidden training ground where kids learn to wield warp gloves, fly starships, and prepare for missions in the far reaches of space.
• Unlikely Friendship: When a mission goes sideways, Zachary must team up with a spunky girl and a quirky, elastic alien to survive.
• Alien Invasion: A deadly plot threatens not just the academy, but the entire planet. Zachary is the only one who can get back to Earth and stop it.
• Galaxy-Saving Adventure: Perfect for middle grade readers who love the action of Star Wars and the humor of Percy Jackson, this sci-fi series is an out-of-this-world ride.