The Jamie Drake Equation

Gr 4-7--Jamie used to think his biggest problem was missing his dad, an astronaut. Then Jamie discovers a secret science lab on the top of a hill and downloads a mysterious alien intelligence onto his phone. Now he's drawing amazing portraits of an alien homeworld and writing out super long equations--and he wasn't even good at math before! But things go from strange to worrying and very soon, Jamie has to save his dad and his family. This book touches on some interesting math topics that will thrill some and confuse others. The real-life social issues that are tackled, such as divorce, are approached in believable and satisfying ways. There is even a small section in the back that answers questions on aliens contact. VERDICT A fine purchase for beginner sci-fi readers or any child interested in aliens and space flight.--Kathryn Kania, Pelham Public Library, NH

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Featuring an intriguing premise, this novel by Edge (The Many Worlds of Albie Bright) nimbly intertwines science, math, and fiction. Jamie Drake's father, a British astronaut commanding the International Space Station, is on an unprecedented mission to launch an array of tiny, laser-propelled "nano-spacecraft" into the stars to search for alien life. Days before his father's space walk, Jamie ventures into a seemingly abandoned observatory. There, he discovers an eccentric astronomer who is combing the galaxy for alien signals, drawing inspiration from American astrophysicist Frank Drake's 1960s algebraic equation that estimates the number of possible intelligent civilizations in the Milky Way. Fiction entertainingly edges out science as Jamie gets pulled into the space fray after downloading a message from an alien in distress. Jamie is catapulted to stardom as he sets off to rescue both his alien buddy and his stranded father in a fantastical finale. Back matter explaining scientists' real-life search for extraterrestrial intelligence brings readers back to earth--and leaves them wondering, "What if...?" Ages 9-12. (June)

Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

With solid science and believable family conflicts, this will be very satisfying to readers whose wishful thinking can suspend disbelief.—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED

For beginner sci-fi readers or any child interested in aliens and space flight. —
School Library Journal

Nimbly intertwines science, math, and fiction. Fiction entertainingly edges out science . . . in a fantastical finale. —Publishers Weekly

Jamie's first-person narrative will draw readers into the story and surprise them with twists along the way as its space-age realism bends toward science fiction. —Booklist

Edge balances the eerie and the emotional to offer accessible science fiction even when the science itself is inexplicable. —The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Packed with astrophysics, emotion and invention on a galactic scale, this is science fiction at its most moving and exciting. —The Guardian (UK)

Edge has found the equation that solves the problem of how to write a fun, intellectually challenging novel with an emotional center. —The Times (UK)

With family drama and alien intrigue, this captures both the wonder of space and the complexity of growing up. —The Bookseller (UK)