Mr. Universe

November 16, 2020
This zippy hi-lo science fiction title by Slade (the Amber Fang series) transpires in just over a day as a teen is transported to a parallel universe that he calls Earth Two. Michael is spending the weekend with his science-minded uncle Henry, an inventor who has just completed a quantum multiverse transporter, when he accidentally steps into the device’s portal. Sent to a parallel reality, he meets Emily, a girl who is missing her memories. At Emily’s high school, the two are set upon by men with razor teeth whom no one else can see and who use an eraser gun to disappear student Mick, stating that “the balance must be restored.” Fleeing from these figures in an extended chase scene, the teens are eventually assisted by Uncle Henry, whom Michael can still contact by phone, and Uncle Henry’s Earth Two counterpart, Aunt Henry. Between the compact plot and the short chapters, the story flies by, though Michael and Emily do have time to grow fond of one another; together, this makes for a fun, breezy work accessible to a wide variety of readers looking for a quick sci-fi adventure. Ages 12–up.

January 22, 2021

Gr 7 Up-This hi-lo title follows Michael, a teenager who gets caught up in a science experiment gone wrong. Michael is visiting his mad-scientist uncle for the weekend when he accidentally gets transported to a parallel universe. He quickly meets and becomes enamored with Emily, a girl who also does not seem to belong in this universe. The two of them find themselves on the run from a team of mysterious "gray men" with lizard eyes and sharp teeth who claim to be restoring balance by erasing people in this universe. While the book has clear sci-fi themes, the plot does not get bogged down by the technical elements of alternate universes and takes a breezy and humorous approach to the topic. For example, the alternate universe features three-wheeled cars, and everyone's phones are circular and from a tech company called "Orange." Michael and Emily's relationship veers into relatable teenage crush territory. The book is highly readable, with short chapters and text written at a third-grade reading level. A number of features designed for accessibility are also included, including dyslexia-friendly font and a larger trim size. Other than Michael's dark hair, most characters' appearances aren't described. VERDICT A fun, action-packed choice for striving middle and high school readers interested in science fiction.-Kathryn Ferrante, Renbrook Sch., West Hartford, CT

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November 15, 2020
A 17-year-old travels the multiverse. Michael's mom has dropped him off at his Uncle Henry's for a weekend visit, one that promises to be a bit dull and lonely. For one thing, Michael's uncle doesn't have much time to spend with his nephew: He's too busy tinkering with some sort of experiment in his laboratory. But after Michael blunders his way into the lab, accidentally stepping into his uncle's quantum multiverse transporter, he finds himself zapped to another world, one that looks similar to his but with a few rather surreal changes. It doesn't take long for Michael to discover he's skipping across the multiverse while dastardly lizard-eyed gray men with shark teeth are hunting him down. On the brighter side, on Earth Two he also meets Emily, the cute girl who becomes his girlfriend. The pair run around and do their best to find a way home for Michael as well as trying to evade the gray men who want to erase Emily. The story features elements that veteran fans of the genre will recognize. The nonstop action keeps the story moving along briskly, and Michael's voice is wry and humorous. Main characters are cued as White. A fast-paced SF adventure for reluctant readers. (Science fiction. 12-18)

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