Summary
Jack and his siblings, Matt and Ava, are former foster kids, emancipated and living on their own. Jack and Ava are twelve; Matt is fifteen. Ava and Matt are geniuses. Jack is smart in his own way. They have a social worker who checks on them weekly, but otherwise, they are on their own. Until they meet Hank.
Henry Witherspoon is a famous scientist and inventor. He’s so impressed by the kids , he invites them to join him on an expedition to Antarctica. It’s an opportunity of a lifetime for the kids. But when they get to the South Pole, one of Hanks’ friends on the base has gone missing. Jack starts nosing around for clues and information. Did the scientist dart off on a whim as she had done before? Or had she made a scientific breakthrough that someone else wanted to keep hidden?
Review
This book was all sorts of fun! First, it’s a mystery at its core. The case was interesting, and the sleuthing was believable.
Second, it’s a unique setting. I learned all sorts of things about Antarctica while I enjoyed a great story.
Third, since Bill Nye the Science Guy is one of the authors, there’s great science material in the story and in the end materials (plus an experiment!)
Fourth, there’s Jack. I loved Jack! As the “normal one,” people in the story didn’t expect much from him. But Jack is smart in his own ways. Even with a lot of baggage (several failed foster placements), he’s a personable, confident kid. He knows who he is and where he fits in with his siblings. And he contributes most of the humor in the story. I’m not sure the emancipation of twelve-year-olds is believable, but it was easy to look past, and the story is worth it! This is a smart, funny and all around FUN story. Can’t wait to read more!! (Book 2 will be out later this year.)
I received an electronic copy of this book from the publisher, Amulet books, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Amulet, for the opportunity!