More Like Orson Scott Card

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-- School Library Journal, 03/30/2006

It is tough to characterize an author as prolific and far-ranging as Orson Scott Card. This short list concentrates on titles similar to his SF works, though many readers may be more familiar with his fantasy or horror titles.

MOON, Elizabeth. Remnant Population. S & S. 1996. Tr $22. ISBN 0-671-87718-6.
When her space colony is “de-franchised” by its mega-management corporation, elderly Ofelia decides to go AWOL rather than be shipped off to a new planet. Determined to live out her remaining days in peace, she enjoys her newfound solitude and is amazed when the planet’s own nonhuman natives appear and welcome her into their society. Some rough language.

JEAPES, Ben. The Xenocide Mission. Random. 2002. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-385-75007-2.
Thrilling action sequences and brilliantly characterized aliens make this one a real winner. In a far-distant solar system, a space observation team is suddenly attacked by the very aliens they were sent to watch. This instigates a political and social crisis on Earth which ripples into space. Though it may take some patience to keep up with the complicated plot, readers will be rewarded with a completely satisfying story.

SKURZYNSKI, Gloria. Virtual War. S & S. 1997. Tr $16. ISBN 0-689-81374-0; pap. $4.50. ISBN 0-689-82425-4.
In a future world where global contamination has necessitated limited human contact, three young people with unique genetically engineered abilities are teamed up to wage a war in virtual reality. Any teen who has ever been sucked into a video game or spent time in virtual worlds on the Internet will be completely transfixed by this chilling, fast-paced novel. Great for gamers and reluctant readers.

Remarkable Reads are produced by the editors of NoveList, NoveList K-8, and Book Index with Reviews (BIR), leading resources for readers' advisory services and collection development. For more information, see epnet.com.