The Countdown Conspiracy

Gr 4–7—Thirteen-year-old Miranda Regent is one of six cadets chosen for the first manned mission to Mars after the Asteroid Exploratory Mission (AEM) War. The cadets and the "mechbot" that Miranda made move to Antarctica for extensive training. Throughout the novel, Miranda receives threatening messages and encounters dangerous situations. She also faces mundane problems: struggling with schoolwork, getting along with fellow cadet Anna, and vying for the position on the team that she wants. In one scene, Russian characters burn an American flag after their candidate Sasha is not chosen, declaring that Miranda was selected for political reasons. The novel culminates with the cadets being sent into space and trying to get home by undoing a virus that is sending their space plane straight to Mars. With fleshed-out characters who are intelligent but act like preteens and teens, Slivensky's action-packed narrative is about grappling with passions, insecurity, and questions of trust. The novel is well researched and perfect for readers interested in astrophysics or space travel. The subplots about international relations add a level of depth. The book ends with the message that people from around the world coming together in the name of scientific advancement is more important than corporate greed. A glossary of terms is also included.