The Planet Thieves

Gr 5–8—Thirteen-year-old Mason is on the SS Egypt when it is boarded by the mysterious Earth enemies, the Tremist. They are more technologically advanced than the ESC (Earth Space Command) and have always been victorious in past battles. The Tremist take over the ship, except for 18 cadets, led by Mason. The cadets must retake the ship and save Earth in the process. Thanks to Mason's quick thinking and leadership skills, his team has high-action adventures throughout the galaxy. Along the way there are some conflicts with another cadet, Tom, as well as a nascent romance between Mason and Merrin. Full-page illustrations appear throughout. This book will appeal to science-fiction fans, especially those who are enthusiastic about the upcoming movie adaptation of Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game (Tor, 1985). In fact, the rights to this book have already been optioned by Warner Brothers; this is not surprising as the book reads very much like it was written with the sale of film rights in mind.—Kristin Anderson, Columbus Metropolitan Library System, OH