Go Big or Go Home

April 1, 2008
Gr 5-8-Setting is always central in Hobbs's books, and this time he's chosen the Black Hills of South Dakota as his backdrop. As fans would expect, he artfully weaves the human and natural history of the region into the story. As they might not expect, he amps up the outdoorsy action by tossing some sci-fi into the mix. Had Brady not been outside watching a meteor shower, he might not have lived to see his freshman year in high school. Dumbstruck, he watches as the entire horizon turns blue and a meteorite sails right through his roof, piercing the center of his mattress and wedging itself into his bedroom floor. The first person he calls is his slightly older and more athletic cousin Quinn, with whom he is close. When Quinn arrives, he can't help but notice that Brady now scorches him in every physical pursuit; he's suddenly much quicker and strongeralmost superhuman. Brady's been noticingand wondering aboutthose changes too, and he knows that somehow they're linked to the meteorite. When the boys consult a scientist at a local museum, they find out that the rock comes from Mars and may contain long-dormant life-forms responsible for what is becoming Brady's increasingly troublesome transformation. His body, initially juiced by the Martian microbes, now seems to be quickly shutting downjust as he's become locked in a contest for possession of the meteorite with the twin brothers next door. Offering something to tantalize nearly every boyish taste, this title is a great choice for reluctant readers."Jeffrey Hastings, Highlander Way Middle School, Howell, MI"

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2008
When a meteorite crashes through the roof of Bradys home in the Black Hills of South Dakota, the young astrophile is excited beyond belief. He names it Fred (for Far Roaming Earth Diver) and calls his cousin Quinn over to check it out. The two are enamored of anything extreme or insane and deem this space rock extremely insane before setting out for a headlong series of bicycling, fishing, and caving adventures. When Brady starts to surpass his normal physical limitations, it becomes apparent that the meteorite might have brought along some hidden visitors with it from outer space. Hobbs captures young teen dialogue well, and the characters are all easy to like in this solid adventure. Reluctant readers whod rather be airborne than chairbound will appreciate the two young boys penchant for pushing the envelope, and the postulations involving extremophile organisms is a neat twist with just a hint of science behind it, even if it leads to a few mildly preposterous situations by the end.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)

May 1, 2008
Brady's summer starts with a bang, literally, when a meteorite crashes through the ceiling of his bedroom. He and his best friend/cousin Quinn already had plenty of action scheduled -- video games, bike racing, fishing -- so this event just adds another layer of awesomeness. And, as it turns out, semi-superpowers: it appears that the meteorite has endowed Brady with "extreme" (the boys' favorite word) strength and endurance. There are bullies to be dealt with, a fierce dog, a near-death experience, and a helpful scientist, Dr. Rip Ripley, straight out of Jonny Quest. Almost steroidal in its nonstop action and numerous subplots, the book takes the sentiments of its title seriously, and Hobbs keeps everything on track by focusing strongly on the boys' friendship and their mutual enjoyment of the well-evoked Black Hills setting. r.s.

(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)

July 1, 2008
A meteorite crashes into Brady's bedroom, endowing him with extreme strength and endurance. Almost steroidal in its nonstop action and numerous subplots, the book takes the sentiments of its title seriously. Hobbs keeps everything on track by focusing strongly on Brady's friendship with his best friend/cousin and their mutual enjoyment of the well-evoked Black Hills setting.

(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)