Project Mercury - by Ronald L Smith (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Ike Pressure is an Army brat. Which, if you ask him, is not an insult. His mom's new job is in Mercury, Nevada, on a secretive military base close to Area 51. What's more, his childhood friend, Eesha Webb, and her family are about to move there too. Spoiler alert: Ike and Eesha aren't really best buds, even though their parents think so. They used to play together when they were little kids, but now she's more like his nemesis. Still, it's clear to both of them that something mysterious is happening on the base--but what could it be? Eesha is convinced it has to do with aliens, but Ike isn't so sure. What they don't know is that the stakes are actually much higher than they could have imagined--and Ike's mom might be in more danger than she has ever faced. Will Ike and Eesha be able to get over their differences and work together to unravel the secrets of Project Mercury?"--

Book Synopsis

Ike Pressure is an Army brat.

Which, if you ask him, is not an insult.

His mom's new job is in Mercury, Nevada, on a secretive military base close to Area 51. What's more, his childhood friend, Eesha Webb, and her family are about to move there too.

Spoiler alert: Ike and Eesha aren't really best buds, even though their parents think so. They used to play together when they were little kids, but now she's more like his nemesis.

Still, it's clear to both of them that something mysterious is happening on the base--but what could it be?

Eesha is convinced it has to do with aliens, but Ike isn't so sure.

What they don't know is that the stakes are actually much higher than they could have imagined--and Ike's mom might be in more danger than she has ever faced. Will Ike and Eesha be able to get over their differences and work together to unravel the secrets of Project Mercury?

• Frenemies to Allies: He's a skeptic, she's a believer. Ike and Eesha used to be friends, but now they can barely stand each other. Can they team up before it's too late?
• Area 51 Mystery: Welcome to Mercury, Nevada--a top-secret military base where strange lights fill the sky and every adult has something to hide.
• A Race Against Time: The conspiracy on the base is bigger than they ever imagined, and now Ike's mom is caught in the middle. Saving her means trusting each other completely.
• Kids vs. The Government: In a town where you can't trust the adults, two kids are the only ones who can expose the truth about the mysterious Project Mercury.

Review Quotes

(Gloom Town) "Anchoring this well-paced story is a solid cast of characters whose central relationships feel authentic and grounded." - Kirkus Reviews

(Gloom Town) "This atmospheric tale by Smith (The Owls Have Come to Take Us Away) conjures up a seaside setting full of secrets and long-lost legends....the intriguing characters, eerie moments, and lurking peril prove a winning combination." - Publishers Weekly

(Hoodoo) "A riveting story with a dollop of southern gothic appeal." - Booklist

(Black Panther: The Young Prince) "Energetic, fast-paced and adventurous, this will keep readers riveted . . . a must purchase." - School Library Journal

(Where the Black Flowers Bloom) "Inspired by African mythology and folklore, this lushly wrought hero's journey touches deftly on themes of family, fate, forgiveness, and justice." - Publishers Weekly

(Where the Black Flowers Bloom) "Elaborate worldbuilding will draw readers in. . . . Hand this to young readers seeking adventurous new fantasy." - School Library Journal

(The Owls Have Come to Take Us Away) "Smith continues to be one of the most distinct and impressive voices in middle-grade speculative fiction right now." - Booklist

(The Owls Have Come to Take Us Away) "A tightly plotted novel full of suspense and compassion with a climax that will chill readers straight to the bone." - Horn Book Magazine

"A warm and inviting tale of reimagined futures, friendship, bravery, and environmentalism with a futuristic twist that will have readers rallying behind the intrepid protagonists of this hopeful story." - Publishers Weekly

"A certified page-turner." - Kirkus Reviews