Stowaway - by John David Anderson

Book Synopsis

The beloved author of Posted and Ms. Bixby's Last Day returns with the first book in a coming-of-age sci-fi duology about Leo, a kid trying to navigate the galaxy in order to save his family--and, possibly, the planet Earth.

When scientists discover a rare and mysterious mineral buried in the Earth's crust, they have no idea that it just happens to be the most valuable substance in the entire universe. It's not long before aliens show up to our little corner of the galaxy offering a promise of protection, some fabulous new technology, and entry into their intergalactic coalition--all in exchange for this precious resource. A material so precious that other alien forces are willing to start a war over it. A war that soon makes its way to Earth.

Leo knows this all too well. His mother was killed in one such attack, and soon after, his father, a Coalition scientist, decides it would be best for them to leave Earth behind. It's on this expedition that their ship is attacked, Leo's father is kidnapped, and Leo and his brother are stranded in the middle of space. The only chance they have is for Leo to stow away on a strange ship of mercenary space pirates bound for who knows where and beg the captain to help him find his father.

But the road is dangerous, and pirates, of course, only look out for themselves. Leo must decide who to trust as he tries to stay alive and save his family, even as he comes to understand that there aren't many people--human or alien--that he can count on in this brave new universe.

Review Quotes

PRAISE FOR ONE LAST SHOT: "As in his previous novels, Anderson beautifully blends tough topics and humor, perfecting the recipe for young readers. Malcolm's struggles with his love and heartbreak for his parents, and the news of the loss of a premature brother, will resonate with readers as he negotiates the new roles in his family." - School Library Journal (starred review)
Praise for ONE LAST SHOT: "Readers will cheer when Malcolm finally comes into his own. A well-crafted, emotionally resonant book, brightened by irrepressible wit." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Praise for POSTED: "Written with understated humor and fine-tuned perception, Frost's first-person narrative offers a riveting story as well as an uncomfortably realistic picture of middle school social dynamics." - ALA Booklist (starred review)
Praise for POSTED: "Anderson dives into the world of middle school with a clear sense of how it works and what it needs. Kids, and the rest of the world, need more books like this one." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"The Mandalorian meets Guardians of the Galaxy in this fast-paced space adventure that will have readers turning the pages as they are pulled into a unique yet strangely familiar world that reflects our own. An ideal pick for middle-grade sci-fi fans." - Booklist (starred review)
"A fast-paced tale of piracy among the stars. Featuring a winning cast of misfits who stumble into unexpected kinship, Anderson employs warm humor and pop culture references to ground the narrative against cosmic-level stakes and underlying commentary about exploitation and the cost of war." - Publishers Weekly
"A page-turning space adventure that deals with complex issues." - School Library Journal
"Plentiful references to pop-culture touchstones like Ziggy Stardust and Pokémon give this space opera a lived-in feel. Leo's narration aches with pathos but also provides moments of humor and finally ends on a cliffhanger. A heartfelt adventure." - Kirkus Reviews
"One final fillip sets up an even more wrenching conflict, leaving readers eager for a sequel." - Horn Book Magazine