The Canadian government has invited budding zoologist Kate de Vries on the first trip into outer space, and there's a place for her boyfriend, airship pilot Matt Cruse, too, if he manages to pass the grueling series of tests required to become an astralnaut. Will Matt be able to compete with the world's best and brightest? Can Kate convince the scientific community that all her discoveries are real? And what will happen when the Starclimber's mission is targeted by saboteurs?
Summary The Canadian government has commissioned a unique elevator-like ship in an attempt to be the first into outer space. Matt hopes to qualify for a spot in the flight crew, especially because he knows Kate will be on board. Things start to go wrong almost immediately when Kate arrives for lift-off and announces her engagement to a rich socialite. There is a group known as the Babelites who are attempting to sabotage the exploration of outer space, and the ship is threatened by previously unknown life forms.
Topics Science fiction. The Tower of Babel. Construction projects. Terrorists. Bombs. Escapes. Dates. Scientific conferences. Observatories. Stars. Forbidden romances. Scientific discoveries. Space exploration. Parks. Rules. Women's suffrage. New homes. Garden parties. Rivals. Flight training. Space suits. Unsociable people. Marriage. Tests. Social protests. Sabotage. Saving a life. Disappointments. Engagements. Monkeys. Space ships. Security. Zero gravity. Space walks. Celestial music. New life forms. Jet propulsion. Love letters. Mating rituals. Barnacles. Death. Reentry. Problem solving.
SRC Level 4.300000
SRC Points 24.000000
Lexile 700L
Trim Size 6" x 9"
JLG Span Fall
Language English
Publication date 2009-02-28
JLG Release Date Mar 2009
Minimum grade 5
Maximum grade 8
Reading level Middle
Format Print
Fantasy/Science Fiction Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
Fantasy/Science Fiction Middle Plus
Fantasy/Science Fiction Middle Plus (Grades 5-8)
For Grades 5-8
Your middle-school readers will thrill to new futures, fantasy realms, and alternate realities. Readers will look forward to discovering a new world monthly with the 14 books in this category.