Here are some of the reviews for Mike Stellar: Nerves of Steel!
Mike Stellar: Nerves of Steel K.A. Holt. Random, $15.99 (272p) ISBN 978-0-375-84556-7
Even though he lives in the year 2174, Mike Stellar is a fairly normal preteen: good-humored, slightly disgruntled when it comes to schoolwork and a bit of a troublemaker along with his hyper best friend Stinky (“the human embodiment of the word 'staccato’ ”). When his scientist parents announce that the family is moving to Mars without providing a reason, Mike’s detective work begins. He puts on a brave face (“I wanted to meet my fate like a man. Even if just a hyperventilating man in a shiny jumpsuit”), but is shaken by the changes and the sudden appearance of his parents’ assistant, creepy Mr. Shugabert, who watches his every step. As their spaceship Sojourner approaches “the Fold” in which the last shuttle was presumed destroyed (and Stinky’s brother lost), Mike and his odd new friend Larc gather clues and analyze who they can trust. Holt’s children’s book debut whizzes by at warp speed—the suspenseful plot and the precocious yet complex hero combine for a fun ride with a satisfying resolution. Ages 9–12. (June)
KIRKUS
MIKE STELLAR: Nerves of Steel
Strange behavior from all the grown-ups and the over-hasty departure of an interstellar expedition raise a lad's suspicions in this adventure-comedy set in 2174. Still wondering if there's truth to the rumors that his scientist parents are to blame for the disappearance of a previous expedition, Mike finds troubling clues that they're out to sabotage the newest one too after they hustle him aboard a ship that takes off almost immediately for the nearest wormhole.... ...Readers will enjoy watching Mike work his way through both muddled feelings and adult secrets with savvy sleuthing, sharp observation and courage in the clutch. (Science fiction. 10-12)
Mike Stellar: Nerves of Steel
Holt, K. A. (author).
June 2009. 272p. Random, hardcover, $15.99 (9780375845567); library edition, $18.99 (9780375945564). Grades 4-7.
REVIEW. First published July 6, 2009 (Booklist Online).
...Holt deftly blends the fantastical technology with objects from our contemporary world, and she fills out the exciting, if somewhat complicated story with smoothly integrated humor. Sci-fi fans who enjoy reading about a future world filled with laughs will enjoy this.
