Stowaway

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.

What happens when your only hope is a starship full of outlaws?

• Space Pirates: A wanted captain, a girl with a bionic arm, and a four-armed gentle giant. Can Leo really trust this crew of mercenary misfits to help him?
• Found Family: He needs their help to save his own family, but Leo might just find a new one in the most unlikely of places.
• An Epic Sci-Fi Adventure: From daring escapes to showdowns on distant planets, Leo's journey is a non-stop, page-turning thrill ride across the galaxy.
• Aliens and Spaceships: A richly imagined universe filled with warring alien factions, strange new worlds, and the mysteries of deep space.