About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is navigating a major life transition, dealing with feelings of powerlessness, or struggling with a sense of being 'different' from their peers. While on the surface it is a high-octane science fiction thriller, it serves as a powerful metaphor for reclaiming agency after a traumatic event. The story follows Alan Smith, who loses his mother and his arm in a terrorist attack, only to be rebuilt as Jordan Stryker, a bionic undercover agent. Through the lens of cool gadgets and X-ray vision, the book explores the deep emotional work of grief and identity reconstruction. It is age-appropriate for the 10-14 range, offering enough action to keep reluctant readers engaged while providing a safe space to process themes of resilience and justice. It is an excellent choice for a child who needs to see that even when life feels broken, they have the internal (and external) strength to build a new, meaningful future.
