About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating complex feelings about family secrets, social justice, or the legacy of a parent who has let them down. It is a sophisticated blend of high-tech science fiction and historical fiction that follows Owen, a boy determined to clear his late father's name after he dies in prison for a crime Owen believes he did not commit. Through a virtual reality device called the Animus, Owen and a group of peers explore their shared genetic history, landing them in the center of the 1863 New York City Draft Riots. This story is ideal for older middle schoolers and high schoolers who enjoy fast-paced action but are also ready to grapple with heavy themes like systemic injustice, the ethics of technology, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. While it functions as a thrilling adventure, it provides a safe space to discuss how the past shapes our identity and how we can find our own path despite a difficult family history.
