About This Book
Reach for this book when your child feels like their unique traits are burdens rather than assets, or if they are struggling to find their 'tribe' in a new environment. This science fiction adventure follows Avery, a newcomer to a Texas town where a mysterious substance called glow fuels a high-speed sport and granted strange abilities to a group of misfit friends known as the Sardines. Beyond the telepathy and gravity-defying skating, the story deeply explores the anxiety of being different and the fear of one's own potential. Ideal for ages 8 to 12, it balances fast-paced action with a sensitive look at how middle schoolers navigate bullying and self-doubt. Parents will appreciate how it frames 'strangeness' as a superpower, helping children see that what makes them stand out is often what makes them capable of changing the world. It is a perfect choice for kids who enjoy mysteries involving government secrets and tight-knit friendship groups.
