About This Book
A parent would reach for this book when their teen feels the weight of adult responsibilities or struggles with the feeling that the 'game' of life is rigged against them. It is a perfect choice for the young reader who loves high-stakes action but is also beginning to question the ethics of power and the costs of patriotism. Jo Linden, an underdog pilot from a working-class background, enters a dangerous mechanical combat competition to save her family from financial ruin. Set in an alternate 1960s where giant mecha suits replaced the nuclear bomb, the story explores themes of resilience, family loyalty, and systemic corruption. While it delivers the adrenaline of a sports drama, it also offers a nuanced look at a girl navigating a male-dominated field while carrying a heavy secret. Parents will appreciate the way it bridges historical curiosity with modern conversations about social class and integrity, making it an excellent bridge for teens who are moving from middle-grade adventure into more complex political thrillers.
