"One Giant Leap provides a vivid first-person account of space travel in all its terrifying glory precisely because it comes from someone who hasn't yet learned how to filter his unabashed wonderment.This exciting science fiction adventure is geared to readers looking to push their boundaries." -BookLife by Publishers Weekly, EDITOR'S PICK
"A pulse-pounding rocket ride! Fin Scott is totally stoked to win a ride to be one of the first kids in space, but when stray space junk cripples the International Space Station, it's up to him and the other kids on the mission to save the adults trapped there before it's incinerated in the Earth's atmosphere. With Gartner's trademark cinematic writing that makes you feel like you're right there in the middle of the action, mixed with humor and heart, kids will love this adventure! And just try reading that first chapter without being caught in the story's gravitational pull!" -Sam Subity, author of The Last Shadow Warrior
"Another great book from Ben Gartner. This book is a heart-pounding, zero-G adventure, with kids who save the day, and a few mysteries thrown in for good measure. It's like Gravity meets Space Case. I couldn't stop reading!" -Adam Perry, author of Ghosts Come Rising
"Smart, fast-paced, and an absolute must for anyone who dreams of space. STEM fans, take note! This thrillride is for you!" -Katie Slivensky, author of The Countdown Conspiracy
"Ben Gartner is the master of middle-grade voice, and he has truly stepped up his game with ONE GIANT LEAP. I was instantly hooked, and grinning at the one-liners and smart observations of Fin Scott and the kids on this fast-paced space adventure. It's the perfect blend of action, visual storytelling, and mystery that's sure to appeal to reluctant readers. Get lost in space with ONE GIANT LEAP-you don't want to miss this book!" -Fleur Bradley, award-winning author of Midnight at the Barclay Hotel and Daybreak on Raven Island
"An excellent, STEM-focused narrative that will inspire middle grade readers with moments of true emotion and self-realization that anchor the story in the complicated realities of adolescence." -Mary Lanni, reviewer for School Library Journal
2022-11-26
Gartner’s middle-grade space adventure follows a boy’s space-travel adventure as it takes a dangerous turn.
“I’m pretty sure I’m about to die in space. And I just turned twelve and a half.” From this heart-pounding opening, readers are launched on a journey into the near future with Fin Scott, a tween with astronomical potential. Readers soon learn that Fin’s life changed when he received what he calls the “Package of Destiny”: His invention has won him the chance to train at NASA’s Houston facilities, board the Aether spacecraft to visit the International Space Station, and take a three-day trip to an outpost orbiting the moon. With his mom in the hospital and his dad spending most of his time with her, Fin wants nothing more than to get away; his uncle Dennis agrees to act as his guardian in space. At NASA headquarters, Fin meets his fellow contest winners—Mae Jorgenson, David Kalkutten, and Kal Agarwal—as well as the Aether’s commander, Marc Horowitz, and glowering “paper pusher” Mr. Deuce, who seems determined to shut the space program down. Together, the kids must train hard to prepare for their upcoming mission, but as problems begin to mount, it starts to appear that there may be a saboteur among them. Things get worse when the group launches into space, where multiple disasters strike. Over the course of this book, Gartner delivers a story in which naturalistic dialogue flows effortlessly, which has the effect of capturing the kids’ simultaneous joy and trepidation at being surrounded by adults who take them (mostly) seriously. At one point, for example, Fin tells Mae, “For what it’s worth, you are the best fourteen-year-old pilot I know.” She responds, “Yeah, I’m pretty great,” although Fin “can tell it’s with a hint of teasing herself.” Overall, it’s a well-paced tale that will remind young readers of the truly breathtaking wonders of space travel.
Relatable characters ground a story that’s suspenseful, funny, and heartwarming.
