Trex

by Christyne Morrell (Author)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade

This middle grade mystery follows the adventures of a boy with an experimental brain implant, and a reclusive girl training to be a spy, as they're pitted against school bullies, their own parents, and an evil, brain-hacking corporation.

Trex's experimental brain implant saved his life--but it also made his life a lot harder. Now he shocks everything he touches. When his overprotective mother finally agrees to send him to a real school for sixth grade, Trex is determined to fit in. He wasn't counting on Mellie the Mouse. She lives in the creepiest house in Hopewell Hill, where she spends her time scowling, lurking, ignoring bullies, and training to be a spy. Mellie is convinced she saw lightning shoot from Trex's fingertips, and she is Very Suspicious. And she should be . . . but not of Trex. Someone mysterious is lurking in the shadows . . . someone who knows a dangerous secret.

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Kirkus

Definitely buzzworthy.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-7--Twelve-year-old Trex Wilson is used to cross-country moves, having zero friends, and being unable to touch anyone without wearing rubber gloves. It's all par for the course when you're a middle schooler with an experimental brain implant whose side effects include shooting lightning bolts out of your fingertips. Ever since he received the first biotechnology of its kind after a near-fatal car accident, his mother has kept them on the move, fearing that The Company wants Trex as a test subject. When they arrive in Hopewell, Trex convinces his mom that he can keep his powers under wraps while attending school for the first time. What he isn't counting on is a classmate like Mellie Chandler, an aspiring detective who witnesses a zap and begins spying on Trex. After the two bond over their shared social isolation (she suffers from excruciating stomachaches and is the target of bullying), Mellie enlists Trex's help investigating The Prowler, a mysterious stranger that Trex worries could be a Company representative. This novel delivers on its engaging Stranger Things--meets-superheroes hook with a well-plotted mystery that balances action, friendship, and thoughtful discussion of mental health. Although some plot revelations are delivered too conveniently, the book's major twist pays off and fuels an action-packed second half. Both protagonists are presumed white. VERDICT A worthwhile purchase with cross-cutting appeal for readers of mystery, science fiction, or heartfelt friendship narratives; hand to fans of Greg Van Eekhout or Stacy McAnulty.--Elizabeth Giles

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Praise for Trex

"Trex is a terrific adventure, with scheming sci-fi villains, mad scientists, secrets, lies, double identities, and two brave friends who risk everything in order to bring down an evil corporate conspiracy. Smart, thrilling, loads of fun, and perfect for Stranger Things fans!"—Elizabeth C. Bunce, Edgar Award-winning author of the Myrtle Hardcastle Mystery series

"Original, exciting, and chock-full of mysteries for the reader to unpack, Trex has all the makings of a hit."—Wesley King, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Wizenard Series

"Spies, secret identities, human science experiments, evil corporations, and two big-hearted kids solving big mysteries—an electrifying tale!"—Jess Redman, author of The Miraculous

"Trex is a heart print, page-turner about finding friendships, keeping secrets, and accepting what makes us uniquely and wonderfully different. A must read!"—Elly Swartz, author of Dear Student

"This novel delivers on its engaging Stranger Things-meets-superheroes hook...hand to fans of Greg Van Eekhout or Stacy McAnulty."—SLJ
Christyne Morrell
Christyne Morrell is the author of Kingdom of Secrets. When she's not writing for kids, she's busy raising one. She is a corporate attorney, and in her spare time enjoys reading, baking, and watching House Hunters marathons. She lives with her family in Decatur, Georgia.
Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780593433270
Lexile Measure
640
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Delacorte Press
Publication date
August 01, 2023
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV053000 - Juvenile Fiction | Science Fiction
JUV028000 - Juvenile Fiction | Mysteries, Espionage, & Detective Stories
JUV039230 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Bullying
JUV036020 - Juvenile Fiction | Technology | Inventions
Library of Congress categories
Friendship
Schools
Mystery and detective stories
Detective and mystery fiction
Science fiction
Middle schools
Brain
Implants, Artificial
School fiction

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