The Softwire: Virus On Orbis 1

By: P. J. Haarsma

Summary:

“The Renaissance,” a spaceship filled with young orphaned teens, has been traveling to the Rings of Orbis where they will start a new life. Thirteen years ago, something cataclysmic happened to their parents. No one knows what it was. Before they disappeared, the parents located a safe place for their children to build a new life. At least that’s what the children were hoping for. No sooner had they docked the Renaissance and started leaving the ship when they were challenged by the native inhabitants. They can’t go back. What will they do?

Reader Enjoyment Factors:

The story will captivate the science fiction enthusiast and appeal to the reluctant reader at whom the book is targeted.

Content Awareness Factors:

The cast of characters, the number of plots and sub-plots and overall pace of the book may well be an obstacle for sustaining the interest of reluctant readers. Illustrations would be an asset to the works, as well.

Parent Reaction

The author is attempting to write a legitimate and interesting piece of Science Fiction and at the same time, provide literature that will be popular with reluctant readers. This is a well crafted piece of science fiction. Aimed at an adolescent audience, the challenges, characters, and story are believable and relevant to the reader.

Type of Book:
This is a young adult science fiction novel. [High interest / low readability option]

Educational Themes:

The author designed this series to capture the reluctant and/or non-engaged reader. Based on feedback from classroom teachers, the series seems to have struck a positive chord with the target audience. This is an adventure series meant to encourage recreational reading.

Reading Level:
4.6

Recommended Age To Read By Yourself:
12 and Up

Recommended Age To Read Together:
10 and Up

Purchase Recommendation:
Buy. The Softwire series will captivate the science fiction enthusiast and appeal to the reluctant reader at whom the book is targeted. This would be an excellent birthday gift or Christmas present stocking stuffer.

Title	Virus On Orbis 1
About	The Softwire, Book 1
Author	P. J. Haarsma
Publisher	Candlewick Press, Walker Books Group © 2006
ISBN	9780763627096
Material	Hard Cover
Genres	Adventure, Family, Science Fiction