The Jamie Drake Equation

Featuring an intriguing premise, this novel by Edge (The Many Worlds of Albie Bright) nimbly intertwines science, math, and fiction. Jamie Drake’s father, a British astronaut commanding the International Space Station, is on an unprecedented mission to launch an array of tiny, laser-propelled “nano-spacecraft” into the stars to search for alien life. Days before his father’s space walk, Jamie ventures into a seemingly abandoned observatory. There, he discovers an eccentric astronomer who is combing the galaxy for alien signals, drawing inspiration from American astrophysicist Frank Drake’s 1960s algebraic equation that estimates the number of possible intelligent civilizations in the Milky Way. Fiction entertainingly edges out science as Jamie gets pulled into the space fray after downloading a message from an alien in distress. Jamie is catapulted to stardom as he sets off to rescue both his alien buddy and his stranded father in a fantastical finale. Back matter explaining scientists’ real-life search for extraterrestrial intelligence brings readers back to earth—and leaves them wondering, “What if...?” Ages 9–12. (June)