In the Red
Sale price
$1597
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020 · Est. 8 hour read

In the Red

By Christopher Swiedler

Two friends stranded on Mars must survive a solar flare's deadly aftermath.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 295 ratings
288 pages· 56,209 words· Est. 8 hour read
$16.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Michael and Lilith defy the rules, venturing onto Mars' surface in a stolen rover. When a solar flare cripples their systems, they're left stranded, battling time and dwindling resources. Can they survive the perilous journey back to safety, or will Mars claim them? The clock is ticking, and every decision could be their last.

From the publisher

A harrowing, pulse-pounding race for survival that New York Times bestselling author D. J. MacHale says “will leave you breathless.”

Michael Prasad knows he shouldn’t go out on the Mars surface alone. It’s dangerous. His parents have forbidden it. And the anxiety he feels almost every time he puts on a spacesuit makes it nearly impossible for him to leave the safety of the colony.

But when his best friend, Lilith, suggests they sneak out one night, he can’t resist the chance to prove everyone–including himself–wrong.

As the two ride along the Mars surface in a stolen rover, miles from the colony, a massive solar flare hits the planet, knocking out power, communication, and navigation systems, and the magnetic field that protects the planet from the sun’s deadly radiation.

Stranded hours from home with an already limited supply of food, water, and air, Michael and Lilith must risk everything if they’re to get back to the colony alive.

At a glance
Format
Hardcover
Pages
288
Words
56,209
Reading age
8–12
Audience
Middle Grade
Lexile
700L
Themes & topics
Books about outer spaceBooks about technologyBooks about exploration and discoveryBooks about MarsBooks about survival stories
For the grown-ups

The parent guide

What families may want to know

Every family reads differently. These are the concepts our editors noticed in this book — worth seeking out for some readers, worth knowing about for others. The list isn't exhaustive, but it's a spoiler-light head start.

Language

A few uses of "hell" and "Oh my god."

Sex

A group of older kids are amused as a boy changes into his spacesuit. He is behind a bush and out of sight.

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The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
~4.5
F&P level
~Q
Publication
Published
March 24, 2020
Publisher
HarperCollins
Edition
Language
English
Type
Chapter Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9780062894410

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