"SKY JUMPERS, Book 2: The Forbidden Flats," by Peggy Eddleman, Random House Children's Books, $16.99, 262 pages (f) (ages 8 and up)
Utah author Peggy Eddleman returns with the next book in the Sky Jumpers series, "The Forbidden Flats." While the adventure is different from the first installment, Eddleman keeps readers on their toes and guides them deeper into discoveries about this future United States and even Hope herself.
At the end of the first book, Hope and her friends had risked their lives to save their town of White Rock from the bandits who had taken over. Now, in "Forbidden Flats," it is months later and the town is settling back down and finally getting back into a normal routine.
Then, a massive earthquake strikes, leaving destruction across White Rock and fissures in the earth that release a gas that, when combined with the poisonous atmospheric level called Bomb's Breath, causes this deadly air to sink lower by the day. If nothing is done, the Bomb's Breath will lower all the way into the town, forcing its residents to evacuate and find new homes.
The only way to stop this from happening is for a small team of townspeople to travel hundreds of miles away to the Rocky Mountains and gather a mineral that, when combined with these new gases, will restore the Bomb's Breath to its previous height. The problem is the town where the mineral is mined is located above the Bomb's Breath.
Because of her courageous ability to travel through the Bomb's Breath, Hope is allowed to go on the expedition and retrieve the mineral.
While Hope is on the journey, Eddleman brings in new characters, like the guide, Luke, who add depth and history to the story and bring out new qualities in the original characters.
The science and research involved in the story are evident and intriguing without losing younger readers to complicated language. Eddleman writes smart, strong characters whom readers can look up to.
Although this book has slower pacing than the first, the adventure is still prevalent and the need for Hope to rise above and succeed is paramount. Just when Hope thought she was finding out who she was, she has to learn all over again where she comes from and how to use her strengths even when it doesn't seem the situation calls for them.
"The Forbidden Flats" has no swearing or foul language, sexual content or violence.
If you go ...
What: Peggy Eddleman book signing and "The Forbidden Flats" book launch
When: Tuesday, Sept. 23, 7 p.m.
Where: The King's English, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City
Web: kingsenglish.com, peggyeddleman.com
Note: Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of the featured book from The King's English.
Also ...
What: Local authors and You
When: Saturday, Sept. 27, 1-5 p.m.
Where: Viridian Events Center, 8030 S. 1825 West, West Jordan, Utah, 84088
Web: viridiancenter.org
Also ...
What: Young adult author Meet and Greet
When: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 7 p.m.
Where: The King's English, 1511 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City
Web: kingsenglish.com
Note: Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of the featured book from The King's English.
Tara Creel is a Logan native and mother of three boys. Her email is taracreel@gmail.com, and she blogs at taracreelbooks.wordpress.com.