THE RACE TO ERASE

The reader joins four young climate heroes to help save planet Earth in this interactive, near-future adventure story.

Everyone knows that Earth is old and dangerous, and it’s time for humans to get off the planet. At least, that’s the message that the Calamity Corporation has been touting. When 11-year-old Jarrett attends a Climate Club meeting at the home of his classmate Lina, whose parents run the Calamity Corporation, everything goes haywire. Upon touching special spheres secretly created to destroy Earth, Jarrett and fellow club members Malik, Agnes, and Freya are imbued with powers relating to animals, water, land, and air. As they go on the run from evil robots, the heroes require assistance to save themselves and the planet. At three points in the book the reader is required to make a decision that will either end the journey or propel the adventure forward. The nonstop action is engaging, but these interactive elements detract more than add to the story, even if they do fit with the overall theme of how to be environmentally conscious. This tale kicks off a new series, and the ending provides only the barest amount of satisfying closure, leaving much open for future installments. Though characters’ races and ethnicities aren’t described, the book cover depicts one character as brown-skinned; the others are light-skinned or tan-skinned. It’s hinted that Jarrett and Malik’s relationship is more than just a friendship.

Full of fun action but not entirely rewarding.