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Bounders #1
Bounders
Thirteen years ago, Earth Force—a space-military agency—discovered a connection between brain structure and space travel. Now they’ve brought together the first team of cadets, called Bounders, to be trained as high-level astronauts.
Twelve-year-old Jasper is part of this team being sent out into space. After being bullied back on Earth, Jasper is thrilled to have something new and different to do with other kids who are more like him. While learning all about the new technologies and taking classes in mobility—otherwise known as flying with jetpacks—Jasper befriends the four other students in his pod and finally feels like he has found his place in the world.
But then Jasper and his new friends learn that they haven’t been told everything about Earth Force. They weren’t brought to space for astronaut training, but to learn a new, highly classified brain-sync technology that allows them to manipulate matter and quantum bound, or teleport. And it isn’t long before they find out this new technology was actually stolen from an alien society.
When Jasper and his friends discover the truth about why Earth Force needs them, they are faced with a choice: rebel against the academy that brought them together, or fulfill their duty and protect the planet at all costs.
Twelve-year-old Jasper is part of this team being sent out into space. After being bullied back on Earth, Jasper is thrilled to have something new and different to do with other kids who are more like him. While learning all about the new technologies and taking classes in mobility—otherwise known as flying with jetpacks—Jasper befriends the four other students in his pod and finally feels like he has found his place in the world.
But then Jasper and his new friends learn that they haven’t been told everything about Earth Force. They weren’t brought to space for astronaut training, but to learn a new, highly classified brain-sync technology that allows them to manipulate matter and quantum bound, or teleport. And it isn’t long before they find out this new technology was actually stolen from an alien society.
When Jasper and his friends discover the truth about why Earth Force needs them, they are faced with a choice: rebel against the academy that brought them together, or fulfill their duty and protect the planet at all costs.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published January 5, 2016
51 people are currently reading
1418 people want to read
About the author
Monica Tesler
5 books85 followersMonica Tesler lives south of Boston with her family. She can often be found hiking or biking with her boys, writing on the commuter boat, or trying to catch a quiet moment for meditation. She is the author of the BOUNDERS series, a middle grade science fiction adventure series from Simon & Schuster/Aladdin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
September 29, 2015
Out of this world. No, really!
Debut author Tesler takes us beyond the Earth's atmosphere in the adventure-filled first book of a new series. Twelve-year-old Jasper is the first from his family to be a cadet in the Earth Force. Bred especially for this role as a "Bounder," Jasper and his new peers -- all of them neurodiverse -- have special capabilities that need to be honed in training. Along with his podmates -- some friends, some frenemies, and of course, one weirdo for good measure -- Jasper is tested in a variety of ways, far, far away from home. But when they stumble on something they never expected to see, they start to wonder if everything they've been told about the EarthBound Space Academy is actually true.
Tesler's book reminds me a bit of Rick Riordan's successful series. I loved the camaraderie (and mostly friendly competition) between pod mates and the other pods. Likewise, I appreciated the inventive world-building. I spend so much time immersed in highly realistic stories, it was such a treat to step into a book that took place in a different world. As someone who doesn't typically read sci-fi, I'm always looking for a way to root myself in the story. Here, I found it with the relationships between the friends. I was super intrigued by Mira from the start, and appreciated seeing Jasper and his friends come to a different understanding with her over the course of the book.
Excited to see this one bound into bookstores come January 2016!
Debut author Tesler takes us beyond the Earth's atmosphere in the adventure-filled first book of a new series. Twelve-year-old Jasper is the first from his family to be a cadet in the Earth Force. Bred especially for this role as a "Bounder," Jasper and his new peers -- all of them neurodiverse -- have special capabilities that need to be honed in training. Along with his podmates -- some friends, some frenemies, and of course, one weirdo for good measure -- Jasper is tested in a variety of ways, far, far away from home. But when they stumble on something they never expected to see, they start to wonder if everything they've been told about the EarthBound Space Academy is actually true.
Tesler's book reminds me a bit of Rick Riordan's successful series. I loved the camaraderie (and mostly friendly competition) between pod mates and the other pods. Likewise, I appreciated the inventive world-building. I spend so much time immersed in highly realistic stories, it was such a treat to step into a book that took place in a different world. As someone who doesn't typically read sci-fi, I'm always looking for a way to root myself in the story. Here, I found it with the relationships between the friends. I was super intrigued by Mira from the start, and appreciated seeing Jasper and his friends come to a different understanding with her over the course of the book.
Excited to see this one bound into bookstores come January 2016!
August 27, 2015
I received an advance copy of BOUNDERS in exchange for an honest review. I was immediately absorbed in this engaging and exciting story about five kids who bond, uncover secrets, and develop amazing skills at a space academy they were literally born to attend. It's the kind of book you want to drop everything for and just lose yourself in for days and days and days. The main character Jasper is especially lovable, an unlikely hero with relatable flaws and unexpected strengths, and the other four in his "pod," while all totally different and distinct, were equally interesting and fun to follow through the story as they each developed and transformed. And naturally, I won't give away any spoilers, but the plot is full of danger, mysteries, and excitement!
Monica Tesler has created a future world that's as fun as any fantasy, only way cooler! BOUNDERS is truly out of this world! I can't wait to recommend this book to every kid I know.
Monica Tesler has created a future world that's as fun as any fantasy, only way cooler! BOUNDERS is truly out of this world! I can't wait to recommend this book to every kid I know.
January 5, 2016
I received an advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I loved BOUNDERS! Unlike some books that can't fulfill the promise of their fascinating hook, this one drew me in more and more as the plot developed.
It's a story of heroes who arise from the ashes of a gene pool so despised that it was deliberately bred out of the human race long ago, on post-climate-change Earth.
Ignorant bullies would call them sped-heads today; society in the future calls them "Bounders". The name comes from the fact that their intricate, off-kilter neurological wiring renders them perfect candidates for a new, body-based version of a brilliant kind of space travel called Bounding.
But it may also make them the perfect tools for a master plan only 12-year-old Bounder Jasper Adams and his friends at the training academy have begun to suspect.
Monica Tesler brings back the wonder of classic science fiction with this surprising, character-driven adventure into a future where technology seems to have done little but give humanity wider scope for making the same old, tired mistakes. With a planet colonization program only slightly less culturally sensitive than James T. Kirk, and a space program hand-in-glove with a military that seems strangely focused on glitzy public relations, who can Jasper and the Bounders trust? And when they've been told since birth that Bounding is their destiny, how can they even trust themselves?
The story is told through Jasper's POV, in a truly believable Middle Grade voice. The events and technologies are grasped and explained only at the level that Jasper would get them, and so are the budding relationships at the Academy. Tesler demonstrates an extraordinary insight into the workings of varied mindsets along the autism spectrum as she fills us in on the Bounders' personalities with a compassionate, admiring pen. She also presents an inventive space-ship model that behaves like a quantum hybrid between the mechanism in Hitchcock's THE FLY and Schroedinger's Cat, which the "hard" sci fi fans among us should find deeply pleasing. With that, plus some adult characters ranging from the smarmy interplanetary version of Gilderoy Lockhart to a complex, interesting mentor who clearly knows more than he's yet able to reveal, Middle Grade readers will find this an engrossing thrill ride of a book.
A debut that left me VERY impatient for the next volume in the series!!
I loved BOUNDERS! Unlike some books that can't fulfill the promise of their fascinating hook, this one drew me in more and more as the plot developed.
It's a story of heroes who arise from the ashes of a gene pool so despised that it was deliberately bred out of the human race long ago, on post-climate-change Earth.
Ignorant bullies would call them sped-heads today; society in the future calls them "Bounders". The name comes from the fact that their intricate, off-kilter neurological wiring renders them perfect candidates for a new, body-based version of a brilliant kind of space travel called Bounding.
But it may also make them the perfect tools for a master plan only 12-year-old Bounder Jasper Adams and his friends at the training academy have begun to suspect.
Monica Tesler brings back the wonder of classic science fiction with this surprising, character-driven adventure into a future where technology seems to have done little but give humanity wider scope for making the same old, tired mistakes. With a planet colonization program only slightly less culturally sensitive than James T. Kirk, and a space program hand-in-glove with a military that seems strangely focused on glitzy public relations, who can Jasper and the Bounders trust? And when they've been told since birth that Bounding is their destiny, how can they even trust themselves?
The story is told through Jasper's POV, in a truly believable Middle Grade voice. The events and technologies are grasped and explained only at the level that Jasper would get them, and so are the budding relationships at the Academy. Tesler demonstrates an extraordinary insight into the workings of varied mindsets along the autism spectrum as she fills us in on the Bounders' personalities with a compassionate, admiring pen. She also presents an inventive space-ship model that behaves like a quantum hybrid between the mechanism in Hitchcock's THE FLY and Schroedinger's Cat, which the "hard" sci fi fans among us should find deeply pleasing. With that, plus some adult characters ranging from the smarmy interplanetary version of Gilderoy Lockhart to a complex, interesting mentor who clearly knows more than he's yet able to reveal, Middle Grade readers will find this an engrossing thrill ride of a book.
A debut that left me VERY impatient for the next volume in the series!!
November 12, 2015
If somebody had told me before I read BOUNDERS that Monica Tesler had managed to write a middle grade novel in which the entire premise is built on an understanding of quantum entanglement, I probably would have laughed in their face. But she did! There's some great science fictional world-building in here, but most of all it's SO MUCH FUN.
There's a little bit of Ender's Game-style alien contact in here, a little bit of Harry Potter-style boarding school shenanigans, and the combination is a delightful space adventure story about a group of neurodiverse kids who come together thinking they are training for one kind of life, only to realize the world they're growing up into is very different and a lot more complicated than they ever knew.
Jasper and the other kids are a delight--I especially love how their different ways of thinking and experiencing the world slowly evolved from being points of conflict to being the glue that holds their team together. I am intrigued by the hints of where the larger arc of the story can go in the future, especially with regard to the larger science fictional questions it asks about the ethics of exploration and first contact. But that makes it sound heavy and serious, and it really isn't. This is a fun book full of adventure and mischief and kids getting themselves into trouble--and, usually, getting themselves out again.
(I read an advanced review copy of BOUNDERS.)
There's a little bit of Ender's Game-style alien contact in here, a little bit of Harry Potter-style boarding school shenanigans, and the combination is a delightful space adventure story about a group of neurodiverse kids who come together thinking they are training for one kind of life, only to realize the world they're growing up into is very different and a lot more complicated than they ever knew.
Jasper and the other kids are a delight--I especially love how their different ways of thinking and experiencing the world slowly evolved from being points of conflict to being the glue that holds their team together. I am intrigued by the hints of where the larger arc of the story can go in the future, especially with regard to the larger science fictional questions it asks about the ethics of exploration and first contact. But that makes it sound heavy and serious, and it really isn't. This is a fun book full of adventure and mischief and kids getting themselves into trouble--and, usually, getting themselves out again.
(I read an advanced review copy of BOUNDERS.)
January 5, 2016
I was lucky to receive an advanced copy of BOUNDERS.
Outside of his family, 12-year-old Jasper feels like he doesn't fit in. He's a bounder, specially bred to be different. But Jasper hopes that when he and the other 12-year-old bounders join up on the space station, he will finally find the place he fits among kids like him.
BOUNDERS kept my heart rate up--allies and enemies, classified government information, and nonstop action. The world-building is fantastic, and I fell in love with Jasper immediately. Themes of family and friendship resonate with me--Jasper's sister Addy and his friends Mira, Marco, Cole, and Lucy all have powerful roles to play in his growth. I also appreciate the subtle reminders that earth's ecosystem has a fragile balance.
I'm looking forward to the next book!
Outside of his family, 12-year-old Jasper feels like he doesn't fit in. He's a bounder, specially bred to be different. But Jasper hopes that when he and the other 12-year-old bounders join up on the space station, he will finally find the place he fits among kids like him.
BOUNDERS kept my heart rate up--allies and enemies, classified government information, and nonstop action. The world-building is fantastic, and I fell in love with Jasper immediately. Themes of family and friendship resonate with me--Jasper's sister Addy and his friends Mira, Marco, Cole, and Lucy all have powerful roles to play in his growth. I also appreciate the subtle reminders that earth's ecosystem has a fragile balance.
I'm looking forward to the next book!
August 19, 2015
This was such a fun story! I had the chance to read an advance reader copy and I was amazed by all the clever gadgets and world descriptions the author packed into this book. Most of all, I loved the character building. Each character had his/her own quirks and traits and it was so wonderful to watch them form friendships as they faced each challenge. Great read!
December 30, 2015
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for a fair review.
You don't get an awful lot of pure science fiction for Middle Grade readers, and that's a shame, because Bounders shows how well it can be done.
The "Bounders" in the story are the first generation of children bred to be able explore the universe by leaping through space. Recruited into the Earth Force Academy, they must train to Bound as well as to make use of mysterious new technology. Generations ago, undesirable genetic traits were bred out of humanity, but now that diversity has been found to be useful, and the genetic traits have been reintroduced for this select group of children, producing a neurodiverse group who have trouble fitting in but whose talents are essential.
Bounders occupies some of the same SF space as Starship Troopers and Ender's Game, but it comes with it's own spin. All of the "Bounders" are social misfits, outcasts among their peers on Earth, and this is where a lot of the strength of Tesler's book comes in: the throwing together of a bunch of misfits, who have to learn how to work together and complement each other in order to succeed. In between there are mysteries, adventures, danger and a very cool world in which to play.
I'd recommend this for anyone aged 10+ who likes science fiction, adventure, and great characters.
You don't get an awful lot of pure science fiction for Middle Grade readers, and that's a shame, because Bounders shows how well it can be done.
The "Bounders" in the story are the first generation of children bred to be able explore the universe by leaping through space. Recruited into the Earth Force Academy, they must train to Bound as well as to make use of mysterious new technology. Generations ago, undesirable genetic traits were bred out of humanity, but now that diversity has been found to be useful, and the genetic traits have been reintroduced for this select group of children, producing a neurodiverse group who have trouble fitting in but whose talents are essential.
Bounders occupies some of the same SF space as Starship Troopers and Ender's Game, but it comes with it's own spin. All of the "Bounders" are social misfits, outcasts among their peers on Earth, and this is where a lot of the strength of Tesler's book comes in: the throwing together of a bunch of misfits, who have to learn how to work together and complement each other in order to succeed. In between there are mysteries, adventures, danger and a very cool world in which to play.
I'd recommend this for anyone aged 10+ who likes science fiction, adventure, and great characters.
March 14, 2016
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and took it with me on a recent business trip to Europe, and honestly, it occupied every free moment I could scrounge! BOUNDERS creates a fascinating future world of aliens, tech, and interstellar travel, with action and plot expertly balanced to keep the pages flying by. But for me the author’s crowning achievement is her depiction of the team of kids at the center of the story. This is a compelling picture of a group of kids learning to work together. It reminded me of all that’s best about movies like “The Magnificent Seven” or “Ocean’s Eleven” with a team of individuals who all bring something unique and essential in order to realize their goal. The five main kids in BOUNDERS learn about leaning on each other, and about courage and finding their best selves. In particular, I fell in love with the narrator, Jasper, and his unusual friend, Mira, for all their gifts and shortcomings. I think young readers will find themselves caring deeply about these two young heroes too, and cheering for them like crazy just when things look bleakest.
December 22, 2015
This book was so great! I'm so glad I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I LOVED the characters in this fabulous middle grade debut. They are each so unique and well-developed. And speaking of well-developed, the BOUNDERS world totally pulled me in and didn't let go until the last page. What an awesome setting! If you want action, adventure, excitement, and some cool sci-fi fun, make sure to check out this book in January!
September 24, 2015
I loved this book!
I read an arc in return for a fair review, and I was so lucky I did.
Bounders is about Jasper, a boy born in the Bounder Breeding Program in order to be one of the first generation to pilot FTL ships to "bound" through space. Now that he's reached 12 years old, he and the other first generations are shipped off to space for their first tour of duty, where they learn how to bound, how to use jet packs, and how to work together in small five person pods.
But the Earth Force has been hiding something form the earth and from the Bounders, and Jasper and the other start to suspect that maybe they weren't born to be pilots but maybe weapons instead, in an oncoming, secret war with an alien species.
I loved so much about this book. Jasper is so likeable. He's klutzy and has a hard time concentrating, with makes him a target of bullies on earth. But he's close with his family, especially his sister, and he's kind to other kids, including non-verbal Mira.
And that is the thing I love MOST about this book, that all of the kids, all of the heroes, are neurodiverse. Some of them function better in social situations, some of them don't. And some of them, like Mira, can barely function on her own. And yet, all these kids are heroic, are strong, are wonderful, fully realized characters who grow and react realistically to both bad and good situations. They make mistakes like kids do, and they do the right things and the wrong things and learn.
Throw in the awesome adventures of learning how to use jetpacks, of visiting a Paleo Planet, of bounding through space, and we're left with a wonderful adventure full of fun and heart.
I read an arc in return for a fair review, and I was so lucky I did.
Bounders is about Jasper, a boy born in the Bounder Breeding Program in order to be one of the first generation to pilot FTL ships to "bound" through space. Now that he's reached 12 years old, he and the other first generations are shipped off to space for their first tour of duty, where they learn how to bound, how to use jet packs, and how to work together in small five person pods.
But the Earth Force has been hiding something form the earth and from the Bounders, and Jasper and the other start to suspect that maybe they weren't born to be pilots but maybe weapons instead, in an oncoming, secret war with an alien species.
I loved so much about this book. Jasper is so likeable. He's klutzy and has a hard time concentrating, with makes him a target of bullies on earth. But he's close with his family, especially his sister, and he's kind to other kids, including non-verbal Mira.
And that is the thing I love MOST about this book, that all of the kids, all of the heroes, are neurodiverse. Some of them function better in social situations, some of them don't. And some of them, like Mira, can barely function on her own. And yet, all these kids are heroic, are strong, are wonderful, fully realized characters who grow and react realistically to both bad and good situations. They make mistakes like kids do, and they do the right things and the wrong things and learn.
Throw in the awesome adventures of learning how to use jetpacks, of visiting a Paleo Planet, of bounding through space, and we're left with a wonderful adventure full of fun and heart.
November 13, 2015
I had the opportunity to read an ARC of Monica Tesler's BOUNDERS, and it was such a fun book! It's the story of a young man named Jasper who is chosen to be part of a special group of space cadets who will be trained to travel anywhere in the universe - fast! But as Jasper undergoes training and gets to know his new pod, he learns that EarthForce hasn't been 100 percent honest with them.
I think that kids who read this book are going to find a hero in Jasper. Jasper has difficulty paying attention in his training sessions. In working with students, I know many struggle with this in their own lives. I also loved the rest of his pod of cadets. I especially loved Mira. The pod really had to learn to work together to be successful. I also loved all of the different inventions and technology that Tesler dreamed up. I want to go train as a Bounder and zoom through the tubes and use the zippy backpacks (not the technical term).
This book has non-stop action, adventure, awesome + inventive technology, and super-cool, unique characters. Young readers are going to see themselves in this book!
I think kids are going to have such a blast reading this and will anxiously await the second installment (I know I am!) This is perfect for readers who love science/space, adventure, and awesome kids doing awesome things.
I flew through this book but can't wait till I get my own copy in January so I can join the adventure again.
I think that kids who read this book are going to find a hero in Jasper. Jasper has difficulty paying attention in his training sessions. In working with students, I know many struggle with this in their own lives. I also loved the rest of his pod of cadets. I especially loved Mira. The pod really had to learn to work together to be successful. I also loved all of the different inventions and technology that Tesler dreamed up. I want to go train as a Bounder and zoom through the tubes and use the zippy backpacks (not the technical term).
This book has non-stop action, adventure, awesome + inventive technology, and super-cool, unique characters. Young readers are going to see themselves in this book!
I think kids are going to have such a blast reading this and will anxiously await the second installment (I know I am!) This is perfect for readers who love science/space, adventure, and awesome kids doing awesome things.
I flew through this book but can't wait till I get my own copy in January so I can join the adventure again.
Read
January 13, 2016In this excellent space adventure, Specially bred neurodiverse kids are sent to train as Bounders -- people with an affinity for space travel. But all is not what it seems. ..
This book features an excellent cast of well-rounded characters, literally the full spectrum of neurodiversity. Tesler isn't shy about showing the positives and negatives of these kids, but it's when they can use their unique talents that they really shine.
She encorporates just enough shiny space tech to keep things riveting but not to overwhelm the story -- which at it's heart is really about a group of friends learning to face internal and external challenges against a backdrop of looming interstellar war. A fantastic read, and I can't wait for the next one!
(I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review)
This book features an excellent cast of well-rounded characters, literally the full spectrum of neurodiversity. Tesler isn't shy about showing the positives and negatives of these kids, but it's when they can use their unique talents that they really shine.
She encorporates just enough shiny space tech to keep things riveting but not to overwhelm the story -- which at it's heart is really about a group of friends learning to face internal and external challenges against a backdrop of looming interstellar war. A fantastic read, and I can't wait for the next one!
(I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review)
April 3, 2016
BOUNDERS was a thrilling sci-fi adventure that had me wishing I could read at super human speed. The main character, Jasper, has grown up knowing that he will one day enter the space-military agency, Earth Force. The time comes for him to join the first group of Bounders at the base and Jasper finds himself faced with a whole array of new challenges - from mastering new technology to learning to work as a team. When Jasper and his friends discover that the adults at Earth Force have not been telling them the whole truth about their situation…well, no spoilers here, but the ending had some excellent edge-of-your-seat action sequences.
With awesome world-building that was out of this world, but a very down to earth emotional core, I thought that BOUNDERS was a great read. I’m so excited that it’s the beginning of a whole series because I can’t wait to read more!
With awesome world-building that was out of this world, but a very down to earth emotional core, I thought that BOUNDERS was a great read. I’m so excited that it’s the beginning of a whole series because I can’t wait to read more!
September 4, 2015
I received an ARC of this book and I'm so glad I did. Monica Tesler has such a great imagination. The story has great suspense but consistently maintains the perspective of a very 13-year-old boy. I always admire an author who can create tension with minor events such as breaking a rule, which is then intensified by more major events (like finding a program that tortures aliens?) The world building is meticulous. I particularly love all the great gadgets they have in the future. Made me wish I was a Bounder too!
I also liked the good disability politics behind the concept of the Bounder. What are labeled as disabilities on earth (then and now) turn out to actually be strengths. Hoping many middle graders read this in 2016. I'm sure they will be waiting for the next installment.
I also liked the good disability politics behind the concept of the Bounder. What are labeled as disabilities on earth (then and now) turn out to actually be strengths. Hoping many middle graders read this in 2016. I'm sure they will be waiting for the next installment.
March 9, 2016
My 10 year old son read this book and I couldn't help laughing when he told me, without irony, that it was about "space cadets." Ha! It totally IS about space cadets but as a child of the 70s & 80s that holds an entirely different connotation for me. He loved the book, has recommended it to several school friends and I've overheard him explaining "bounding" to his little sister so they can play it. That's a unequivocal hit in my book. He also says there will definitely be a sequel and I'm on notice to look out for it. :)
September 8, 2015
I really loved the way this book took kids who in our world might be labeled with different learning disabilities and made those "quirks" in the way their brains worked the very thing that makes them so perfectly suited to be Bounders- such a positive and encouraging twist! Beyond that, this is a great sci-fi with excellent world-building. I can't wait to share this one with my own kids, who I know will love it!!
January 25, 2016
I'd give it 2.5 stars, and it was interesting enough that I'm reluctant to give it only 2 stars. I'm looking forward to Disability in Kidlit's review of this book, because while I think the author's heart was in the right place, I think the actual execution was deeply problematic. The Magical Disabled Person trope was front and center - and not just in the more surface level aspect of "hey, look, neurodiversity turns out to have its benefits", which was the premise of the books, so I was expecting it. The more atypical the kid, the more "special" they are, to the point where Mira - the girl who is non-verbal and "a total freak" according to one of the other characters - appears to be telepathic, both with other Bounders and with the aliens.
The whole Baby Bounder Breeding Program made me roll my eyes a little, but I was willing to accept it from a plot standpoint to allow that it has to be kids on the front lines. However looked at from a disability awareness standpoint, it's hugely problematic to say that neurodiversity has been "bred out generations ago". That's basically eugenics. It says to kids "if society could erase people like you, we'd do it, and only regret it later if it turned out you were specifically useful." Differences don't have to be "useful" to be appreciated. Also, how do you go about "breeding out" a whole series of only semi-related traits that has a fairly wide spectrum of behaviors from barely perceptible to requiring full support? Where is the end point of "acceptable?" And if these traits are all gone, how do they know that these traits are good in the first place? It also doesn't totally make sense to me that kids with such a diverse set of neurodiverse conditions would all be considered equally likely to be good at it. Or maybe that's where the "we don't know what we're doing, we're just hoping?" aspect comes in? In which case, why is Mira the only non-verbal child on the ship. She's clearly very different from every other kid, yet it's obvious she's the one that Waters, and some others, think will be the best. Why not bring other nonverbal kids on board for the trial?
The kids in the pod all pressure Mira to be "more normal", and it's seen as progress when she manages to do things a little more "normal".
Also, and this is really nitpicking now, but it bugged me every time they went into the room, why did Waters set up his pod room as specifically filled with stuff that I expect to see used in sensory processing therapy, then not actually use any of it? Why weren't the other pod rooms like that? If you're going to resurrect kids that you know will be different from what you're used to, and invest heavily in them, why would you not also research the best practices from the past for teaching in environments that are most conducive for learning? The Sensory Gym was great, but introduced weeks after the kids had already been there, and presented as a hangout place, rather than one that would be specifically useful to this set of kids because it specifically meets particular needs?
I questioned the world-building that said that it's been 13 years since problems started, yet nothing's really escalating until now. The Youni have such advanced technology it's difficult to see how they couldn't find another way to communicate than through a single Bounder kid. Maybe in the inevitable sequel we'll find out the Earth Force has been communicating all along, but it seemed off to me.
And none of that is even getting into the constant way that everyone uses B-wad as an insult. They do address this at least a little in the text, but I think it could have used a lot more unpacking.
The whole Baby Bounder Breeding Program made me roll my eyes a little, but I was willing to accept it from a plot standpoint to allow that it has to be kids on the front lines. However looked at from a disability awareness standpoint, it's hugely problematic to say that neurodiversity has been "bred out generations ago". That's basically eugenics. It says to kids "if society could erase people like you, we'd do it, and only regret it later if it turned out you were specifically useful." Differences don't have to be "useful" to be appreciated. Also, how do you go about "breeding out" a whole series of only semi-related traits that has a fairly wide spectrum of behaviors from barely perceptible to requiring full support? Where is the end point of "acceptable?" And if these traits are all gone, how do they know that these traits are good in the first place? It also doesn't totally make sense to me that kids with such a diverse set of neurodiverse conditions would all be considered equally likely to be good at it. Or maybe that's where the "we don't know what we're doing, we're just hoping?" aspect comes in? In which case, why is Mira the only non-verbal child on the ship. She's clearly very different from every other kid, yet it's obvious she's the one that Waters, and some others, think will be the best. Why not bring other nonverbal kids on board for the trial?
The kids in the pod all pressure Mira to be "more normal", and it's seen as progress when she manages to do things a little more "normal".
Also, and this is really nitpicking now, but it bugged me every time they went into the room, why did Waters set up his pod room as specifically filled with stuff that I expect to see used in sensory processing therapy, then not actually use any of it? Why weren't the other pod rooms like that? If you're going to resurrect kids that you know will be different from what you're used to, and invest heavily in them, why would you not also research the best practices from the past for teaching in environments that are most conducive for learning? The Sensory Gym was great, but introduced weeks after the kids had already been there, and presented as a hangout place, rather than one that would be specifically useful to this set of kids because it specifically meets particular needs?
I questioned the world-building that said that it's been 13 years since problems started, yet nothing's really escalating until now. The Youni have such advanced technology it's difficult to see how they couldn't find another way to communicate than through a single Bounder kid. Maybe in the inevitable sequel we'll find out the Earth Force has been communicating all along, but it seemed off to me.
And none of that is even getting into the constant way that everyone uses B-wad as an insult. They do address this at least a little in the text, but I think it could have used a lot more unpacking.
October 29, 2017
As a huge fan of ENDER'S GAME, I was so excited to read this book. And it did not disappoint! My son and I read it together before bed, and I would often find myself reading ahead after he went to sleep. (Shh! Don't tell him.) From the foundational concept that those born with various forms of neurodiversity are able to harness interstellar travel, to the warm, funny, cast of characters, to the nonstop adventure Jasper and his friends find at EarthBound Academy, this is a series that can be appreciated by parents and kids alike, and is equally great for fun pleasure reading and deeper discussion.
July 16, 2022
Ok... this book is SOOOOOO GOOD!!!!! I love it soooo much!!! The neurodivergent rep is amazing! For those who might have troble picking up on it, here are what I'm fairly certain the MC's neurodivergencies are:
Mira: non-verbal autistic
Jasper: ADHD-Inattentive type
Cole: autistic, maybe anxiety(?)
Lucy: ADHD-Hyperactive/Combined type
Marco: ADHD-Combined type (i think... he was a little harder...)
All the characters are amazingly written and the story is so good! There are no trigger warnings/content warnings that I can think of for this story other than some teasing (name-calling) and minor bullying (taunting during a meltdown). But, other than that, this is a clean, fun MG space opera story!!!!
Mira: non-verbal autistic
Jasper: ADHD-Inattentive type
Cole: autistic, maybe anxiety(?)
Lucy: ADHD-Hyperactive/Combined type
Marco: ADHD-Combined type (i think... he was a little harder...)
All the characters are amazingly written and the story is so good! There are no trigger warnings/content warnings that I can think of for this story other than some teasing (name-calling) and minor bullying (taunting during a meltdown). But, other than that, this is a clean, fun MG space opera story!!!!
January 4, 2016
When Simon & Schuster Canada approached me to review Bounders, Monica Tesler's debut, I was thrilled! It isn't often I come across a middle-grade title that excites me the moment it's pitched to me, but that's exactly what Bounders did. As a sci-fi title targeted towards younger readers, I was beyond thrilled to learn more about Monica's space-aged world and it's array of diverse characters.
"I don't think breaking rules on day one is the brightest idea, but I don't want to look like a complete wimp in front of Marco."
Twelve year old Jasper is a cadet - a Bounder - recruited by the Academy. In the state-of-the-art facilities, Jasper and his fellow cadets are trained and taught about new technology. Unfortunately, all isn't as it seems with Earth Force. When Jasper and his fellow cadets discover the truth behind the academy and the need for Bounders, they are faced with a life-altering choice - rebel against Earth Force or stay loyal.
"Did we make it?"
"I hope so. Either that or we're all lost together in some alternate dimension."
"Joking."
Readers can expect to see wonderful things from Monica Tesler! Bounders, the first installment in her debut series, was utterly captivating! Jasper (and friends) were excellent characters, each of which I inexplicably felt connected to, and of which I couldn't wait to share with other fellow readers (namely my younger nieces and nephews, whom, by the way, LOVED Bounders). I highly recommend Bounders to not just younger readers, but older readers as well, who are interested in a new perspective in the science fiction genre. Monica Tesler's world building, plot twists, and characters are a breath of fresh air and worth every flip of the page.
"I don't think breaking rules on day one is the brightest idea, but I don't want to look like a complete wimp in front of Marco."
Twelve year old Jasper is a cadet - a Bounder - recruited by the Academy. In the state-of-the-art facilities, Jasper and his fellow cadets are trained and taught about new technology. Unfortunately, all isn't as it seems with Earth Force. When Jasper and his fellow cadets discover the truth behind the academy and the need for Bounders, they are faced with a life-altering choice - rebel against Earth Force or stay loyal.
"Did we make it?"
"I hope so. Either that or we're all lost together in some alternate dimension."
"Joking."
Readers can expect to see wonderful things from Monica Tesler! Bounders, the first installment in her debut series, was utterly captivating! Jasper (and friends) were excellent characters, each of which I inexplicably felt connected to, and of which I couldn't wait to share with other fellow readers (namely my younger nieces and nephews, whom, by the way, LOVED Bounders). I highly recommend Bounders to not just younger readers, but older readers as well, who are interested in a new perspective in the science fiction genre. Monica Tesler's world building, plot twists, and characters are a breath of fresh air and worth every flip of the page.
October 20, 2015
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In BOUNDERS, Jasper has grown up knowing he was slated to join the inaugural class of the Earth Force academy. But when he and his new friends discover a well-kept secret at the space station, the chase is on to figure out what's going on all while in the midst of learning cool new skills like fling with a space pack, and controlling atoms with super-techno gloves.
Actually, I had trouble reading this book because my 11-yo kept stealing it from me. Every time I set it down, it mysteriously disappeared. :) Let's just say that if you have kids who love space and adventure, you need this book.
Such a fun read! The world-building is awesome. The mystery keeps you turning pages. And despite it's future-world setting, these kids deal with problems all kids face: bullying, making friends, belonging, dealing with disabilities. I especially loved the idea that your differences make you special. I definitely recommend this book!
In BOUNDERS, Jasper has grown up knowing he was slated to join the inaugural class of the Earth Force academy. But when he and his new friends discover a well-kept secret at the space station, the chase is on to figure out what's going on all while in the midst of learning cool new skills like fling with a space pack, and controlling atoms with super-techno gloves.
Actually, I had trouble reading this book because my 11-yo kept stealing it from me. Every time I set it down, it mysteriously disappeared. :) Let's just say that if you have kids who love space and adventure, you need this book.
Such a fun read! The world-building is awesome. The mystery keeps you turning pages. And despite it's future-world setting, these kids deal with problems all kids face: bullying, making friends, belonging, dealing with disabilities. I especially loved the idea that your differences make you special. I definitely recommend this book!
January 5, 2016
Closer to a 4.5.
A lot of people tend to be looking for the "next" something. This aspires to be the next Ender's Game, and surprisingly succeeds on the merits.
The story follows kids at a military-space school. Technology has allowed us to identify a link regarding the structure of the brain and space travel, so kids are brought to the academy to be trained. Of course, this is under false pretenses, and the kids soon learn what role they're supposed to play in an interplanetary situation.
I found this book to be unique in spite of the many tropes it employed, being a fun read overall with enough action and humor to balance the rest out. Might be a little more sophisticated than the age group it's initially intended for, but if you have kids who are looking for some great science fiction (especially after seeing the new Star Wars), this is definitely worth the time.
A lot of people tend to be looking for the "next" something. This aspires to be the next Ender's Game, and surprisingly succeeds on the merits.
The story follows kids at a military-space school. Technology has allowed us to identify a link regarding the structure of the brain and space travel, so kids are brought to the academy to be trained. Of course, this is under false pretenses, and the kids soon learn what role they're supposed to play in an interplanetary situation.
I found this book to be unique in spite of the many tropes it employed, being a fun read overall with enough action and humor to balance the rest out. Might be a little more sophisticated than the age group it's initially intended for, but if you have kids who are looking for some great science fiction (especially after seeing the new Star Wars), this is definitely worth the time.
August 10, 2016
There is so much to love about Bounders. I read this phenomenal debut after purchasing it for my oldest son. I had to wait until my oldest son read it, and then read it a second time--this time to his younger brother. The world building is phenomenal, as is the way Tesler has her characters navigate the universal kid problems of belonging and friendship. At the heart of this book is a really beautiful message about how our differences are what makes us special. Everyone in my house was glad to discover this book was the first in a series. We can't wait for the next one! Definitely highly recommend!
September 23, 2016
Bounders, an amazing book by Monica Tesler, is such an amazing book full of space. The book is about a child named Jasper, is a bounder. A child able to travel (bound) throughout space, without any ship of delays. Along the way, he meets some friends and faces challenges, like bullies. I would recommend this book to all the people who love space and a ton of science, and horror! All in all, this book was so amazing and interesting. I really loved this book.
February 17, 2016
BOUNDERS is so much fun! Lots of adventure, compelling characters, saving the world & some quantum science. A believable, fun MG voice, and a fresh and fully developed story. I loved this book. MG science fiction done right.
February 21, 2025
This book was better than I expected. It is a fun read with a good pace to keep you engaged. I like the science fiction and the world building that goes into this novel. A fun read and I look forward to reading more in this series.
February 5, 2017
I was at a thrift store when I spotted this book by the cash. It was the cover that attracted me. I'm an adult and I enjoy sci-fi and young readers books. The copy which I purchased is an advance reviewer copy and it is 367 pages.
It's hard for me not to compare this book to Harry Potter and Ender's Game (which is among my top three books) but I will try to review based on its own merits. I liked the book, but I feel it's best suited for a very young audience. Although it's in the same vein as Harry Potter and Ender's Game, it didn't carry the same complexities, depth or maturity.
The rest of my review will contain spoilers, so stop here if you don't want to know more.
Characters
Jasper - Love the name. His language and thoughts are what one might expect for a boy his age. I found the constant references to his inability to focus and to remind himself to pay attention quite irritating. The author notes that Bounders tend to exhibit certain characteristics, but this is never explained and this is a major flaw for me. I liked the idea of these kids having some unique abilities, but also having some challenges and I was disappointed that this idea wasn't expanded and explained. He is a reluctant leader and constantly questions why people are looking to him for guidance and planning, but he is able to think on his feet and use his teams strength to plan strategies.
Mira - In spite of the flaws of her character, she is still probably my favourite. Mira is a character clouded in mystery. She doesn't speak. She is often in her own world. I felt like she and Jasper were kids on the autistic spectrum. I found Mira a little too airy fairy and would have liked to see her develop a little bit more. She and Jasper share an interesting connection and although she doesn't speak with her voice, she speaks to Jasper in his mind several times. Mira is special and her abilities are already far more developed than the other Bounders.
Lucy - Lucy is irritating. I disliked her character the most. She is chatty, gossipy and super girly. She is the kind of girl that I avoid as I find her lacking in any real character. She doesn't excel at anything, other than being dramatic. Yawn.
Cole - typical nerd. He's a great gamer, serious, rules oriented. He becomes the teams techie and strategist. He's read everything printed on Bounding.
Marco - kinda like the team jock. When he is first introduced I wasn't sure if he was going to be the leader, or the antagonist. Turns out, he's neither. He's brave, energetic and he likes to break the rules. He comes up with nicknames for his team mates, but I wish he would limit it to one name for each character.
Regis - the antagonist. I can't even remember how he ended up having a grudge against Jasper. I thought he and Marco were friends. I don't get it. Not a good antagonist.
Plot
The plot revolves around the Baby Bounder program which selectively breeds kids with brains suited to space travel or bounding. The first kids bred through this program are now all young teens and are recruited to space camp for their first tour of duty. Within minutes of landing Jasper and Marco discover an alien is being held captive on the space station. Not the Tunnelers which are rodent like aliens that serve almost no purpose in the book. This alien is the big green kind. The kids suspect that they have been bred more than just space travel and eventually learn that they are bred as soldiers to defend earth from the green aliens. While all this going on, the kids learn to fly using jet packs and they learn the basics of gathering light and bounding. The explanation was lost on me, but I wanted to learn to bound, so that's the important part.
I like the description of the suction chutes, sensory gym and the pod room. This book had some great ideas and it think it would translate well to a movie. I didn't get the term B-wad and found it's usage annoying. On earth it's supposed to be an insult for kids that are different and identified as Bounders, which doesn't make sense, because these are the same kids chosen for space camp because they are special. When the kids use the term on the space station, I'm further confused, because they're all B-wads and as they have learned, it's pretty cool to be one.
Overall, most of the characters were average or archetypal. The plot has some mystery and I'm still not sure who the white hats are at this point. There are comments to suggest that the humans might be ones to have started the war. I'm interested enough that I will continue to read the series.
It's hard for me not to compare this book to Harry Potter and Ender's Game (which is among my top three books) but I will try to review based on its own merits. I liked the book, but I feel it's best suited for a very young audience. Although it's in the same vein as Harry Potter and Ender's Game, it didn't carry the same complexities, depth or maturity.
The rest of my review will contain spoilers, so stop here if you don't want to know more.
Characters
Jasper - Love the name. His language and thoughts are what one might expect for a boy his age. I found the constant references to his inability to focus and to remind himself to pay attention quite irritating. The author notes that Bounders tend to exhibit certain characteristics, but this is never explained and this is a major flaw for me. I liked the idea of these kids having some unique abilities, but also having some challenges and I was disappointed that this idea wasn't expanded and explained. He is a reluctant leader and constantly questions why people are looking to him for guidance and planning, but he is able to think on his feet and use his teams strength to plan strategies.
Mira - In spite of the flaws of her character, she is still probably my favourite. Mira is a character clouded in mystery. She doesn't speak. She is often in her own world. I felt like she and Jasper were kids on the autistic spectrum. I found Mira a little too airy fairy and would have liked to see her develop a little bit more. She and Jasper share an interesting connection and although she doesn't speak with her voice, she speaks to Jasper in his mind several times. Mira is special and her abilities are already far more developed than the other Bounders.
Lucy - Lucy is irritating. I disliked her character the most. She is chatty, gossipy and super girly. She is the kind of girl that I avoid as I find her lacking in any real character. She doesn't excel at anything, other than being dramatic. Yawn.
Cole - typical nerd. He's a great gamer, serious, rules oriented. He becomes the teams techie and strategist. He's read everything printed on Bounding.
Marco - kinda like the team jock. When he is first introduced I wasn't sure if he was going to be the leader, or the antagonist. Turns out, he's neither. He's brave, energetic and he likes to break the rules. He comes up with nicknames for his team mates, but I wish he would limit it to one name for each character.
Regis - the antagonist. I can't even remember how he ended up having a grudge against Jasper. I thought he and Marco were friends. I don't get it. Not a good antagonist.
Plot
The plot revolves around the Baby Bounder program which selectively breeds kids with brains suited to space travel or bounding. The first kids bred through this program are now all young teens and are recruited to space camp for their first tour of duty. Within minutes of landing Jasper and Marco discover an alien is being held captive on the space station. Not the Tunnelers which are rodent like aliens that serve almost no purpose in the book. This alien is the big green kind. The kids suspect that they have been bred more than just space travel and eventually learn that they are bred as soldiers to defend earth from the green aliens. While all this going on, the kids learn to fly using jet packs and they learn the basics of gathering light and bounding. The explanation was lost on me, but I wanted to learn to bound, so that's the important part.
I like the description of the suction chutes, sensory gym and the pod room. This book had some great ideas and it think it would translate well to a movie. I didn't get the term B-wad and found it's usage annoying. On earth it's supposed to be an insult for kids that are different and identified as Bounders, which doesn't make sense, because these are the same kids chosen for space camp because they are special. When the kids use the term on the space station, I'm further confused, because they're all B-wads and as they have learned, it's pretty cool to be one.
Overall, most of the characters were average or archetypal. The plot has some mystery and I'm still not sure who the white hats are at this point. There are comments to suggest that the humans might be ones to have started the war. I'm interested enough that I will continue to read the series.
December 18, 2016
A pleasant space adventure, with a likable team and positive messages, but light on the characters' development.
Jasper is ready to go to the EarthBound Academy. He's sad because he'll miss his young sister and playing music with her, but in another hand it'll be nice to escape his reputation of the guy who spaces out a lot. With the other kids of the 1st generation of bounders, he'll go to space to train and become a skilled traveller. With his pod of 5 kids, he'll find new friends and adventures.
During all the read, I've to say I'd the impression that Ender (from Ender's Game) was riding on my back. Indeed, the story was based on a bunch of 13 years old attending school in space and competing to be the most efficient team. The premise was interesting as the kids came from genetic engineering, not at its most successful state. Because of this, the cast had a good diversity with at least 2 autistic kids (I think) and another with attention deficit. They all brought something specific to their team, with their difficulties and skills, highlighting that being different isn't a liability but can be an asset (it's an awesome and very positive message). Jasper's pod was likable enough, but I was disappointed to not learn more about their backgrounds. The rest of the cast wasn't developed, so the antagonist cast was shallow and there was no true supportive cast. Because of this, the competition subplot was lacking, it seemed there were only 2 teams involved (the heroes and the bullies) when it should have been 26 teams (if I counted well). The scores were announced a few times, without being exciting, and the tests with actual competition weren't detailed enough. It was an important part that I usually enjoy in novels (even if I'm not competitive myself), because it adds tension and excitement, but it missed the point here.
There aren't many scifi books for kids and even if this one was a little dense and technic at some points, I found it satisfying, with a balanced team and a good world building. However, I'd difficulties to picture some of the scifi ideas (lost in translation or lack of description, difficult to know). Nevertheless, the sensory room seemed awesome and the time spent to Paleo was a lot of fun to read. The story wasn't fast paced but overall, it was a nice read, I'll check the next volume for more space adventure with the team.
Jasper is ready to go to the EarthBound Academy. He's sad because he'll miss his young sister and playing music with her, but in another hand it'll be nice to escape his reputation of the guy who spaces out a lot. With the other kids of the 1st generation of bounders, he'll go to space to train and become a skilled traveller. With his pod of 5 kids, he'll find new friends and adventures.
During all the read, I've to say I'd the impression that Ender (from Ender's Game) was riding on my back. Indeed, the story was based on a bunch of 13 years old attending school in space and competing to be the most efficient team. The premise was interesting as the kids came from genetic engineering, not at its most successful state. Because of this, the cast had a good diversity with at least 2 autistic kids (I think) and another with attention deficit. They all brought something specific to their team, with their difficulties and skills, highlighting that being different isn't a liability but can be an asset (it's an awesome and very positive message). Jasper's pod was likable enough, but I was disappointed to not learn more about their backgrounds. The rest of the cast wasn't developed, so the antagonist cast was shallow and there was no true supportive cast. Because of this, the competition subplot was lacking, it seemed there were only 2 teams involved (the heroes and the bullies) when it should have been 26 teams (if I counted well). The scores were announced a few times, without being exciting, and the tests with actual competition weren't detailed enough. It was an important part that I usually enjoy in novels (even if I'm not competitive myself), because it adds tension and excitement, but it missed the point here.
There aren't many scifi books for kids and even if this one was a little dense and technic at some points, I found it satisfying, with a balanced team and a good world building. However, I'd difficulties to picture some of the scifi ideas (lost in translation or lack of description, difficult to know). Nevertheless, the sensory room seemed awesome and the time spent to Paleo was a lot of fun to read. The story wasn't fast paced but overall, it was a nice read, I'll check the next volume for more space adventure with the team.
March 31, 2016
Jasper and his sister Addy were born Bounders. As Bounders, they were part of a breeding program that allowed them to be special in the sense that they think differently than normal kids their age. They better understand quantum mechanics and therefore have a better chance at successfully traveling through time and space. When Jasper turns twelve he is chosen to be a part of the EarthBound Space Academy where he and other kids like him will train to become high-level astronauts. Jasper quickly learns that being a Bounder doesn’t mean that everyone is special in the same way at the Academy. Everyone finds out their different strengths and weaknesses early on and it’s frustrating for everyone, especially Jasper when he feels like he is letting his classmates down. Finally, towards the end of their first tour before their trip to the Paleo Planet, everyone starts getting into the swing of thing and learn to work together. That is, until things start to go wrong while on the Paleo Plant and an alien who is probably their enemy shows up, trying to get them all to leave—and using force to it. Jasper and his friends must use their individual Bounder talents if they want to survive what should have been a routine field trip.
I really ended up liking this book. For the most part, I am a fan of science fiction but it really depends on how far they go with the futuristic qualities, especially if Earth is still relevant. Although I wasn’t sure how much into the future this book was set compared to now, I felt like the changes were believable. It was interesting how they had the whole breeding program to create kids for this program to be specifically made for time travel. I also liked the concept about how the kids are noticeably different and shunned at school, even though they were really meant for something bigger. I think that can parallel how sometimes the smarter kids can be picked on throughout elementary, middle, and high school and then once they leave school for college and real life, they are the ones who contribute great thing to society. Overall good book and I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of science fiction and adventure.
I really ended up liking this book. For the most part, I am a fan of science fiction but it really depends on how far they go with the futuristic qualities, especially if Earth is still relevant. Although I wasn’t sure how much into the future this book was set compared to now, I felt like the changes were believable. It was interesting how they had the whole breeding program to create kids for this program to be specifically made for time travel. I also liked the concept about how the kids are noticeably different and shunned at school, even though they were really meant for something bigger. I think that can parallel how sometimes the smarter kids can be picked on throughout elementary, middle, and high school and then once they leave school for college and real life, they are the ones who contribute great thing to society. Overall good book and I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of science fiction and adventure.
November 13, 2015
I work at a bookstore and we received the Advanced Readers Copy of this. I am reviewing an incomplete, uncorrected proof.
I really enjoyed Bounders. This is the kind of science fiction I wish I had grown up on. The classic authors have their scientific backgrounds but the techno-babble is either hit or miss. Bounders isn't that, while it breaks down the science behind the technology, it doesn't takes page after page to do it, neither does it simply explain by way of 'it works'. The target age for this is 10-14, but even as an adult, Tesler has made the story of Bounders relatable enough I enjoyed it.
Jasper is a Bounder. A child bred to make space exploration even easier. He, and well over a hundred other children from across the world are the first class ever in the EarthBound Academy. Jasper is a space cadet, both literally and figuratively. (And yes, Tesler did make sure to take advantage of the joke :) ).
Bounders takes place in an undefined future where humans are exploring and traveling the Galaxy at the blink of an eye, by Bounding. The twelve year old children that are the result of the breeding program are the future of the bounding technology. But not everything is as it seems. (Spoilers...Spoilers...Spoilers)
I won't go into much detail because is so easy to give so much away and the book doesn't even come out until January 2016. Suffice to say that Bounders is a coming of age story, one of friendship and finding yourself and accepting your faults and strengths as they are.
I devoured this book on my day off and I can't wait for the next one.
I really enjoyed Bounders. This is the kind of science fiction I wish I had grown up on. The classic authors have their scientific backgrounds but the techno-babble is either hit or miss. Bounders isn't that, while it breaks down the science behind the technology, it doesn't takes page after page to do it, neither does it simply explain by way of 'it works'. The target age for this is 10-14, but even as an adult, Tesler has made the story of Bounders relatable enough I enjoyed it.
Jasper is a Bounder. A child bred to make space exploration even easier. He, and well over a hundred other children from across the world are the first class ever in the EarthBound Academy. Jasper is a space cadet, both literally and figuratively. (And yes, Tesler did make sure to take advantage of the joke :) ).
Bounders takes place in an undefined future where humans are exploring and traveling the Galaxy at the blink of an eye, by Bounding. The twelve year old children that are the result of the breeding program are the future of the bounding technology. But not everything is as it seems. (Spoilers...Spoilers...Spoilers)
I won't go into much detail because is so easy to give so much away and the book doesn't even come out until January 2016. Suffice to say that Bounders is a coming of age story, one of friendship and finding yourself and accepting your faults and strengths as they are.
I devoured this book on my day off and I can't wait for the next one.
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