Oscar and the Mystery of the Glowing Orbs (The Sensate Saga #1)

This earnest caper by Everts (The Spiritually Vibrant Home, for adults) imagines a world in which adolescent hormones trigger not just emotional overdrive but empathic superpowers. High school freshman Oscar, who walks with a limp due to a car accident, is nervous about starting school in a new city. Arriving home after his first day, Oscar is recounting the bullying he experienced when silver spheres only he can see appear before him, projecting his fears and memories. Later, at school, he learns that the newspaper club is also a front for a secret group called Sensates, each of whom has a unique power: classmate Annie sees relationships as white strings between individuals, and club adviser Ms. R can hear unspoken questions. Combining their powers and journalistic prowess, the Sensates set out to unravel the mystery of a racist taunt spray-painted on the trophy case of Centerville High’s beloved bagpipe group. The novel’s tone abruptly shifts between confident, bland, and goofy, and often feels out of touch with contemporary teen dynamics, making for an uneven read. Throughout, message-heavy text from Everts demonstrates how people can grow emotionally and spiritually through hardship, and delves into the affirming power of friendship and belonging. Ages 10–14. (Feb.)