"Grades 5-7: Set during the 1960s and 1970s, the novel follows Jason Steed from his birth, which caused his mother's death and created a rift between him and his father, to a critical mission he accidentally joins at age 11. Jason is almost superhuman: his martial arts skills across several styles are amazing, his linguistic ability incredible, and his tenacity and resolve, even at age five, are impressive. But despite his amazing skills and his knack for getting himself into places and organizations where he shouldn't be, Jason has normal emotions: he craves his father's love, he develops firm friendships, he takes a stand against bullies, and he mourns when he cannot prevent the deaths of his friends. The action is fast, and the spy and military aspects of the Sea Cadets, a British organization that trains youngsters for the military, seem designed to appeal to reluctant male readers. The novel is violent, particularly in Jason's final (and accidental) mission, and the deaths that impact him are handled with grace, even while physical injuries are graphically described. The writing is a little unpolished, and Jason's maturity and abilities are over the top, but the adventure is exactly on target for the intended audience."
-Alana Joli Abbott, formerly at James Blackstone Memorial Library, Branford, CT (c) Copyright 2010.
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About the Author
"Mark A. Cooper was born in London and moved with his wife and son to the U.S. in 2003. When his 12-year-old son's grades improved after reading the Harry Potter series, Mark decided to encourage literacy with his own novel. He self-published Fledgling: Jason Steed and the novel has enjoyed huge success and a devoted following on the web."
Book Description
"Jason Steed is looking for a place to call home. He finds what he's looking for in the Sea Cadets-an elite group of British youngsters being groomed for lifelong service in the military. But when a routine training exercise goes awry, Jason finds himself in the middle of a secret mission. The future of the world hangs in the balance...and Jason might be the only one who can save it."
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