Cosmic

Starred review from December 14, 2009
The hero of Boyce’s enchanting third novel has grown a bit over the summer. “Seven inches is not a spurt,” his father says. “Seven inches is a mutation.” Having facial hair and the height of an adult is a nuisance for 12-year-old Liam, until he realizes he can pass for a grownup. The charade escalates into danger when Liam passes himself off as his own father and wins a trip to a new theme park in China with his friend Florida, where they will be the first to experience an out-of-this-world new thrill ride. “The Rocket” turns out to be a real rocket, and the novel opens with Liam and four other kids literally lost in space. What follows is a hilarious and heartfelt examination of “dadliness” in all its forms, including idiotic competitiveness and sports chatter, but also genuine care and concern. Luckily for the errant space cadets, Liam possesses skills honed playing World of Warcraft online—yes, here is a novel, finally, that confirms that playing computer games can be good for you. A can’t-miss offering from an author whose latest novel may be his best yet. Ages 8–12.

Liam's just a kid, but he looks so mature that he's continually mistaken for an adult. When he poses as a dad to compete for a chance to go to outer space, he's suddenly flooded with insights on the benefits and drawbacks of being a grown-up. Narrator Kirby Heyborne enlivens the abundant humor in Boyce's work while offering many poignant moments as Liam gains insight into what it means to be a dad. Heyborne enhances this story with his expressive English voice and his knack for distinguishing abundant characters. His light touches deftly individualize characters without their becoming cartoonish. This production is funny, engaging, and touching. J.C.G. (c) AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine