Trex is a mix of mystery, action, adventure, and science fiction–all topped with a dose of real-world reality when it comes to some of the things that middle schoolers struggle with. The format is alternating first person chapters by Trex (electric kid extraordinaire who wants to by ordinary), Millie (outcast and introvert who wants to be a detective), and a mysterious third party whose identity is not revealed until quite late in the book with a deft twist of the plot. This is a blazing quick read with brief chapters and rapid-fire action.

There were a couple of small hints at a larger scientific connection between the catalytic accident of the past and the current occurrences of dry lightning, but this was never really developed within the story, which could have been interesting. There was an unexpected focus on some mental health issues that was particularly well-done–showing that being different and having struggles does not mean a person is broken; this message never went into the preachy zone and flowed naturally.

Overall, this is just a fun, action-filled sci-fi adventure that is recommended for both male and female readers.

Review of a Digital Advance Reading Copy provided by Delacorte Press

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:

Violence/Gore: Unconfirmed report of broken leg from accidental fall; character spies on another who names dolls after her school mates and maims them; report of prior death of parent in an accident; character shocks another; reference to a surgery on a young child; character experiences intense pain; kidnapping; painful, medical procedure performed on a young character (against their will); young character attacks an adult, inflicting burn wounds, and intense pain is inflicted on the young character; verbal threats; verbal plotting on how the murder/death of a young character will be explained; character is pushed and receives a serious head wound; adult grabs another by the neck.

Sex/Nudity: A boy and girl are teased about being girlfriend/boyfriend (they are not); character reports in the past seeing a boy and a girl kiss.

Mature Subject Matter:

Death of a family member, mental health issues (anxiety), ethics, science experimentation on children.

Alcohol/Drugs:

Children are sedated with tranquilizers; prescribed medications by a doctor; cigarette butts;