"Part of the Sci Hi series, this fast-paced story includes factual information, discussion of the scientific method, and the role of science and scientists." Grades 3-8. (May/June, p. 44)

Hive Mind is the first book in this author’s new Sci Hi series for younger middle grade readers. This futuristic story opens somewhere in the relatively near future where young Sidney Jamison has just taken apart his mother’s Voxpod. Sidney loves to take things apart to see how they work. He’s constantly asking questions and wondering about the hows and whys of things. He’s terribly frustrated with school where all he sees is the same material covered again and again. Sidney wants more. And he’s about to get it. Sidney’s just been invited to become a student at the legendary Sci Hi school–a special school that most kids don’t even know exists. And how cool is it to go to a school with it’s very own rocket launcher? Sidney quickly befriends Hari, and Penny and the three of them become a first year team tackling assigments together. But things are going to get a bit sticky when the trio are part of a field trip that takes them inside a bee colony . . . Factual science combined with science fiction gadgetry and upbeat adventure make for an enjoyable and informative ride!
This is the kind of fiction that teachers can pair up with nonfiction assignments to inspire real interest and excitement. Just throw in some of recent articles or books on bees. Or a book or two on parasites. With all the need to expand nonfiction, it’s important to remember that fiction can help offer the inspiration for readers so that they want to pursue information on a topic.