Planet Mappers

The Carver brothers had always been passengers on their father's survey mission through the galaxy. Then an accident leaves Mr. Carver incapacitated, and suddenly seventeen-year-old Jon and his younger brother Jak are alone with a starship full of equipment and a mission to complete. They've spent their whole lives preparing for this moment, but nothing could train them for the isolation, the danger, and the weight of deciding which worlds might one day hold human life. Planet Mappers is old-school adventure at its finest: a story about ordinary competence meeting extraordinary circumstances. The brothers complement each other perfectly, each contributing different skills to solve the problems that arise. This is the kind of book that makes you believe teenagers could do remarkable things if given the chance. For readers who grew up on Heinlein's juveniles, or anyone who wants a brisk, optimistic space adventure with likeable young protagonists at its heart.