Phantom Wheel

Gr 9 Up—Six of the country's elite teen hackers are invited to compete for a college scholarship and a guaranteed job with the CIA. A few weeks after their hacking "simulations," Owen sends the five other hackers a message: "YOU'VE BEEN PLAYED." It wasn't a CIA competition, but an elaborate ruse by tech giant Jacento using the hackers to create a virus capable of creating a "digital apocalypse." The teens try to destroy the virus Phantom Wheel, planning a major heist and putting themselves into very real danger. This breakneck thriller reads like a techy teen Mission Impossible, complete with comedic banter, budding romance, and saucy language. Deebs does not neglect character development in the name of action: three of the six teens narrate, and all have a backstory lending purpose to their hacking. They are diverse in terms of race, wealth, hometown, and family structure, and each faces a major personal challenge, such as the death of a family member, abuse, and the foster system. The fast pace and well-drawn characters may appeal to reluctant readers, though technological jargon and the number of protagonists and plots to follow may add confusion. While the ending and certain elements stretch plausibility, most readers will overlook those issues and enjoy the ride.