Warchild by Karin Lowachee
Sometimes it’s hard to tell the heroes from the villains. That’s just one of the problems that space orphan Jos must sort out as he learns about loyalty and trust. Even though nations have conquered space, they brought old traditions, especially warfare, now directed against the alien “Strits.” The most dangerous of these aliens is Warchild, a fierce and elusive battler. Jos becomes involved with this infamous alien and learns who are his heroes and traitors as will you before the story ends.
By Lyla Anderson of Post Middle School Library, Arlington School District


Warchild  by Karin Lowachee
So, who’s read “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card? Who liked it enough to want another great military action science fiction book? Do I have a winner for you. The merchant ship Mukudori is Jos’s world, until the pirate, Falcone, destroys the ship, kills all the adults, and enslaves the children. Jos escapes, but is taken beyond known space to the homeworld of the strits, Earth’s alien enemies. There he must learn the language and undertake weapons training. He is destined to become a spy in what was once his home culture. There are no easy choices. Every friendship could lead to betrayal-of him, or by him. The most grueling trial of his life is yet to come.

By Cindy Claypool of King County Library System

2004 Evergreen Award