Just how far has modern science progressed? Could scientists really take a girl, empty her of all of her own traits and replace her genes exactly to her parents' specifications making her into the perfect daughter? Marcia Slick is horrified to overhear her parents planning to destroy who she really is so they can have the perfect daughter of their dreams.
Meanwhile, Eleven-year-old Sam Carnabie has his work cut out for him. Dreading an Easter holiday spent with his Great Aunt Roberta and her cats, he was surprised and thrilled to find out his parents had arranged for him to go stay with their colleague Professor Ampersand.
Sam is looking forward to every minute of the next two weeks with Professor Ampersand, an eccentric professor who is a friend of the family. Life changes quickly, however, and hands him and two new friends, Zara and Ben, the challenge of their lives. Just as they are settling into the professors' quirky home wall-to-wall with inventions, the doorbell rings and a man, exhausted and desperate, struggles in and breathlessly shares the news that he is on the run, one step ahead, of the dark and dangerous Porfessor Murdo. He directs Professor Ampersand to summon the others and then collapses.
Sam, Zara and Ben need answers. Who is this exhausted man? Who is Professor Murdo? Why is he chasing this stranger?
When the vacation began, little did they suspect that they would be up against the likes of the evil Professor Murdo whose followers have come to kidnap the six professors who are banding with Professor Ampersand to fight against the forces of evil. Now it's up to the three children to track the six professors into the Far North using the magical powers of the special button.
Meanwhile, Marcia Slick, whose parents think her nose and chin could use a little work, is trapped in a clinic trying to find a way to escape. The Arctic world outside her building don't give her too many options. What are they going to do to her? Don't they understand that she likes herself the way she is? Then, she overhears the doctor telling her parents they are going to get their five hundred thousand dollars worth of genetic modification. Marcia will be transformed into the intelligent, obedient, hardworking and sophisticated daughter they have always wanted.
This is an action-packed adventure story -great for readers who look for action and enjoy a good invention or three.
240 pages Ages 9-13 978-039924381X
Recommended by: Barb, abookandahug.com
Sequel is FLIGHT OF THE SILVER TURTLE
