PROJECT MERCURY

In this fast-paced adventure with a futurist twist from the author of the best-selling Black Panther books, two military kids whose families are stationed near Area 51 uncover secrets far more threatening than aliens.

CENTERS COMPLEX BLACK CHARACTERS
Features two quirky but realistic Black protagonists navigating teen angst and friendships.

HIGH-STAKES ADVENTURE WITH LOTS OF FUN AND LOTS OF HEART
There are two exciting rescue missions for readers to get caught up in: the military trying to rescue the Earth, and the kids trying to rescue the military.

ENVIRONMENTAL THEMES
Ike's mom is on a secret military mission to save the planet from climate change; Ike and Eesha discover a future where humans live in harmony with the environment, but only after having learned hard lessons from the past (which is Ike and Eesha's present).

BUILDS ON SUCCESSFUL ELEMENTS OF BLACK PANTHER AND AUTHOR'S BACKGROUND
Drawing on his success as author of Marvel's middle grade Black Panther series, Ron Smith has crafted another page-turning hero story, this time with contemporary Black American kids as the protagonists. And as a proud former military brat, he brings a wealth of knowledge and emotional nuance to the setting and characters.


Ronald L. Smith is the Coretta Scott KingJohn Steptoe New Talent Awardwinning author of several acclaimed novels for young readers. To learn more, visit strangeblackflowers.com.