Crisis on Conshelf Ten

Reach for this book when your child feels like an outsider or is struggling to find where they fit in a new environment. This classic science fiction adventure follows Kepler Masterman, a boy born on the Moon who feels physically and socially out of place when he visits Earth's underwater colony, Conshelf Ten. As Kepler navigates the literal and metaphorical pressures of a new world, he discovers a secret society of 'Gillmen' fighting for their rights. The story explores deep themes of justice, identity, and the courage required to stand up for a marginalized group even when it puts you at risk. It is a thoughtful choice for middle schoolers (ages 10 to 14) who are beginning to notice social inequities or who feel 'alien' in their own peer groups. Hughes uses the futuristic setting to normalize the difficult feelings of isolation and the moral weight of choosing sides in a conflict.