About This Book
"Phantom Wheel: A Hackers Novel" is a fast-paced young adult thriller that plunges six diverse teen hackers into a high-stakes mission. Initially believing they're auditioning for the CIA, they soon discover they've been manipulated by a powerful tech company into developing a catastrophic computer virus. The narrative follows their desperate quest to undo their mistake, forcing them to confront ethical dilemmas, build fragile alliances, and grapple with personal demons. This book is ideal for ages 12-18, offering a blend of technological suspense, moral questions, and character-driven drama. Parents should be aware of themes around trust, deception, and the potential dangers of advanced technology, making it a great conversation starter.
Believing they have been recruited by the CIA, six teen hackers arrive in LA for a hacking aptitude test with the promise of a college scholarship and a job with the CIA after graduation. But one of the teens, Owen, walks out, refusing to participate. The other five decide to stay and complete the tests. When they finish, they leave feeling equally accomplished and unnerved. Then silence-until they receive a text from Owen: You've been played.
Concepts
Discussion Prompts
1
If you had the power to hack anything, what would you do, and what ethical lines would you draw?
2
How do the characters learn to trust each other, especially given their initial deception?
3
What are the real-world implications of advanced technology and artificial intelligence, as explored in this book?
4
Owen walks out, refusing to participate. What does this tell us about his character, and what might have happened if he hadn't?
5
How does Harper's troubled past influence her decisions and her ability to work with the team?
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