The Arctic Code

Perfect for fans of the Percy Jackson and Seven Wonders series, The Arctic Code is the first book in an epic, fast-paced middle grade adventure trilogy by acclaimed author Matthew J. Kirby.

It is the near future, and the earth has entered a new ice age. Eleanor Perry lives in Tucson, one of the most popular destinations for refugees of the Freeze. She is the daughter of a climatologist who is trying to find new ways to preserve human life on the planet. Dr. Perry believes that a series of oil deposits she has found in the Arctic may hold the key to our survival. That’s when she disappears—but not before sending Eleanor a series of cryptic messages that point to a significant and mysterious discovery. Now it’s up to Eleanor to go find her.

This search will launch Eleanor on a breathless race to unlock the mysteries of what has happened to our planet, solving the riddle of the cold that could be humanity’s end—and uncovering a threat to the earth that may not be of this world.

• A High-Stakes Quest: To find her missing mother, twelve-year-old Eleanor must journey into the treacherous, frozen landscape of the Arctic Circle.
• A New Ice Age World: Explore a near-future Earth gripped by a global freeze, where humanity huddles in refugee cities and survival is a daily struggle.
• A Powerful Corporate Conspiracy: Eleanor’s mother didn’t just disappear—she discovered a secret that a powerful energy corporation will do anything to control.
• An Unbreakable Mother-Daughter Bond: Driven by love and a series of cryptic clues, Eleanor will risk everything to bring her mom home.

“An exciting, thought-provoking adventure.” - Booklist (starred review)

“This is an exciting, page-turning tale. Middle grade readers will be compelled by Eleanor’s daredevil adventure to find her mom and thrilled as she unearths some startling secrets.” - School Library Journal

“Kirby delivers a fast-paced, intense story. Readers should . . . find it easy to root for headstrong, resourceful Eleanor as she barrels ahead, heedless of consequences, trying to save her mother.” - Publishers Weekly

“Enough excitement and quick-paced danger to keep readers intrigued throughout this volume and for subsequent entries in the series.” - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books