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.

• Missing Parent Mystery: Eleanor’s mother, a brilliant climatologist, vanishes in the Arctic. The only person who can follow the clues she left behind is her daughter.
• Kids Survival Story: From the refugee-filled cities of the south to the brutal, unforgiving ice sheets of the north, Eleanor must survive a planet that’s trying to freeze her out.
• Dystopian Science Fiction: In a near-future world gripped by a new ice age, a powerful corporation is hiding a terrible secret about what’s happening to the planet.
• Ancient Alien Mystery: The key to humanity’s survival might lie in a discovery that isn’t from this world—a threat her mother uncovered just before she disappeared.

It is the near future, and the earth has entered a new ice age. For reasons scientists don't fully understand, half the planet has been encased in massive glaciers, and humanity has migrated toward the equator, where temperatures are still barely above freezing, in a desperate attempt to survive.

Eleanor Perry lives in Phoenix, one of the most popular destinations for refugees of the Freeze. She is the daughter of a climatologist who works for one of the world's largest oil companies, one of many people trying to find new ways to preserve human life on the planet. In a world where warmth is the only currency and energy is its most valuable natural resource, 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.

“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