The Galaxy Pirates: Hunt for the Pyxis

Zoë Ferraris is the author of three critically acclaimed adult novels that have been translated into over thirty languages: Finding Nouf, which won the YALSA Alex Award and the Los Angeles Times Book Award; City of Veils; and Kingdom of Strangers. She received her MFA from Columbia University, where she first developed the universe of the Galaxy Pirates.
From the Hardcover edition.

Gr 4–6—Emma Garton loves her parents, sailing with her dad on their little yacht, and trading homework days with her best friend Herbie. Herbie is convinced that Emma's dad is lying to her about who he really is. Maybe he's a spy, maybe he's a smuggler, or perhaps he is an alien? Unfortunately, Herbie turns out to be right and when men with guns come to the door demanding the return of a mysterious device called the Pyxis, it turns out that Emma's parents are from another galaxy. Emma and Herbie escape but her parents are kidnapped. When the children try to hide on the yacht, Emma accidentally activates the Pyxis, alerting the entire universe to its existence and location and sending them on a journey sailing into the stars. Emma and Herbie find a place where pirates and magic exist, animals can talk as well as be eaten and worn, and an evil queen is trying to kill them all. As they search the galaxy for Emma's parents, they find new friends and make enemies. The character development leaves a lot to be desired, however, the children are resourceful and determined and the story is absolutely action-packed. There are many strange and interesting developments and the pace is swift. VERDICT This first in a trilogy will keep kids reading in order to find out what happens next.—Terry Ann Lawler, Burton Barr Library, Phoenix, AZ