"Kids don't read science fiction."

The Answer:

“The Softwire is a great science fiction series. Put it in the hands of reluctant readers and watch them get hooked.” Sheila Ruth, Wands and Worlds, February 27, 2008

The Softwire: Virus on Orbis 1

Synopsis

When the children on the seed ship, Renaissance, are orphaned in outer space, thirteen-year-old JT and his sister Ketheria are forced to work as knudniks on the Rings of Orbis. Instead of beginning the new and better life he had hoped for, JT and his sister spend their days sifting through trash for their new Guarantor.

But JT soon discovers that he is the first human Softwire - he has a special gift that allows him to enter any computer with his mind. And when the central computer on Orbis mysteriously malfunctions, the Citizens point their fingers at the newcomers, especially the Softwire.

Before long, JT is embroiled in a struggle between the Keepers who rule Orbis and the Trading Council, which wants him dead. As he learns to harness his newfound ability, JT uncovers a virus wreaking havoc inside the computer. Now he must convince the powers that be on Orbis that the virus is real before they make war on each other and destroy his new home - along with JT's dream of a better life.

In the first episode of The Softwire, PJ Haarsma launches readers into an extraordinary new universe of power, intrigue, and cyber-fueled adventure.

Reviews

Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy
November 2007
"This novel is a fast-moving sci-fi yarn. We read it with our 11-year-old son—or rather, we were pulled in early by the story and compelled to read it straight through.
As readers, we found ourselves caring about both the characters and the outcomes in this book. What's more, it seems a thought-provoking exploration of motives."

Booktalks -- Quick and Simple
7/06/2008
This is classic sci-fi and a real page-turner with a lot of action, suspense and 2-headed aliens. Or are the children the aliens?

Flamingnet Young Adult Book Reviews Top Choice Award
2/12/2008
(Young reviewer)
"Virus on Orbis 1" is one of the best science fiction books I have ever read, intriguing and easy to understand from the beginning... Haarsma's new series is sure to follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter and Eragon by helping kids everywhere to realize the joy of reading."

Blogcritics.org
01/03/2007
"Haarsma seems to have grown up on the best kind of science fiction and is determined to deliver it back into the hands of young adults where such fancies take flight so easily."

Kliatt
09/01/2006
"This fast-paced tale should attract younger SF readers. J.T. is very likeable, and his relationship with the virus character provides a supernatural spin."

Wands and Worlds
10/7/2006
“There's plenty to like about this book. It's exciting and suspenseful; it has interesting characters and cool aliens and intriguing cultures and a couple of surprises. Young adult science fiction fans will love this book, and it's a perfect book to introduce children and teens to the world of science fiction.”

Booklist
11/15/2006
"Haarsma fills his debut novel with exotic aliens, dangerous situations, and fast-paced adventure. Younger sf fans will happily hang in with JT as he tries to stay alive and keep Orbis from being conquered from within."

School Library Journal
12/01/2006
"The author deftly introduces the futuristic setting without getting bogged down in long and detailed descriptive passages, and the brisk plot will keep the interest of reluctant readers. . . . A good selection for science-fiction fans."

Voice of Youth Advocates
06/01/2007
"Provides plenty of action." (Included in "Voyages: Attracting Younger Readers to Science Fiction")

The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
11/01/2006
"Intergalactic space romp."

TeensReadToo.com
04/09/2007
"Besides having an interesting and entertaining story, the true beauty of the book, at least for me, is the fact that I never felt so overwhelmed with the new world the author created that I wanted to give up."

Midwest Book Review
October 2006
“Its thrilling tension assures readers will come back for more.”

Awards

ABC (Association of Booksellers for Children) New Voices in Children's Literature Award 2008

ALA (American Library Association) Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers Nomination 2008

Great Stone Face Children’s Book Award Nomination (Children's Librarians of New Hampshire) 2008-2009

Flamingnet Top Choice Award 2008

SCASL (South Carolina Association of School Librarians) Junior Book Award Nomination 2008

Hal Clement Award for Young Adult Finalist 2007

New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age 2007

Cybils Nomination 2006

The Softwire: Betrayal on Orbis 2

Synopsis

On Orbis 2, Johnny Turnbull has a new home and a new job, one that pushes his softwire abilities to painful limits. JT is the only one who can communicate with the Samirans, large aquatic aliens who have cooled the crystals on Orbis for nearly two thousand rotations. But as the Samirans' work rule ostensibly comes to a close, they have grown dangerously agitated, and JT must find out why. What he learns is that the prosperity of Orbis is built on a brutal system of enforced labor --- and that everyone seems to have something to hide. Can JT appease the Samirans before their threat is realized? And if he doesn't, will his friends survive? In this second episode of The Softwire, PJ Haarsma takes readers on another lightning-paced, cyber-fueled ride through the amazing universe he introduced in The Softwire: Virus on Orbis 1.

Sci-fi fans will tear through this new adventure as Johnny Turnbull - first human softwire - finds more danger and intrigue on the next ring of Orbis.

Reviews

Booklist
2008
"A fast-moving plot filled with kids fighting against the odds; bizarre creatures both devious and noble; real messages about civilization, barbarity, ethics, and freedom; and a healthy dose of alien gore make this a strong science-fiction read for the younger teen set."

School Library Journal
7/01/2008
"The characters are recognizable types, but the actions are morally nuanced: in one of the most memorable scenes, cruel Odran puts JT in charge of the other young human workers and forces him to punish Switzer, a bully, with an electric-shock device. Themes of family, political maneuvering, tension between races, and the desire to escape captivity are palpable throughout."

Pink Raygun
4/09/2008
“The Softwire does what science fiction has always done well - allows the reader to view our own social issues from the outside.
Like the early Harry Potter books, The Softwire is about the story, not about the writing. Haarsma focuses on the action and moves the story forward briskly and economically - kids aren’t going to be bored by this.”

Wands and Worlds
2/27/2008
“Betrayal on Orbis 2 is the kind of outer space adventure that I loved in middle school. With non-stop excitement, rich world building, and lots of cool aliens and technology, this is a great book for science fiction fans and reluctant readers.”

Great Reads Reviews
2/7/2008
“Both books are definitely great reads- fast paced, great stories and engaging characters that will keep you turning the page and wanting more. The best part is that I think both books will engage kids that might not like reading as much, or have a tougher time doing it- the chapters are shorter, the descriptions give just enough information to "see" Orbis, but still leaves plenty of room for the imagination (in a good way!)”

Awards

ABC (Association of Booksellers for Children) New Voices in Children's Literature Award 2008

ALA (American Library Association) Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers Nomination 2009

Cybils Nomination 2008