The Lab:

• Heath, J. (2008). The Lab. New York: Scholastic Press, 312 pp.
  
• Genre: Action/Adventrure/Science Fiction
  
• Awards: Unpublished
  

The Lab is a fast paced futuristic adventure story set in a dystopian world of corporate controlled continents. The plot follows the 16 year old agent 6, a genetically enhanced human with super powers, as he carries out missions for the morally conscious Deck agency. In the course of his work to right the moral wrongs of the Lab, a genetic weapons group, 6 discovers information concerning the origins of his very existence. Along the way, he meets Kyntak, another genetically engineered human. The two are forced to combine their strengths in order to conquer the Lab group and discover the secrets of their creation.

This novel is highly energetic and great for lower level male readers. Additionally, the themes of genetic engineering and corporatism are at the fore of society today. The relevance of these topics give this novel more depth than simply a fantastical conspiracy theory plot. It is important for books targeting lower level readers to include relevant issues such as these. This work sets an example for young readers to be conscious of such activity and skeptical of its intentions. In this way the novel promotes adolescents to be more socially conscious. Additionally, the use of very specific details concerning weaponry and technical equipment provide incentive for many young boys interested in technology or weapons to read fiction. This demographic is considered one of the least motivated in reading fiction. The simple and straightforward prose also allows reluctant readers an experience with the thematic elements of plot and characters that is easily understandable.

• Classroom Use: This novel would work well as an individual read. It can easily stimulate young males who may find literature either boring or effeminate. However, the transparency of the writing and the relatively shallow story offer little real literary merit.
  
• Appropriate Age Range: I would suggest this novel for 9 and above. Again, it would probably be of more interest to boys than girls.
  

Even though this was not great literature, I enjoyed the novel on the whole and I could appreciate the audience it was targeting. Additionally, a novel like this would be a great introduction to works by Philip K. Dick, Kurt Vonnegut, and Tom Robbins. This book clearly encourages reading through entertainment and that is admirable.

Brian Lee