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Trex

A 2023 Eleanor Cameron Notable Book

for Excellence in Science Fiction

As a child, Trex Wilson received an experimental brain implant that saved his life, but it came with an unusual side effect: he shocks everything he touches. To make matters worse, his overprotective mother has kept him out of school and on the move his entire life. She’s convinced that the scientists who saved him now want to exploit the technology in his head. When she finally agrees to send him to a real school for sixth grade, Trex is determined to lead a normal life at last – which means keeping his mother calm and, above all, keeping his unique brain a secret. Unfortunately, the electricity sparking from his fingertips is getting more powerful by the day. 

When rumors emerge about a prowler sneaking around his new neighborhood, Trex sets out to catch the culprit so his mother won’t uproot him again. He reluctantly teams up with Mellie “the Mouse,” a reclusive classmate training to be a spy. Mellie is certain she saw lightning shoot from Trex’s fingers, and she’s more intent on exposing the new kid than nabbing the bad guy. As a grudging friendship develops between them, Trex and Mellie find themselves pitted against school bullies, their own parents, and yes, an evil, brain-hacking corporation. Along the way, they’ll question what it means to be “normal” and explore the fine line between secrets and lies.

Available in hardcover, paperback, and audiobook


Praise for TREX:

“Morrell really stacks the deck against her protagonist, but along with casting him with a winning mixture of decency and smarts, she deals him Mellie, a sharp young recluse who fancies herself a detective and, despite struggling with a profound anxiety disorder, proves a redoubtable ally through cascading crises that escalate from pranks into kidnappings, brutal attempted murders, last-tick rescues, and shocks both literal and in the form of revelations about Trex’s history, family, and even identity… Definitely buzzworthy.”

– Kirkus Reviews

“This novel delivers on its engaging Stranger Things–meets-superheroes hook with a well-plotted mystery that balances action, friendship, and thoughtful discussion of mental health.”

– School Library Journal

“Original, exciting, and chock-full of mysteries for the reader to unpack, TREX has all the makings of a hit. Trex and Mellie shine when they are on the page together, and readers will love the exploration of normalcy and the answers our protagonists find in each other. It’s not every day you get to describe a book involving a brain-hacking corporation as heartfelt, but here we are. If you’re looking for a great middle grade mystery, check this one out. TREX is sure to spark the interest of any reluctant reader.”

– Wesley King, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

“TREX is a terrific adventure, with scheming sci-fi villains, mad scientists, secrets, lies, double identities, and two brave friends who risk everything in order to bring down an evil corporate conspiracy. Smart, thrilling, loads of fun, and perfect for ‘Stranger Things’ fans!”

– Elizabeth Bunce, Edgar award-winning author of the Myrtle Hardcastle series

“Spies, secret identities, human science experiments, evil corporations, and two big-hearted kids solving big mysteries—an electrifying tale!”

– Jess Redman, author of The Miraculous

“Trex is a heart print, page-turner about finding friendships, keeping secrets, and accepting what makes us uniquely and wonderfully different. A must read!”

– Elly Swartz, author of Dear Student


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