Reaction to The Arctic Code by Matthew Kirby

Over the winter break, I finished an advanced copy of Matthew Kirby's newest book, The Arctic Code, the first in The Dark Gravity Sequence series. Not only was I pleasantly surprised by the first book in this series, I immediately had students in mind to recommend this book to. That's a sure sign that it will be a successful addition to my library.

The only other book of Matthew Kirby's that I had read was his historical fantasy The Clockwork Three. While I was a fan of that book as well, The Arctic Code is very different and, I believe, targeted to an overlapping, but slightly younger reader.

The Arctic Code is an ecocrisis dystopian novel centered around Eleanor, the daughter of a climatologists who is searching for oil reserves in the arctic as part of a non-profit company. Energy is in dire need as the world seems to be going through a new ice age. Eleanor, because of cryptic messages from her mother, believe her mother is in danger. Her mother then goes missing and Eleanor finds her way from a frozen Phoenix to the north to find her.

As Eleanor sneaks on to a transport plane to Alaska, Kirby introduces us to the pilot, Luke, who becomes Eleanor's guide and protector through much of the story. He is also one of the most developed characters and enjoyable to read.

We are also introduced to Julian and Finn, sons of another scientist who has disappeared with Eleanor's mother. They become companions on the rest of the journey. While these two characters are not as fully developed, Kirby gives the reader enough of their sibling relationship to distinguish them and leave us hoping for more in future books.

Through the rest of the story, Eleanor does find her mother who has started working for the Global Energy Trust, an extremely profitable energy company who works closely with the government. We are also introduced to a bit of advanced science that hints at the reason for the ice age as well as a driver that will move the story forward in other installments of the series.

As I mentioned before, Kirby's story is enjoyable. I was quickly reminded of Mark Peter Hughes' A Crack in the Sky, one of my favorite dystopian stories for middle grade students in recent years. The Arctic Code is not as complex and therefore would be a great read for a slightly younger reader. The action throughout the story will be an appeal for many and the female lead character is welcome.

Action is the driving force which can leave some characters a little underdeveloped at moments. That may seem like a criticism, but it is not meant to be. I'm hoping that this strategy allows for character growth through the series while letting the continued action keep the readers engaged from book to book.

Kirby has many elements he can explore in future books along with his characters. There is the advanced technology story line that drives the characters to their next adventure as well as the reliance on fossil fuels along with the economic classes that show through Eleanor's eyes as have and have-nots. Kirby also hints at the corruption and power that can take place when corporations work too closely with or even control a government.

These potential future story elements, along with the initial story itself, make me think this could be a successful series for those who love adventure, female main characters, and those who wish to begin exploring middle grade dystopian novels.

On a side note, Kirby addresses the absence of Eleanor's father in his story by making her biological father a donor. This is merely hinted at in the story and while most students may read over it, unaware of what it means, others may inquire.