• Age: 12 to 18
• Grade: 8 to 12
• Reading age: 12 to 18

★“Immersive from the get-go, this novel is a quick-paced gem. The story is action-packed, with a plot that is always moving forward but still offers plenty of room for heart-fluttering moments between the protagonists...Engrossing and thrilling—this reluctant reader title should not be missed.” —Kirkus Reviews

Brick, a young thief, is terrified of outer space. But they’re forced to escape Earth when a warrant goes out for their arrest.

There’s nothing left for them on the dusty, barren wasteland of Earth anyway. Brick stows away on a cargo ship headed for the moon. They reluctantly allow a local teenage enforcer named Amar to tag along. But the ship ends up containing unusual cargo and the crew members may not be who they appear to be.

Suddenly the spaceship is taken over by pirates, who imprison the crew in the airlock. Brick and Amar come up with a plan to rescue the crew. The only problem is that, in order to succeed, Brick must venture out into the deep darkness of space.

This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for teen readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.

Tash McAdam is a Welsh Canadian author of several books for young people, including Blood Sport in the Orca Soundings line and The Psionics series (Nine Star Press). Tash identifies as trans and queer and uses the neutral pronoun they. They teach high school English and computer science and have a couple of black belts in karate. They live in Vancouver.

Tash McAdam's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Commended, Core Excellence in Children’s and Young Adult Science Fiction - Hal Clement Notable Young Adult Books List

“First-person narrator Brick is well fleshed out and the action is consistently brisk...With a relatable and compelling sci-fi/dystopian narrative, this should be an easy pitch for middle or high school reluctant readers.”

School Library Journal

“An ode to friendship, this action-packed book is great for reluctant readers and those who are curious about science fiction. Airlock is a great #OwnVoices addition to collections. Recommended”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

★“Immersive from the get-go, this novel is a quick-paced gem. The story is action-packed, with a plot that is always moving forward but still offers plenty of room for heart-fluttering moments between the protagonists...Engrossing and thrilling—this reluctant reader title should not be missed.”

Kirkus Reviews, starred review