In the Red

Michael Prasad knows he shouldn’t go out on the Mars surface alone. It’s dangerous. His parents have forbidden it. And the anxiety he feels almost every time he puts on a spacesuit makes it nearly impossible for him to leave the safety of the colony.

But when his best friend, Lilith, suggests they sneak out one night, he can’t resist the chance to prove everyone—including himself—wrong.

As the two ride along the Mars surface in a stolen rover, miles from the colony, a massive solar flare hits the planet, knocking out power, communication, and navigation systems, and the magnetic field that protects the planet from the sun’s deadly radiation.

Stranded hours from home with an already limited supply of food, water, and air, Michael and Lilith must risk everything if they’re to get back to the colony alive.

One stolen rover. Two best friends. A planet that has suddenly turned lethal.

• Kids Stranded on Mars: When a massive solar flare knocks out the planet’s protective magnetic field, Michael and Lilith are left to face the deadly radiation alone.
• Overcoming Anxiety: Michael’s greatest enemy isn’t just the harsh Martian landscape—it’s the panic that threatens to freeze him every time he puts on his suit.
• Friendship and Teamwork: With no adults and no way to call for help, best friends Michael and Lilith must rely on each other’s strengths to survive the impossible.
• A High-Stakes Adventure: Perfect for young readers who love thrilling space adventures, page-turning suspense, and stories of courage against the odds.