When Nate Turner, a more or less average well-intentioned 10-year-old, receives via robot-helicopter an encoded invitation from the secluded, anti-social, and enigmatic child prodigy, Tommy Rocket, promising free Doritos, Twinkies, and adventure, he can’t resist. Tommy’s gift for making gadgets and robots further fascinates Nate, most especially Tommy’s Goober Patrol, a small group of robots possessing the Prometheus Chip, the sentience-granting, epic invention of Tommy’s father.
However, when someone—or something—begins spying and hunting the boys, something capable of murder, they join forces to discover the identity of their mysterious stalker. Who, or what, is it, and why is he so interested in Tommy’s father and his fabulous Prometheus Chip? Together, the boys must join forces, along with Tommy’s marvelous robots, to solve the mystery of their unknown adversary, a mystery whose outcome holds the key to the continued survival of the human race itself.
Praise for Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol
“Middle grade readers will get a kick out of Kuhn’s promising series starter, a riveting blend of sci-fi, technology, and fast-paced thrills… Between the story’s AI robots, a whiz kid, and one brave unlikely hero, readers will be transfixed—and the fun doesn’t stop there. Kuhn ties in a no-holds-barred Great Swamp War—waged by opposing groups of kid gangs—that sees dangerous tech fall into the wrong hands, putting Nate and Tommy’s friendship, and their lives, at risk. Kuhn’s black and white illustrations, reminiscent of comic strips, highlight the story’s more suspenseful moments, helping younger readers soak up the tension radiating from the pages of this high-octane treat. The hijinks are certainly entertaining, and Kuhn’s exploration of what it means to be human—and a good friend—hits home.”
—BookLife
“Author Thomas Kuhn utilizes creativity, energy, and enthusiasm in an exhilarating read, blending elements of science fiction and mystery into a good old-fashioned childhood adventure… Overall, Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol is highly recommended for young readers who want a gripping blend of adventure, friendship, and science fiction.”
—Readers’ Favorite
“Thomas Kuhn’s Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol overall maintains the light, adventurous tone of American childhood stories.”
—IndieReader
“… this author expertly engages the reader with this captivating tale on the first page. Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol is difficult to separate yourself from the book from the beginning. Warning: This book is addictive. I adored this novel, and even though I am far from being a 10-year-old boy, I have purchased and am currently reading the author’s other book.”
—Bestsellers World
“Thomas Kuhn provides a story with a brisk pace, making it a quick read, and there’s never a dull moment. Tommy Rocket and the Goober Patrol’s black and white illustrations are an engaging companion to the text. Kuhn packs in just enough humor and pop culture to give readers an idea of life in the 60s and 70s. References to Pine-Sol, Avon, Lawrence Welk, and others from bygone eras provide a flair of nostalgia. This is a laugh-out-loud book recommended for boys aged 7-12 and adults who enjoy trips down memory lane.”
—Readers’ Favorite
