Synopses & Reviews
Ever wonder who was the first kid to keep a wallet on a big chunkychain, or wear way-too-big pants on purpose? What about the mythical first guy who wore his baseball cap backwards? These are the Innovators, the people on the very cusp of cool. Seventeen-year-old Hunter Braque's job is finding them for the retail market. But when a big-money client disappears, Hunter must use all his cool-hunting talents to find her. Along the way he's drawn into a web of brand-name intrigue a missing cargo of the coolest shoes he's ever seen, ads for products that don't exist, and a shadowy group dedicated to the downfall of consumerism as we know it.
Review
"I would recommend this book to any inquisitive soul who wants to know more about those people who are first to wear the five-inch platform shoes or have psychedelic hair....I would also recommend it to anyone who just wants a good story." VOYA
Review
"Westerfeld has encapsulated today's cool in a fast-paced, fun novel that's not afraid to poke fun at our own consumerism while at the same time recognizing that cool rules." KLIATT
Review
"While the plot occasionally requires a suspension of disbelief, the dialogue is snappy and Hunter, whose anxiety underlies his need to be cool, is a charming narrator with an original take on teen life." Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
Scott Westerfeld's previous novels have been named New York Times Notable Books of the Year, made the New York Times essential summer reading list, and been awarded the Philip K. Dick Special Citation.
Exclusive Essay
Read an exclusive essay by Scott Westerfeld