Colony High — David Brin

High school is hard enough. It gets a lot harder after the aliens show up.
In the captivating YA science fiction novel "Colony High" by acclaimed author David Brin, the skeptical high school junior, Mark Bamford, finds himself caught up in a web of mystery and extraterrestrial intrigue. Living in the seemingly ordinary town of Twenty-Nine Palms, California, Mark dismisses the absurd rumor circulating among his classmates -- an alien stranded in their midst. Such a clichéd movie rip-off, right? Can't the math geeks come up with a more convincing hoax?

Yet, Mark's doubts crumble when enigmatic black vans belonging to the secretive Cirocco Corporation swarm the town, conducting a relentless search for something unknown. With his trusty friend Alexandra by his side, Mark embarks on a daring investigation of his own. However, they soon realize that their social circle -- comprised of skateboarding "X" enthusiasts and the varsity climbing team -- is hardly equipped to face the challenges that lie ahead.

Drawing upon their ingenuity and a touch of double-dealing, Mark and Alexandra race against time to uncover the truth. As they dig deeper, they discover that the truth they seek may not be far away -- it could be lurking right next door. In "Colony High," Brin weaves a gripping tale of friendship, discovery, and the extraordinary hidden secrets that lie beneath the surface of the familiar.

Prepare to be captivated as Mark and Alexandra's journey unravels the mysteries that will forever alter their lives and the fate of their town.