Smith, A. (2010). The Marbury lens. New York: Feiwel and Friends. Smith has created a science fiction world within a contemporary setting. Summer is beginning and Jack is about to go on discovery trip to England. He lives with his grandparents who largely ignore him and give him what he wants. Conner is his best friend and will be joining him on the trip.  Before they leave, Conner has a huge party, where Jack gets drunk and heads home on foot. As he is resting in the park, he is kidnapped.  The man is evil and through the course of events, Conner becomes part of the revenge on this lunatic.  Now they have a secret. It is hard for Jack to realize all that has happened and he is afraid to share with anyone. He leaves to go to England and meets a peculiar man, who is vaguely familiar.  The man gives him glasses that eventually draw Jack into a strange world where he is running from bizarre creatures that are trying to hurt him and his friends. Which world Jack is in and how long he has been there is becoming a tricky reality. Also, he somehow knows the story of Seth, the ghost that keeps luring him with the marbury lens to the world of fighting and pain.  He meets Lauren and loves her but the draw of the other world is making his life havoc.  The secret back home tortures him along with the phenomenon of what is happening when he puts on the glasses, Despite his insistence, Conner discovers the lens as well.  Can Jack protect the people he cares about in both worlds without losing them or his mind?
An analogy Jack uses at the beginning of the story about Russian dolls are parts of his life. Each part is represented by a different Russian doll but fit within each other, this is a theme that many will identify with in their own lives. We all have differents aspects of our lives that make us who we are and other areas we do not want to share with others. A sense of not belonging within a particular group or place is a theme along with wanting to help others but not sure how to accomplish that without pain. Andrew Smith has written several books including The Grasshopper Jungle which has won several awards.  Passenger is a sequel to The Marbury Lens. The book lends to starting conversations with students about the hidden topics of sexual abuse, emotional trauma and its effects.
As I read, The Marbury Lens, the connection I made with the textbook was the value of series reading. I haven't read many science fiction books but I found myself being drawn into the story and really caring about the characters.  During my research, I discovered that there is a sequel to this book.  Smith's talented writing has caused me to want to find out what happens to Jack, Conner and Lauren.  I want the boys to just stay in their own world but Smith has provided a reading ladder to continue the saga with Jack.