Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Reader’s Favorite

★★★★★

Race Against Ace is a children’s adventure by Laura Roso. Billy Gronbeck, a thirteen-year-old boy, juggles his days between taking care of his father at home and keeping his grades up at the Royal Academy of Marvellous Adventures (RAMA). Under the supervision of the eccentric Professor Bristow and his assistant, Miss Tobin, Billy and five of his friends successfully create the first perfect human in their science lab. Billy names the boy Ace, and soon, Professor Bristow and the kids witness Ace seamlessly excelling in various forms of learning. However, after the school bully, Antonio, reveals Ace’s identity on national television, Billy’s life turns upside down. Meanwhile, the recipe to create Ace has been stolen, and the authorities suspect Billy. Will Billy and his friends be able to get to the truth?

A seamless mix of mystery, drama, and intrigue makes Race Against Ace a captivating tale for young readers. This is a very character-driven narrative. The plot follows a young boy coming to terms with an abrupt change in his life that puts him and his friends in an extraordinary situation. Author Laura Roso adds a few sci-fi elements into the story, which brings another layer of intrigue for the reader. Billy is a compelling protagonist who is easy to like and root for. His blossoming friendship with Ace was very wholesome, and I loved how Billy and his friend’s band together in support of Ace toward the end. Uncle Bruce and Aunt May were my favourite secondary characters of the bunch. All in all, this is a fantastic book for children and young adult readers alike!