The Countdown

The second book in the full-color illustrated sci-fi adventure series that keeps readers on the edge of their seats!

Children from all over the world are trying to complete the game. Marie, the fourteen-year-old daughter of a wealthy arms manufacturer in Norway, uses unorthodox methods to win. But what is her prize? Marie is flown to Area 51 in Nevada, where she’s recruited into a select group of children who are leaving earth to investigate and settle on a faraway planet believed to be capable of supporting life. Marie is advised not to partake on the mission but it’s no longer a matter of choice.

Translator Owen Witesman is the most prolific translator of literature from Finnish into English ever, with dozens of titles to his credit, including novels, children’s books, poetry, graphic novels, and nonfiction. His translations for children and young adults include The Snow White Trilogy by Salla Simukka and beloved Tatu and Patu titles such as This is Finland, This is Helsinki, and Tatu and Patu's Marvelous Christmas. His recent adult fiction titles include Dog Park by Sofi Oksanen and Oneiron by Laura Lindstedt, 2015 winner of the Finlandia Prize for Literature. In addition to translating, Owen also teaches advanced Finnish language courses and mentors beginning translators. He is a founding member of the Finnish-English Literary Translation Cooperative.