Becky Lawrence lives in a small Indiana town where nothing much ever happens. Padding her college applications with good grades and volunteer work — while also managing the boys’ basketball team and playing in the school band — is her main focus, so when her guidance counsellor asks her to show a new student around, she agrees. It’ll be great fodder for a reference letter.
But there’s something very different about the new student, Gene Newman. He’s been homeschooled his entire life and he’s as brilliant academically as he is socially awkward, uninformed, and unaware. Gene also proves to be a gifted saxophone player and makes the school band, and his rapidly developed basketball skills allow him to play for the school team. Embarrassingly, Becky suspected he’d never played the sax or basketball before, and just wanted to spend more time with her. But nobody could possibly learn new things that quickly … Right?
With Becky’s help, Gene also quickly develops his social skills and learns to fit in. He’s certainly different from anybody Becky has ever known. In fact, Gene is like nobody else. As they become closer, Gene confides in Becky that he has a secret. More than that, he is a secret. And, apparently, it’s a secret worth killing for.
“The combination of mystery, romance and non-stop action will appeal to young readers.”
– CM Reviews
“Made 4 You goes beyond a sci fi romance into a thriller and action adventure. It's a story that has it all: sweet moments of falling in love, mysterious scientific research, and chase scenes across land and sky. Moreover, with Eric Walters at the writing helm, not only is it a story made for any middle-grader or teen who reads across genres, Made 4 You is also complex, nuanced and full of heart.”
– Canlit for Little Canadians
“Eric Walters captures the intrigue and suspense that make network television shows like FBI so captivating in this fast-paced young adult novel…The last few chapters were non-stop action and suspense. Eric Walters keeps readers on their toes the whole time!”
– Storytime with Stephanie blog
