Infinity Blast and the Space Weapon of Doom Kicks Off Reycraft Books’ New Science Fiction Adventure Series
The middle grade novel introduces a trio of kids who must find the courage within themselves to confront a galactic conspiracy
New Rochelle, NY, May 31, 2023—Leading children’s trade publisher Reycraft Books is pleased to present Infinity Blast and the Space Weapon of Doom, a new middle grade science fiction adventure novel written by Bradley W. Wright. Published on May 15, with striking cover artwork by Daniel J. O’Brien, the book is the first installment of the Infinity Blast series and introduces readers to a trio of young protagonists who are forced to become heroes by cosmic circumstances beyond their control.
Infinity Blast and the Space Weapon of Doom focuses on self-proclaimed space nerds Infinity, his best friend, Gabriel, and his sister, Twilight. They find themselves on the run following the arrest of Infinity and Twilight’s astrophysicist parents, who have decoded a mysterious message from the long-dormant Opportunity rover on Mars. Pursued by secret agents working for U.S. President Harker, the trio piece together clues pointing to the existence of a galaxy-wide conspiracy. The kids turn to a legendary retired astronaut for help, and ultimately they must summon up the courage to steal a space shuttle and blast off into orbit to destroy an orbital space weapon before Harker can use it against peaceful aliens headed to Earth.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Bradley W. Wright lives in Culver City, CA, with his wife, his son (the original inspiration for Infinity Blast who—like Infinity and Twilight—is of mixed ethnic heritage), and JiJi, the very sleepy calico cat. Brad manages the technology department and teaches robotics, programming, and design at a PreK–8 school in Los Angeles. He would totally steal a space shuttle and blast into space if given the chance.
“The book is about ordinary kids doing something extraordinary,” Wright said. A science fiction fan since childhood, he grew up reading— and rereading—the works of noted SF authors Ursula K. Le Guin, Ray Bradbury, and Roger Zelazny. Wright explained that in creating his own space action-adventure series, he had one particular person in mind. “My main inspiration for Infinity Blast and the Space Weapon of Doom was my son’s love of all things related to manned space exploration,” he said. “We have visited the Endeavor space shuttle exhibit at the California Science Center more times than I can remember.”
Wright noted that in addition to the immediate threats and obstacles that Infinity, Gabriel, and Twilight must overcome as they try to save the world, they face personal challenges, as well— ones to which many young readers can relate. “The three kids are all neurodivergent (autistic, ADHD, anxiety, etc.),” he said. “I tried to write the book in a way that would normalize their neuro-differences. I hope what comes across for neurodivergent kids is, here’s a story about some amazing kids with brains like yours who do something cool. For neurotypical kids, I hope the takeaway—aside from simply enjoying the story—is to be a little more understanding, a little less ‘othering,’ and a little more welcoming of their neurodivergent peers.”
The second book in the series, Infinity Blast and the Planet of Mystery, will be published in 2024.
ABOUT REYCRAFT BOOKS: Reycraft Books partners with award-winning and up-and-coming authors and illustrators, primarily from underrepresented communities, to provide high-quality books that delight, inform, and honor the voice and vision of all children. Founded in 2019, the imprint publishes authentic stories—engaging picture books, chapter books, middle grade books, graphic novels, and more—that build knowledge, perspective, and connection, meeting the diverse needs of children, families, and educators.