In this first book of three in the Sensate Saga series written for children ages 10 to 14, readers encounter 13-year-old Oscar who lives with his white father, Mexican stepmother, and Abuela. A few years ago, Oscar was in a car crash that forever changed his life. One leg is now shorter than the other, and he needs to wear a specially made orthopedic shoe to even out his gait. He’s somewhat embarrassed that he shuffles when he walks, but his limp doesn’t stand in the way of his established friendships.
Now, the summer before high school, Oscar learns that his parents have decided to move to another state for new jobs, and he is filled with trepidation. He’ll have to go to a new high school and make new friends, not his strong suit.
When the family moves into the 135-year-old Victorian house that his parents purchased in Centerville, Oscar’s fears intensify because he becomes convinced that the house is haunted.
From the first day, high school is a terror for Oscar as the school bully and his minions nickname him Mr. Limpy and harass him whenever they can. Oscar has never felt more alone.
But one day, as the bully torments Oscar, another student intervenes, and Oscar is slowly introduced to a circle of friends with gifts he could never have imagined. In fact, he’s realizing that what he’s begun to see—glowing orbs which contain silent movie scenes of his life and his deepest fears—might possibly be the result of a gift to which he's awakening and that he can use to serve others and to better understand himself and his relationship to God.
When Oscar and his friends are drawn into trying to solve a racist crime committed at their high school, they have no idea what they are up against. As each Sensate—“people who’ve had one of their senses woken up”—offers his or her gifts, the circle of friends uncover layer after layer of intrigue, and, in the process, learn to trust and care for each other.
Oscar and the Mystery of the Glowing Orbs is marvellously plotted, justice oriented, emotionally sensitive, and spiritually relevant, a splendid read for preteens and teens. Especially significant is author Don Everts’s creative, unique exploration of prayer and how God meets his children in their weaknesses, guides them with his Holy Spirit, and demonstrates unfailing love and faithfulness.
(IVP Kids)