The California Department of Education recently added to its list of recommended literature for math and science a gripping science fiction adventure, "The Prometheus Project - Trapped." The book is also being praised by the home schooling community.

"Trapped" is the first book in the Prometheus Project series and follows the adventures of Ryan and Regan Resnick as they stumble onto the greatest discovery ever made - a fantastic alien city buried deep underground. The second book in the series, "The Prometheus Project - Captured," was published in July and has also garnered high

praise.

"My goal was to write a science-fiction thriller crammed with cliffhangers, nonstop action and unexpected twists and turns that would keep kids glued to the page while illuminating key scientific and problem-solving principles," said author Douglas E. Richards, a frequent contributor of science pieces for National Geographic KIDS magazine.

"For 'Trapped' to have been recognized as worthy of inclusion on the CDOE's prestigious list is very gratifying," he said. Written for children ages 9 through 13, the book was "highly recommended" by the Kirkus book-review journal, and dubbed "perfect for middle grades" by Teaching Pre K-8 Magazine. A kid's panel of reviewers for Odyssey Magazine called the book "a thriller you that you won't put down until you've reached the last page."

In addition to making the CDOE list, the book also appears on Missouri State University's list of Best New Books to Engage Students in Math and Science, and has been praised by The American Association for the Advancement of Science.

The California Science Teachers Association described "Trapped" as "nonstop action adventure … a thrilling read," and that the author "has done a good job of addressing many of the California science standards."

In addition to being praised by kids, parents and educators, "Trapped" is also being embraced in the homeschooling community. The book appears on A to Z Home's Cool Homeschooling Web site, and a reviewer for the homeschooling publication The Old Schoolhouse Magazine wrote that "Trapped" was "unlike any book that I have ever read … It would make a great read-aloud and would foster much talk among families."

"The Prometheus Project - Trapped" and "The Prometheus Project - Captured" are available online at Amazon.com, dnapress.com and ipgbook.com, and can be found at Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores.