Coal has lived in foster care his entire life. Now 13, Coal (Black) thought his previous placement with Tom might last, but Tom’s breakdown has resulted in Coal’s placement with the McKay family (also Black). Shortly after arriving, Coal visits Tom’s old street and ends up chased by police; at the height of his terror, Coal realizes they can no longer see him. His skin, like a chameleon’s, has changed to blend in with his surroundings. Coal confides in his best friend, Door, who’s skeptical until Coal recreates the effect on camera. Desperate to understand what’s happening, Coal’s online research leads him to a company called Mirror Tech. Door and the three McKay kids, high school-aged Aaron, Mari, 12, and Hannah, 7, are all part of Coal’s efforts to breach Mirror Tech and unlock the mystery of his skin. It’s a mystery that turns out to be connected to his past, and the mother who left him as an infant. Until now, he’s only had the quilt she’d wrapped him in as tangible evidence of her love. Inside Mirror Tech, where he discovers she’d worked as a scientist, he finds much more: additional proof of her love, answers he’s longed for, and danger he may not be prepared to meet. This fast-paced work of adventure sci-fi shines with appealing characters and a satisfying origin story to be continued.