This science fiction teen novel is a gripping read. Fair Coin by E.C. Myers is an exciting book that even reluctant readers will enjoy.

It all starts when Ephraim is given an unusual coin. Later he finds a note saying to flip the coin and wish. Although it seems odd, he gives it a try. His wish is for his mom to come home from the hospital. That indeed happens, but other odd things are changed too. To try to fix some of this, he makes more wishes. Some of these have rather hilarious unintended consequences.

However, the mood turns darker when he realizes that some of the consequences become sinister. How can he fix things? And why is his best friend starting to turn mean?

At first, the book appears to be light-hearted. But as dark things happen, the reader is drawn into thinking about things like: the consequences of our choices; what friendship is; and scientific theory.

This is a wonderful book for getting a reader interested right away with plenty of excitement and action throughout the book, while still exploring serious topics that will give teen readers a lot of thought