The Lion of Mars

Bell is an 11-year-old boy who has spent his entire life in the US colony on Mars. Like any kid, he loves cats and cake, but his life on Mars is strictly controlled with many rules, including zero contact with the other settlements. When a mysterious virus suddenly breaks out among the adults, the children are left on their own. Bell is forced to uncover the secrets the adults have been keeping to save his family and potentially unite the entire planet. The story features a well-developed setting, including a depiction of low-tech Martian life, and a strong cast of characters.