Reeve. Phillip. Larklight

Reeve, Phillip. Larklight. Bloomsbury, 2006 [1-59990-020-3]
This is a great example of an alternate reality. In this reality, Isaac Newton was contacted by a alien and given the secret of space travel. It is now 1851 and the British Empire now not only includes Earth but many other planets. Our main characters, Art and his sister Myrtle get involved with space pirates, large menacing white spiders with an evil plot to take over the universe. This 399 page book is a great sci-fi adventure story with wonderfully intricate illustrations periodically. The book reminded me some of the "Edgeworld Chronicles" by Stewart. A great addition to a middle school library.