Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
An unidentified rocket ship crashes into the Swifts' outpost in space and vanished before Tom can track it down. Shortly after comes the startling news that a Mars probe rocket, vital to the United States space program, has failed to respond to signals to bring it back to earth. Tom is confident that with his latest invention -- the Polar-Ray Dynasphere -- he can retrieve the stranded missile. But a web of espionage threatens his plan. A clue to the solution of the mystery prompts Tom to accept an invitation from the young Prince Jahan to visit his native land of Vishnapur in the snow-peaked Himalayas north of India. In this remote Oriental kingdom, Tom and his pal Bud Barclay visit a strange lake of death and sight the tracks of a weird monster said to prowl the lake at night. Tom conceives an ingenious plan for draining the poison lake with the Dynasphere mounted aboard his new spacecraft, the Dyna Ranger, so that the valley may be turned into valuable farmland. Fireball missiles and a hairbreadth encounter with a charging tiger are only two of the perils that confront the daring young inventor in this colorful, thrill-packed adventure.
Is Tom Swift and His Polar-Ray Dynasphere appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
A classic juvenile science fiction adventure featuring a young inventor facing espionage threats and exotic dangers. Contains mild action peril including a tiger encounter and missile attacks, but no graphic violence or inappropriate content for middle-grade readers.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include animal harm.
Who'll love this
Young readers who love gadgets, space exploration, and international adventure will enjoy Tom's daring rescue mission and encounters with mysterious creatures in a remote Himalayan kingdom.