Martin is a young boy who notices strange signs during the first day of spring. Neighbors have adjusted the volume of the speakers, hence, changing the music. Though young, he is bored and tired of schoolwork. One day, Martin stares and becomes amazed by the network of steel beams holding up the dome encircling their suburb. As well, high up he observes an invisible structure crawling along with one of the steel girders. However, the structure turns out to be a bot fixing the rivets. Martin’s grandfather, Mr. LaRue, has just finished renovating his lawn when Cassie, Martin’s younger sister, reminds them about Martin’s birthday. Cassie is too smart for her age, and Mr. LaRue is displeased by her statement.
Martin loves his baby sister, but sometimes he feels irritated by her endless questions. Cassie is among the Wonder Babies, the newly invented genetically modified children with exceptional intelligence. Martin, along with other people within their domed suburb, are concerned about Wonder Babies. The wonder babies don’t respect the order of things. Indeed, these children cast doubt on anything around them. The children’s peculiar concepts and opinions draw the attention of the government.
Nevertheless, when the government decides to destroy wonder babies, Martin vows to protect his sister along with other children of her kind. After Cassie is taken away, Martin is torn between staying in the suburbs and going out with his robotic dog to look for his sister. The book is a cautionary tale against the dangers of designing genetically-engineered children. The author explores a society ruled by a totalitarian government, which is against smart kids.
