Oasis by Katya de Becerra
Published by Imprint on January 7, 2020
ISBN: 1250124263
Pages: 320
Genres: Adventure, Horror
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

If going on an archaeological dig with your four best friends sounds like a plan for a great summer vacation, Oasis if for you.    Alif is our talented heroin who has previous dig experience but for her four less enlightened friends this will be a new adventure; an adventure none will ever forget.   DeBecerra obviously knows her subject and does a good job bringing readers to the edge of their chairs.  Expectations of the damage down by a sandstorm are exceeded in this new thriller.   The oasis is a nurturing environment where magical experiences happen yet it spells danger from the beginning.   Various types of science are explored including decomposing of human flesh. What is this place, why are these teens here and will they ever be rescued?   This is not your typical teen romance yet hormones are evident in the plot.   The cover does represent the heat of the desert sun and warmth of the sand.

Oasis is worthy of consideration for most YA school and public library collections.  Grade 8-10 readers will identity with the characters and may understand the draw for a different vacation.

Reviewed by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME