Edward E. Smith

This is the original, classic space opera. I read it 30 odd years ago and it was already 30 odd years old! It predates E.E. Smith's better known Lensmen series and in many ways is better. (I don't remember the Lensmen stories but I do remember the Skylark series.) It begins with the classic brilliant, slightly mad scientist, Dick Seaton, except he's young and hunkish with a gorgeous and high-class girlfriend, Dorothy. (Her parents oppose the romance but she's loyal to her Dick.) Enter the brilliant, mad-scientist villain named Blackie. He kidnaps Dorothy. I'm happy to say she tries to kick butt, kicks the instrument panel of the space ship instead and they're off on a grand tour of outer space with our hero in hot pursuit. There's another girl and another guy and the book is climaxed by a double-wedding on an alien planet with an alien race in attendance. Of course Blackie is defeated (but only temporarily so he can show up again in the next book), and they all go home to live happily ever after until the next adventure (which will occur in about 5 minutes,) Yes, it's dated and corny and, if you think about it, extremely silly. My advice is, don't think about it. Just read it and enjoy. This is an excellent book to introduce early teenagers to a sense of wonder and adventure and awe at the vastness and mystery of the universe.