The Limit
by Kriten Landon

With personal debt out of control, the federal government monitors spending and forces families who exceed their limit to undergo stringent measures to correct the problem. One option is for their teenage children to be sent to a workhouse where they can earn money to help reduce the family debt. Matt, a math and computer whiz, is not concerned for himself because his parents are smart enough and rich enough to play by the rule. But the unthinkable happens and, despite the fact that he is only in eighth grade, he is whisked off to a facility. His considerable intelligence and skills make him a “Top Floor”; he lives in luxury and is given intellectually stimulating work. Still, Matt realizes he is in a prison, and, with his hacker skills and the help of other Top Floors, determines to discover the truth.