Today, DNA Press announced The Prometheus Project - Trapped has been added to a list of Recommended Literature for Math & Science that the California Department of Education (CDOE) calls a "collection of outstanding science-and-mathematics-related literature for children."

Said Douglas E. Richards, the author of Trapped and a frequent contributor of science pieces for National Geographic KIDS magazine, "My goal was to write a science-fiction thriller crammed with cliffhangers, nonstop action, and unexpected twists and turns that would keep kids glued to the page while illuminating key scientific and problem-solving principles. For Trapped to have been recognized as worthy of inclusion on the CDOE's prestigious list is very gratifying."

Trapped, written for children 9-13, was "highly recommended" by Kirkus and called, "perfect for middle grades" by Teaching Pre K-8 Magazine. A kids panel of reviewers for Odyssey Magazine called Trapped "a thriller you that you won't put down until you've reached the last page."

Along with the CDOE list, the book also appears on Missouri State University's list of "Best New Books to Engage Students in Math and Science," and has been praised by The American Association for the Advancement of Science. The California Science Teachers association wrote that Trapped was "nonstop action adventure . . .a thrilling read," and that the author "has done a good job of addressing many of the California science standards."

In addition to being praised by kids, parents and educators, Trapped is also being embraced in the homeschooling community. The book appears on A to Z Home's Cool Homeschooling web site, and a reviewer for The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, a homeschooling publication, wrote that Trapped was "unlike any book that I have ever read," and concluded, "I enjoyed Trapped very much. It would make a great read-aloud and would foster much talk among families . . ."

Trapped is the first book in the Prometheus Project series and follows the adventures of Ryan and Regan Resnick as they stumble onto the greatest discovery ever made - a fantastic alien city buried deep underground. The second book in the series, The Prometheus Project - Captured, was published in July, 2007, and has already garnered strong reviews. Said Catherine Hughes, Senior Editor for NG KIDS, "Captured is a page-turner that kids - and their parents - will love reading." TeensReadToo.com gave Captured five stars and called it, "great fun" while ForeWord Magazine wrote that the book is "fast paced and full of action," and that "adventure, suspense and science make for a potent combination." ForeWord concluded, "At a time when Americans want more students to become interested in science, the books in this series will likely encourage their interest in a non-threatening way."