The Outside Club

Payden grew up in a town that retreated inside to a virtual life of computers, tablets, and phones. Over a decade ago, two children mysteriously disappeared from small town Manger. The case remains unsolved. For the generation of kids who followed, known as the "insurance children," that seemed normal. Separated from sunshine, fresh air, green grass, and each other, "the insurance children" don't even know what they're missing - until Minka comes to town. She inspires Payden to step outside his walls and join her in the outside world, and the other children soon follow. Mobs of kids are soon enjoying kickball, hide and seek, Sardines, and time together. Yet the Manger mystery still looms, and perhaps everyone underestimated the danger that still lurks in the shadows.

Jeff Baker has a background in psychology and neuroscience. He lives and works in Evanston, Illinois.