XL-Ence: The Human Development Project

The Challenge: Find a Way to Save the Earth

Hannah Larsen, a middle school teacher in Columbus, Ohio, receives a gift of $60 billion to turn the world back from its imminent destruction. Hannah decides that what is needed to build a better world is better humans. She looks for children and young adults with special skills; strong connections to the earth, its animals, and plants; and unique traits that might be genetically transmissible to their children.

Hannah finds a site in New Zealand that has all the basics she needs to bring these special people together. The money represents vast resources, power, and influence. Hannah and her team of advisors must use the money to build something new, a place where problems can be solved by working together. But that much money can also bring trouble to her door.

One of the children senses danger in their midst. As they race to find it, Hannah feels the project spiraling out of her control. The team's ability to bravely face the danger could be the only way to save the project-and maybe the world.