Robert A. Heinlein's Red Planet features the first appearance of the Martian elder race, and tells the story of Jim and Frank's journey to Lowe Academy boarding school on Mars.

On their way to school, the boys meet Gekko, a sentient Martian, and join in a ritual called "growing together," learning about the planet and the Martians' protective nature towards Jim's pet, Willis the Bouncer.

Jim's impulsive nature lands him in trouble with the authoritarian headmaster, Mr. Howe, who confiscates Willis. The boys rescue him, and Willis' eidetic memory reveals a nefarious plan for the colony.

The boys run away from school, encounter unexpected challenges, and their actions have profound ramifications. The restored ending brings the Martian elder race and the boys' discoveries to the forefront, leaving readers questioning everything they thought they knew.