Query Kombat: Query + First Page

Welcome Query Kombatants. Here is my improved query and first page. Let me know what you think and I'm always happy to return the favor of a critique.

Title: THE ADVIERA ABDUCTIONS
Word Count: 61,000
Genre: Upper Middle Grade Science Fiction

Query:

When an alien race known as the Adviera abducts thirteen-year-old Gary Jones, they grant him the power of telekinesis. Unfortunately this cool new ability comes with a price. The Adviera believes Gary could be the key to saving their race. As they secretly groom him for their war effort, he is forced to undergo a rigorous training program alongside other abducted Earth kids with abilities.

Although Gary works closely with his alien trainer, Esther, he’s unprepared for the missions and simulated battles the Adviera force him into. If the alien council would stop changing their ridiculous demands, Gary might have a chance to perfect his ability before they thrust him into a situation he may not be able to survive. But his survival isn’t the only thing in jeopardy.

The Adviera war may be imminent, but Gary's focus remains on completing his service quickly so he no longer has to make up excuses for his unexplainable disappearances with the aliens. But the more time he spends fulfilling the council’s absurd requests, the more trouble Gary lands in with his mom, and the more jealous his best friend becomes of his ability. Gary doesn’t realize it, but if he fails the Adviera, they won’t be the only ones who will suffer from the upcoming war—the fate of humanity could also be at risk.

First Page:

Gary ran his hand through his shaggy, brown hair and risked a glance back at the living room window. His mother’s gaze pierced him long enough to send a shudder rippling through his spine before she turned from the window and disappeared. She looks like an angry gargoyle.  

His mom had scolded him countless times because he went looking for trouble. Gary, however, thought it was the opposite—trouble always found him. Although, exactly how he might step into some kind of mess while walking the dog, he had no clue.

He grabbed for his earbuds and shoved them into his ears. Bobbing his head to the thundering drums and crashing guitars, he stepped in synch with the music. Buster, his Golden Retriever, had other ideas and dragged Gary down the street as if on a mission. The dog stopped at a dimly lit street lamp near the end of the block, barked, and pulled hard on the leash. In an effort to hold him back, Gary grabbed Buster’s collar with his free hand.

“What is it, boy? What are you barking at?”

Gary looked around the darkening street. Despite the parked cars, no one was outside. Following Buster’s gaze, he found the cause of the disturbance—white lights floating across the sky.

“It’s just a plane. Come on.” He tried to yank the dog back toward the house. Buster planted his butt on the ground and whined.

“What’s wrong, boy?” Crouching down, Gary smoothed the golden fur on the dog’s head. “It’s okay, I promise.”

Hearing the soft whir of an engine, Gary tracked the lights drawing closer in the sky. They morphed into various shapes no longer looking like any plane he’d seen before, and the noise changed to a high pitched hum.