A days-long power outage is the premise for Zap, a STEM-based, character-driven novel for middle graders. Zap by Martha Freeman.  Simon & Schuster, 2018, 288 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14, especially boys Luis is interested in science and likes to find out stuff.  His best friend Maura—make that his ex-bf, even though they’re still friends—is interested in science and likes to explain stuff.  That’s one reason why she’s an ex: it gets a little irritating sometimes.  When the power goes down in their New Jersey town, both are looking for answers.  At first it’s just an inconvenience.  But as the days pass and order…