Through the Gateway — John Bloom

Jackson Layton is fourteen, a soccer star of his small town and is about to become one of the most important people on the planet. Revealed to him on a cross country trek, Jack learns he must make it to a secret summit, which will establish the direction for all human existence. Hot on his trail is a rogue military leader, who has been preparing for centuries to kill the chosen delegate, and will do what is necessary to accomplish his mission. Jack must not only put up with people trying to kill him, but also deal with his new found crush on his trek mate and best friend Maddie.