Copyright Date:
2021
Edition Date:
2021
Release Date:
09/14/21
Pages:
243 pages
ISBN:
1-459-82873-9
ISBN 13:
978-1-459-82873-5
Dewey:
Fic
LCCN:
2020951462
Dimensions:
19 cm.
Language:
English
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews
Enrollment in a summer space camp propels an orphaned teenager into a loftier orbit.Landing amid a crowd of similarly high-octane brainiacs-two in particular, Ashley Ling and Teal St. Jermaine, sporting the same brash, abrasive self-assurance he possesses-13-year-old Houston Williams finds himself having to stretch for the first time to beat everyone else out. But the camp, it turns out after a round of competitive clashes, is only an audition for real and even more competitive astronaut training as part of a secret NASA program. During that training, which includes rides on the Vomit Comet and other tests actual astronauts experience, the three teens set aside their rivalry to prove themselves as smart (and at least as tough) as any of the adult trainees and teachers. Rather than play his scenario for suspense, laughs, or even informational content, Walters not only rarely lets his protagonists show even a flash of individuality, but marches them through a series of incidents methodically designed to highlight the exercise and importance of team leadership, teamwork, and team loyalty. This insistent messaging unfortunately ends up dominating. Most characters read as White by default; Ashley is described as generically Asian.A fizzle, driven more by agenda than adrenalin. (Science fiction. 11-13)
Thirteen-year-old Houston Williams is smart. Very smart.
So no one is surprised when he earns a scholarship to attend a prestigious NASA space camp. At the training facility he immediately bonds with his new team, including a girl named Teal. He also clashes with a girl on a rival team named Ashley, who matches or beats him in every exercise. The three of them impress the directors so much they are invited to join a top-secret research project that studies how space travel affects people of different ages. But only two of them will actually be going into space. Houston will do whatever it takes to make sure he's picked.
The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
Praise for Eric Walters's previous work:
The King of Jam Sandwiches pulls us into the unforgettable friendship of hard-working Robbie and tough-as-nails Harmony in an exceptionally honest survival story that is also compulsively readable and emotionally gripping. Walters has written a heart-wrenching novel about what it is like to grow up amidst poverty and mental illness, one that speaks to contemporary young readers and offers them hope.Governor General's Literary Award Peer Assessment Committee for Winner The King of Jam Sandwiches
Tug at the heartstrings and tickle the funny boneThis warm tale is definitely one for the keeper shelves. Highly recommended.School Library Journal, starred review for The King of Jam Sandwiches
Navigates the experience of this unique time period with heart. I couldn't put it down. My students won't be able to either.Kim Moss, Teacher-Librarian, Creekside Middle School, Bentonville, AR, review for Don't Stand So Close to Me
This is the perfect book for these pandemic times. It presents the difficulties families face but gives hope that creativity can find solutions. Middle school students will love it. A quick read.Must Read Literature, review for Don't Stand So Close to Me
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