Katie Kennedy
Bloomsbury
9781619639126
NASA’s Interworlds Agency has two positions open, and they’re holding tryouts for the top students in the nation. 200 students will compete in a variety of oddly difficult puzzles and challenges to determine which two will make it. Before the final cut is made, IA encounters a problem they never could have imagined…or prepared for. The first part of the book is full of fun puzzles that readers will enjoy trying to solve before the characters do. The book is quickly filled with drama and action as more aspects of the characters and plot are brought into the story. This is a really fun and gripping science fiction read. However, it will hold the interest of fiction readers who do not usually read SF, as the aliens are way more relatable than in typical SF books. This truly is a versatile book than many different readers can enjoy. Though the characters are 17, this is a great read for readers in grades 7 and up.
Chasing Space: Young Readers Edition
Leland Melvin
HarperCollins
9780062665928
Leland Melvin has had an interesting life. He’s been an NFL player, TV show host, and an astronaut, but he is not a writer. The writing is expository, void of creativity that can engage readers with non-fiction. Despite the writing, Melvin delivers an interesting perspective on going where life takes you and overcoming obstacles. He didn’t grow up knowing what he wanted to be, but simply took opportunities and chances in life as they presented themselves. Young readers will enjoy reading about the adventures of his life and where he ended up. Melvin does name drop a lot. Though this seems tedious at times, it is great for young readers to see how he got to where he is and his opportunities to meet such people as Katherine Johnson and Neil deGrasse Tyson. He lays out his life lessons for readers and really gives them a lot to think about. In the last chapter, Melvin discusses his current work with Constellation and their goals for sustainable development. He takes a moment to talk about current conditions of the earth and NASA and what needs to be done now, encouraging youth to get involved. The experiments in the back of the book are a great addition to really engage readers and will likely have them wanting more books that include experiments and hopefully STEM themes. Recommended for ages 8-12. For readers ages 12 and up, give them the regular version.