We Dream of Space

Turn on the nostalgia for the older generations here, this book transports us back to the Challenger launch (and disaster) in 1986. That's not the point of the story, though - we have 3 POV characters that are siblings - all in 7th grade. These kids are doing okay, but they all have their unique struggles - and the same great science teacher. There is a lot going on in this story, Fitch, Bird, and Cash are all relatable kids. I think this would be a pretty good book for middle grades - especially kids dealing with uncertainty about their place in the world - about whether they are good enough or should dream...so all kids, really. I enjoyed it.

as someone who gets time off of class to watch launches and still gets uber excited over them, this book hit home and made me reconnect with little me, who was the only girl morbidly obsessed with space in my school. but bird's story only reinforces my life's goal to bolster the presence of women (especially women of color) in STEM

This was amazing of course and I read it in one sitting! I knew that this would destroy me - it's about the Challenger and kids watching it - but it destroyed me in the best way possible. I loved that each of the characters got their own arc and started to work on some of their own issues. It was hard to read about their parents but I appreciate that the kids realized they could be their own support system even if their parents couldn't. I think that's really important and happens a lot more than we know.