Planet Earth Is Blue

Autistic astronomy lover Nova Vezina is 12 years old in January 1986, and although she rarely speaks, she understands much more than people give her credit for. Her older sister, Bridget, is the only person who really sees her, but when Bridget runs away, Nova is placed in yet another foster home, this time alone. To cope, she counts down the 10 days to the Challenger shuttle launch, which Bridget promised to watch with her. In the meantime, her new foster family works hard not only to understand and support Nova, but also to encourage her teachers and social worker to see her in a new light. Readers familiar with the Challenger's fate will recognize the approaching tragedy, but the love of Nova's new family envelops her when its harsh reality hits. Debut author Panteleakos develops a believable, authentic point of view through Nova's letters to her sister (called "scribbles" by her teacher), which distill her own memories, sensitivities ("pencils scratch papers, which bothers my ears"), and interests alongside 1980s attitudes about autism. A sensitively told story that may help young readers stretch their compassion and empathy. Ages 8-12. (May) 

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

A New York Public Library Best Book of the Year

"Pantleakos masterfully blends character and plot in this gorgeous, hopeful story." —Booklist, Starred Review

"Bursting with worry, joy, empathy, humor, and even mischief, Nova is endearingly nuanced... Stellar." —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

"An exceptional debut featuring a character everyone can root for." —School Library Journal, Starred Review

"Tender and illuminating, Planet Earth is Blue is a beautiful debut novel about the strength of a girl who knows exactly who she is, even when others can't see her." —Rebecca Stead, Newbery-winning author of When You Reach Me

"A powerful story about the extraordinary mind of a young girl with autism and the bond between sisters." —Ann M. Martin, Newbery Honor-winning author of A Corner of the Universe and the Baby-sitters Club books

"Nova is a character you will never forget, who will break your heart and put it back together again in a new way. She felt so real." —Gennifer Choldenko, author of the Newbery Honor Book Al Capone Does My Shirts and One-Third Nerd

"A remarkable, sensitively told debut with a joyfully positive portrayal of neurodifference. Nova and her indomitable spirit will remain with you long after you close the book." —Cindy Baldwin, author of Where the Watermelons Grow

"As close to perfect as a story can get. It speaks to heartbreak and joy, pain and resilience, tragedy and humanity (both big and small) in a unique and utterly engaging 'speechless' voice that transcends all boundaries." —Nora Raleigh Baskin, author of Anything but Typical and Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story

"Nova's story will wrap itself around your heart page after page after page. It's like reading a hug. A beautiful debut!" —Ellie Terry, author of Forget Me Not