Planet Earth is Blue
By Nicole Panteleakos
Wendy Lamb Books, 2019. Fiction.
Twelve-year old Nova is used to being bounced around - she and her older sister Bridget have lived in 11 foster homes in 7 years - and even though the situation changes a little every time, the diagnosis Nova gets at school is always the same: "Cannot read. Cannot speak. Severely mentally retarded." Nova is autistic and mostly nonverbal and so she can't find the words to explain to her teachers and social worker that she can read and understand them - she just doesn't have the words to explain. Now, Nova is living with her new foster parents Billy and Francine and waiting for the launch of Challenger Space Shuttle and the return of Bridget who ran away from their last foster home but promised she would return to watch the first teacher go to space.
Nova is an instantly likable character who comes to life through her letters to Bridget in a very satisfying way. Her fascination with space and constant reminders that anyone can make it to space if they don't stop believing are both realistic and refreshing. Nova is an intelligent and nuanced child, and it is heartbreaking to see the reactions from adults who don't understand that. The 1980's setting, and related author's note, gives good context to the poor treatment Autistic children received for a long time. This book packs a big emotional punch and will certainly help readers develop more empathy and compassion.
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