Disclosure: I received this complimentary product Farther Than the Moon through Raincoast Books. Affiliate Links will be used, thank you for your support of my blog, costs you nothing to do so, and it is so much appreciated. 🙂
Did you know that I used to work with CP kids? They are SO MUCH FUN. Granted not all the time, sometimes life with CP kids is hard. Helping them control their bodies, helping them to show their intelligence to those around them, helping people see more than their physical limitations, and helping them deal with the pain of life. It’s not always easy for them, OR their families/caretakers. Farther Than The Moon by Lindsay Lackey gives some insight into that WHILE showcasing the abilities of another family member. Family and friends learning to work together. It’s a VERY good read and suggest you run out and get it now! 🙂
The Basic Details for Farther Than the Moon
Title: Farther Than the Moon
Author: Lindsay Lackey
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Pages: 336
Intended Audience: 10-14 Years
Genre: children’s books, epilepsy, Jr Astronauts, children’s sibling books
Available formats: Kindle, Hardcover, Audio, Paperback
Received: Hardcover
Reviewed for: Raincoast Books
About the author and the book
Californian Lindsay Lackey grew up with big curly hair, and is the proud owner of two small dogs. Growing up in Colorado, where most of her stories are based, she was (and still is) an avid reader. Never wanting to be a story writer, she always wrote books making construction paper books as a wee child. Her encouragement to aspiring authors is to keep at it. Only we can tell our own stories! A bonus!! Lindsay has a jr. astronaut program on her website!
About Farther Than the Moon
Thirteen-year-old Houston Stewart wants to become an astronaut. His dreams feel like they’re finally coming true when he’s accepted to the highly-competitive Junior Astronaut Recruitment Program. Problem though, he’s made a promise to his younger brother.
Ever since their dad left, Houston and Robbie have been inseparable. It’s hard to tell where Houston’s love of space ends and where Robbie’s begins. But Robbie’s cerebral palsy and epilepsy mean he needs medical attention at home, so Houston is forced to take this giant leap for the two of them all on his own.
At camp, Houston is quickly drawn into the orbit of new friends, cosmic adventures, and a long-lost grandfather. But can he keep his promise to his brother Robbie? Will his idea work? What if Robbie doesn’t like it? Then what? Can he make the right plan using his new friends and family? Can he and Robbie still shoot for the stars?
Digging Deeper
I love a book that shows youth learning, growing, and following their passions. Houston does all these things. He learns and does so much it’s just a fantastic read. Ms. Lackey did an excellent job of bringing the insecurities and devotion of a 13 year old to life. She showed the determination that teens have to following their passions… in this case to be astronauts!
Houston has SO much work to do that JARP (Jr.Astronaut Program), assignments to complete, a grandfather to get to know, and working in group situations with people who are difficult. Life became just a wee bit complicated. Lies, truths, equipment failure, lack of confidence, bullying, and worry over his brother… it was all a bit much. Will advise from his astronaut grandfather help?
Part of the learning that Houston had to do was discovering what it means to make promises to his brother. It’s hard to be a person with limitations, and it’s even harder when promises are made that seem impossible to keep. Hurt feelings abound on both sides of the equation. Houston and his teammates struggle to find the solution.
I love how Ms. Lackey showed all these intense emotions and thought processes. Each member of the team felt like real people. The adults adulted well, which I find is an important part of middle school fiction. I love how mom admitted to struggles in the past but through changing her perspective onthose events (now as an adult) decided she could change the present.
I love how it was not just Houston who needed to learn, grow, and change, but all the members of the his team learned new things. Such a nice well-rounded book to encourage young teens to follow their passions and be better people in the process. Farther Than the Moon is well worth reading whether young or old!
Leave a Reply