Review: We're Not from Here

We're Not from Here by Geoff Rodkey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I would find this interesting to read with a group of 5th through 8th graders. It wouldn't be a very challenging read for them, in terms of vocabulary or text quality, but it does have a number of issues I would find interesting to discuss, as the book progresses. For example, early on, the survivors of a catastrophe on Earth, who have moved to another planet have determined that they cannot live in perpetuity on that planet and must seek another planet. The choices seem to be 1) to return to a contaminated and probably unlivable Earth, 2) to journey to another planet that is known to also be less than ideal and where it is uncertain if it can be terraformed to be even marginally suitable, or 3) to journey to a far off planet that is inhabited by 4 intelligent alien species. What would be the pros and cons of each choice? Which would they choose? Why? How would you persuade your friend to make the same choice as you make? How would you feel if they chose differently?

Throughout the book, there would be some good stopping points to discuss choices and the reasons behind them, possible actions, and the psychology of their choices. I find the idea of talking about this with kids quite appealing.

Another thing I find interesting about this book is that it reads unlike many American books, in that the parents are an important part of the story. Yes, there are times when the kids are off on their own and doing things without parental advice or help, but there are also times when the family is together and supporting each other. I won't go so far as to say that this is strange, but it is uncommon in American books.

Yes, the ending is, in some ways, both too optimistic and too neatly wrapped up, but this is often the case for middle grade / tween science fiction. And, in the mean time, there are some interesting ideas to be explored. Worthwhile.

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