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stephb413 's review for:
We Dream of Space
by Erin Entrada Kelly
This book was a solid four stars throughout, but the last quarter of the book elevates it to a well-earned five. Not sure where to begin on what I love about this book, but I'll try. Firstly, the characterization of the three protagonists are brothers and a sister, meaning that boys or girls will be drawn to this book to take away important central themes in addition to their own individual takeaways. Also, their wonderfully flawed family unit is very relatable in their authenticity as they are all kinda trying, but not really… until they are. This book made me miss having a big brother look out for me during childhood. Next, I loved the setting. Having also grown up in the 80's, this book made me momentarily nostalgic for an era before the internet and a collective societal belief in women’s equality. Lastly, I loved the historical allusions rooted throughout the plot, but building up to the Challenger. This book channels the innocent optimism and excitement of youth as it takes you back into a classroom full of students and a teacher anticipating a scientific marvel unfold on live TV. (Keeping in mind this is a time before each classroom has computers/projectors and teachers had to fight over dangerous giant heavy rolling tv carts capable of massacring toes in a single movement.) To summarize I deeply enjoyed this book for all the reasons above and so many more. It reminded me why I love reading so much, books can take me to places I can never visit… again.