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Planet Earth Is Blue
"Tender and illuminating. A beautiful debut." --Rebecca Stead, Newbery Medal-winning author of When You Reach Me
A heartrending and hopeful story about a nonverbal girl and her passion for space exploration, for fans of See You in the Cosmos, Mockingbird, and The Thing About Jellyfish.
Twelve-year-old Nova is eagerly awaiting the launch of the space shuttle Challenger--it's the first time a teacher is going into space, and kids across America will watch the event on live TV in their classrooms. Nova and her big sister, Bridget, share a love of astronomy and the space program. They planned to watch the launch together. But Bridget has disappeared, and Nova is in a new foster home.
While foster families and teachers dismiss Nova as severely autistic and nonverbal, Bridget understands how intelligent and special Nova is, and all that she can't express. As the liftoff draws closer, Nova's new foster family and teachers begin to see her potential, and for the first time, she is making friends without Bridget. But every day, she's counting down to the launch, and to the moment when she'll see Bridget again. Because as Bridget said, "No matter what, I'll be there. I promise."
A heartrending and hopeful story about a nonverbal girl and her passion for space exploration, for fans of See You in the Cosmos, Mockingbird, and The Thing About Jellyfish.
Twelve-year-old Nova is eagerly awaiting the launch of the space shuttle Challenger--it's the first time a teacher is going into space, and kids across America will watch the event on live TV in their classrooms. Nova and her big sister, Bridget, share a love of astronomy and the space program. They planned to watch the launch together. But Bridget has disappeared, and Nova is in a new foster home.
While foster families and teachers dismiss Nova as severely autistic and nonverbal, Bridget understands how intelligent and special Nova is, and all that she can't express. As the liftoff draws closer, Nova's new foster family and teachers begin to see her potential, and for the first time, she is making friends without Bridget. But every day, she's counting down to the launch, and to the moment when she'll see Bridget again. Because as Bridget said, "No matter what, I'll be there. I promise."
240 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2019
114 people are currently reading
3295 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Panteleakos
3 books109 followersWhen I love a book, I give it five stars. If I don't love it, I keep it to myself. That's why every book/ARC I've rated thus far has five stars - but that doesn't mean books I've read and not yet rated are less loved! I haven't had Goodreads long so adding ratings all the time.
Feel free to comb through them to find awesome middle grade and YA novels (and the occasional book for adults) to read and share.
Thanks!
Feel free to comb through them to find awesome middle grade and YA novels (and the occasional book for adults) to read and share.
Thanks!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 643 reviews
April 23, 2019
I remember when the Challenger exploded. It is one of those things that you don't forget, just as earlier generations remember when John F. Kennedy was assassinated, or when Pearl Harbor was bombed. It etches into your mind. So, going into this book, with Nova getting all excited about the Challenger launch, you know there is going to be disappointment. You know it is going to be sad. You know it will be horrible when it happens.
And it would be great if we could protect Nova from this horrible event, but you can't.
The book is written in two voices. One is a third person version, and then there are the letters she writers to her sister, telling her what is going on in her life. Nova and Bridget are in foster care, and keep getting moved around, but they always have each other, and Bridget has promised to watch the Challenger launch with Nova.
This book made me cry, which is actually a good thing. This book also made me care. Nova has autism, and in the 1980s, it was less understood, and because she is non-verbal they think that she doesn't understand, that she is mentally challenge (or as they would say retarded).
The author has aspbergers, a form of autism, so knows how it feels. She knows how Nova feels, and she understands how hard it is, when the world is too noisy, and you don't want to be touched.
Wonderful book. I love the foster parents who care so much about her. I love how Nova likes to play with toys, and make up stories, and I love how she loves outer space.
Highly recommended. We all need to know how others feel, even if they are nonverbal.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
And it would be great if we could protect Nova from this horrible event, but you can't.
The book is written in two voices. One is a third person version, and then there are the letters she writers to her sister, telling her what is going on in her life. Nova and Bridget are in foster care, and keep getting moved around, but they always have each other, and Bridget has promised to watch the Challenger launch with Nova.
This book made me cry, which is actually a good thing. This book also made me care. Nova has autism, and in the 1980s, it was less understood, and because she is non-verbal they think that she doesn't understand, that she is mentally challenge (or as they would say retarded).
The author has aspbergers, a form of autism, so knows how it feels. She knows how Nova feels, and she understands how hard it is, when the world is too noisy, and you don't want to be touched.
Wonderful book. I love the foster parents who care so much about her. I love how Nova likes to play with toys, and make up stories, and I love how she loves outer space.
Highly recommended. We all need to know how others feel, even if they are nonverbal.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
February 17, 2022
This was a beautiful, moving story in many ways. I was a junior in high school when the excitement about the shuttle Challenger was huge news, and since I was planning to be a teacher, the fact of the the first educator in space was wonderful news to follow. I also remember tearing up as I listened to President Reagan read the poem which contains the line,” I have slipped the surly bonds of earth” at the memorial service, also...
The relationship between Nova and her older sister was very special to read about. I must admit, the situation with Bridget took me by surprise; I just did not see that twist coming. If there could be a sequel to this book (no spoilers from me to explain why there can’t be), I’d say that Bridget should become an elementary school teacher; she has the heart for teaching little ones.
This one is going on my “Best Of 2019” list!
The relationship between Nova and her older sister was very special to read about. I must admit, the situation with Bridget took me by surprise; I just did not see that twist coming. If there could be a sequel to this book (no spoilers from me to explain why there can’t be), I’d say that Bridget should become an elementary school teacher; she has the heart for teaching little ones.
This one is going on my “Best Of 2019” list!
April 2, 2019
Official back-of-the-book blurb (my first!!!): "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."
There are some stories, and some characters, that just worm their way into your heart and stay there. I have been mildly obsessed with Nicole Panteleakos's PLANET EARTH IS BLUE ever since I first saw her talking about it before #PitchWars in 2016. Just from her description, I knew it was going to be absolutely my kind of book. While Nicole did not end up becoming my mentee in that Pitch Wars, I have always deeply loved her story and looked forward to being able to read it in its entirety someday.
I got the chance to do just that last fall, and the book was even more stunning than I had expected. I knew that I would love Nova as a heroine, I knew that I would love the poignancy of the story of the Challenger disaster, and I knew I would love the heartbreakingly bittersweet ending. What I didn't expect was just how much I would end up loving Nova's special education class, with its range of diverse disabled and neurodifferent students, each one of them crafted with absolute compassion, care, and positivity. I realized as I read that I have never seen disability portrayed anywhere the way it is in PLANET EARTH—as though disability is no more or less damning than blue eyes or freckles, but simply another aspect of who a person is, something that can sometimes cause stress but can also bring joy. Reading about Nova and the friends she makes in class felt like a balm to my soul; it was a genuinely healing and beautiful reading experience.
PLANET EARTH IS BLUE releases in May, and is currently available for pre-order. I cannot recommend this one highly enough—it's genuinely one of the most wonderful debuts I've read in years.
There are some stories, and some characters, that just worm their way into your heart and stay there. I have been mildly obsessed with Nicole Panteleakos's PLANET EARTH IS BLUE ever since I first saw her talking about it before #PitchWars in 2016. Just from her description, I knew it was going to be absolutely my kind of book. While Nicole did not end up becoming my mentee in that Pitch Wars, I have always deeply loved her story and looked forward to being able to read it in its entirety someday.
I got the chance to do just that last fall, and the book was even more stunning than I had expected. I knew that I would love Nova as a heroine, I knew that I would love the poignancy of the story of the Challenger disaster, and I knew I would love the heartbreakingly bittersweet ending. What I didn't expect was just how much I would end up loving Nova's special education class, with its range of diverse disabled and neurodifferent students, each one of them crafted with absolute compassion, care, and positivity. I realized as I read that I have never seen disability portrayed anywhere the way it is in PLANET EARTH—as though disability is no more or less damning than blue eyes or freckles, but simply another aspect of who a person is, something that can sometimes cause stress but can also bring joy. Reading about Nova and the friends she makes in class felt like a balm to my soul; it was a genuinely healing and beautiful reading experience.
PLANET EARTH IS BLUE releases in May, and is currently available for pre-order. I cannot recommend this one highly enough—it's genuinely one of the most wonderful debuts I've read in years.
November 13, 2018
The problem with this book is, once you pick it up, you can't put it down. The heroine, Nova, is an autistic girl trapped in a non-verbal world - and yet, she is eloquent. Her gestures, her emotions, and her thoughts (conveyed in occasional first-person letters to her sister) are both unique yet universal... as is this book. Filled with heart and hope, this debut novel is one you'll remember long after turning the last page. Highly recommended.
January 15, 2019
All the stars in the galaxy to PLANET EARTH IS BLUE by Nicole Panteleakos. Luminous and heartfelt, this story is the story of Nova, who is autistic and nonverbal. She is counting down the days until the space shuttle Challenger launches, both because she adores space and because her big sister Bridget promised she’d be home so they can watch together. I don’t trust myself to write more without spoiling, so I will say this: this is an incredible book that will make you think and feel. When I finished, I knew immediately that this will be a reread for me. I love these characters too much! Coming 5/2019
P.S. this is HISTORICAL fiction (1986) and the details of the time are absolutely on point!
P.S. this is HISTORICAL fiction (1986) and the details of the time are absolutely on point!
December 14, 2019
This debut middle grade novel gives kids the opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a nonverbal autistic girl named Nova. She and her older sister Bridget have been moved from home to home in the foster system. As the book begins, Nova is in a new home and she believes Bridget will be coming to join her when the Challenger launches with teacher Sally Ride on board on January 28, 1986. As Nova waits, she "writes" letters to Bridget and counts down to the big day. Panteleakos uses David Bowie's song "Space Oddity" and scenes from "The Little Prince" to enrich the narrative. For Nova, the song grounded her as well as helping her escape and reset. Her knowledge of "The Little Prince" is also revealed in the imagery and quotes that come to her mind. Nova is labelled as "mentally retarded" (remember, this is 1986) due to her inability to verbally express herself. Fortunately her new foster parents recognize her verbal cues to be much more than others have in the past. The Author's Note reveals more details about the cause of the Challenger disaster and includes information on her childhood with Asperger's. This is a timely release due to our 50th year celebration of the moon landing. For me personally this book was a poignant reminder of that day in 1986 when I watched the Challenger explode on the small black & white TV in my ISU dorm room. I'm so glad that Nicole Paneleakos has brought us this book to pay tribute to our space program and especially those seven astronauts who were on board that day.
November 16, 2019
Planet Earth is Blue was an enlightening and touching story about Nova, a non-verbal girl who has just entered a new foster home and is about to start a new school. She has been parted from her older sister and misses her very much. This is a historical story, as Nova is counting down to the launch of the space shuttle Challenger in 1986. The story alternates between third person chapters and first person letters that Nova has written her sister. Nova mentions in the story that the letters mostly look like scribbles to everyone else, but that she knows the words she has written. I enjoyed this story and reading about the experiences of a child with an intellectual disability--seeing the world through her eyes. This is a powerful story about loss and trauma. The author did a wonderful job of getting into the head of a child with autism. The tragic reality of watching the Challenger launch on television triggers a repressed memory for Nova, which brings out the sad, yet hopeful ending. I recommended this book for teachers and staff--especially those who work with children who have autism or other intellectual disabilities.
April 15, 2019
Twelve-year-old Nova is counting down to the launch of the space shuttle Challenger and missing her big-sister Bridget, who is nowhere to be found. A perennial foster home resident, Nova is autistic and non-verbal. But thanks to PLANET EARTH IS BLUE, the reader is given the opportunity to see the world through Nova's fully realized internal voice. Told in third-person and first-person/epistolary chapters, we get to know Nova's wishes and fears, and watch her stumble and grow. Gorgeously-written and heartbreaking, PLANET EARTH IS BLUE is a fundamentally hopeful story about family, love, and resilience. It's been on my mind since the moment I put it down, and I have a feeling that it's one of those books that will stay with me, as I read it again and again.
October 23, 2020
Ik kon in eerste instantie moeilijk in het verhaal komen, later ging dat iets beter. De schrijfstijl vond ik zelf niet altijd even prettig, maar ik vermoed dat deze voor kinderen wel fijn is.
Als lezer krijg je een mooi inkijkje in het autistische hoofd van Nova. Daarnaast heeft zij een verstandelijke beperking. Die term bestond toen nog niet en dus komt de term ‘achterlijk’ vaak naar boven bij Nova. Zijzelf vond dat niet fijn, want ondanks dat Nova nauwelijks verbaal communiceert, is zij wel heel slim.
De verandering van hulpeloos meisje naar een meisje dat zich geliefd durft te voelen bij haar nieuwe pleegouders is mooi en warm. Francine en Billy, pleegouders, nemen praktisch de ouderrol van Bridget over en Nova voelt zich schuldig tegenover Bridget als zij leuke dingen meemaakt.
Door middel van brieven vertelt Nova aan Bridget over haar gevoelens en wat ze meemaakt. Ze schrijft onder andere over de maatschappelijk werkster, mevrouw Steele, die altijd zegt dat Nova achterlijk is, leerachterstand heeft en niets weet. Uit een gesprek tussen mevrouw Steele en Francine en Billy blijkt dat zij Nova helemaal niet kent ook al kent ze Nova al 5 jaar.
Ik ben blij dat hulpverleners en onderwijzers de afgelopen 40 jaar zich ontwikkelt hebben en beter weten hoe zij op een (kind)vriendelijke manier om kunnen gaan met hulpbehoevende kinderen.
De ruimtevaart speelt een grote rol in dit boek. Dit verhaal gaat specifiek over de (ontplofte) Challenger, maar persoonlijk denk ik dat het noemen van het jaartal in het verhaal zelf niet eens zo belangrijk is. Als dit in het nawoord zou worden genoemd, zou dit ook veel duidelijk maken en kinderen iets leren over dit onderwerp. Het zou het verhaal er zeker niet minder om maken. Ik denk dat het kinderen op deze manier sneller zal aanspreken, maar zeker weten doe ik dat natuurlijk niet.
In dit geval is dat niet zo, maar bovenal vind ik het verhaal van de Challenger en Nova wel mooi met elkaar verweven.
Als lezer krijg je een mooi inkijkje in het autistische hoofd van Nova. Daarnaast heeft zij een verstandelijke beperking. Die term bestond toen nog niet en dus komt de term ‘achterlijk’ vaak naar boven bij Nova. Zijzelf vond dat niet fijn, want ondanks dat Nova nauwelijks verbaal communiceert, is zij wel heel slim.
De verandering van hulpeloos meisje naar een meisje dat zich geliefd durft te voelen bij haar nieuwe pleegouders is mooi en warm. Francine en Billy, pleegouders, nemen praktisch de ouderrol van Bridget over en Nova voelt zich schuldig tegenover Bridget als zij leuke dingen meemaakt.
Door middel van brieven vertelt Nova aan Bridget over haar gevoelens en wat ze meemaakt. Ze schrijft onder andere over de maatschappelijk werkster, mevrouw Steele, die altijd zegt dat Nova achterlijk is, leerachterstand heeft en niets weet. Uit een gesprek tussen mevrouw Steele en Francine en Billy blijkt dat zij Nova helemaal niet kent ook al kent ze Nova al 5 jaar.
Ik ben blij dat hulpverleners en onderwijzers de afgelopen 40 jaar zich ontwikkelt hebben en beter weten hoe zij op een (kind)vriendelijke manier om kunnen gaan met hulpbehoevende kinderen.
De ruimtevaart speelt een grote rol in dit boek. Dit verhaal gaat specifiek over de (ontplofte) Challenger, maar persoonlijk denk ik dat het noemen van het jaartal in het verhaal zelf niet eens zo belangrijk is. Als dit in het nawoord zou worden genoemd, zou dit ook veel duidelijk maken en kinderen iets leren over dit onderwerp. Het zou het verhaal er zeker niet minder om maken. Ik denk dat het kinderen op deze manier sneller zal aanspreken, maar zeker weten doe ik dat natuurlijk niet.
In dit geval is dat niet zo, maar bovenal vind ik het verhaal van de Challenger en Nova wel mooi met elkaar verweven.
May 28, 2019
This is a touching story told from the perspective of 12-year-old Nova, who is autistic and non-verbal. She has been in foster care for many years and is currently hanging on to a promise made by her older sister, Bridget, that they will be together again for the launch of the space shuttle Challenger. No matter what.
One of the most amazing parts of this book is being gifted with the internal feelings of Nova as she experiences mistreatment and misdiagnosis time and again. It takes the love of an an attentive foster family to release her from the confines of a broken system. I was especially looking forward to a story written around the launch of the space shuttle Challenger (which I remember quite well) with a lead character who was the age I was at the time of the launch. But what I gleaned from this story was so much more. Highly recommend!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
5/23 notes when I finished...
What a lovely book. <3 Review to come on Monday!
One of the most amazing parts of this book is being gifted with the internal feelings of Nova as she experiences mistreatment and misdiagnosis time and again. It takes the love of an an attentive foster family to release her from the confines of a broken system. I was especially looking forward to a story written around the launch of the space shuttle Challenger (which I remember quite well) with a lead character who was the age I was at the time of the launch. But what I gleaned from this story was so much more. Highly recommend!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
5/23 notes when I finished...
What a lovely book. <3 Review to come on Monday!
July 16, 2019
I won an ARC of Planet Earth Is Blue in a giveaway from the site Nerdy Book Club!
You can read my full review of this ARC on my blog here.
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars!
Oh my gosh. What a story. I’m an autistic female reader, so I was absolutely over the moon (pun indended, I think) when I found out I’d won this ARC. This is only the second book I’ve ever heard of (the first being Things I Should Have Known by Claire LaZebnik) featuring an autistic female character, and representation is so important, which is one of the many reasons I’m ecstatic about this novel.
Nova is a twelve-year-old girl who is nonverbally autistic. She struggles to communicate, but she feels so very deeply. The novel is told both through third-person narration and first-person letters she writes to her missing sister, Bridget, as she counts down the days until Bridget promised they would watch the space shuttle Challenger launch together. Nova’s narrative weaves in and out of the world around her and the complex recesses of her mind. The writing is seamless in these transitions. We see so much of Nova’s past without feeling overwhelmed by the flashbacks, and that’s really hard to do. The way Nova processes everything around her is done in an intricate way that helps the reader see into the world of her mind when characters around her in the story often can’t. I was able to so closely relate to so much of what Nova did and felt through the story, but this is extremely accessible from a neurotypical perspective as well. It gives an honest glimpse into day-to-day life with a neurological disability.
It was so refreshing to see Nova exist in an environment that felt extremely reflective of the real world. Between her foster family, school, and real family (through flashbacks), she was surrounded by many different figures— some welcoming and understanding, and others harsh and dismissive. It was a very nice balance, and it was nice to see her face realistic challenges while finding support and warmth elsewhere. Especially given that this book is set in 1986, it feels honest in portraying that not everybody understands or attempts to support autistic individuals; however, in the end, Nova’s story taught her growth and love rather than suffering and otherness.
And what a tearjerker. It takes a lot for me to cry while reading, but this one did me in! Five pages from the end and I was down for the count. This is an ARC review, so no spoilers, but it both broke and warmed my heart, in that order.
This is an honest and emotional portrayal of a very eloquent girl with autism struggling to find her place in a world that isn’t built for her comfort. It is deeply relatable and so important, and I can’t wait for the rest of the world to be able to read it.
I’m a writer, college student, and literary intern. You can read my blog about life with autism here, and this is where I talk about books.
You can read my full review of this ARC on my blog here.
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars!
Oh my gosh. What a story. I’m an autistic female reader, so I was absolutely over the moon (pun indended, I think) when I found out I’d won this ARC. This is only the second book I’ve ever heard of (the first being Things I Should Have Known by Claire LaZebnik) featuring an autistic female character, and representation is so important, which is one of the many reasons I’m ecstatic about this novel.
Nova is a twelve-year-old girl who is nonverbally autistic. She struggles to communicate, but she feels so very deeply. The novel is told both through third-person narration and first-person letters she writes to her missing sister, Bridget, as she counts down the days until Bridget promised they would watch the space shuttle Challenger launch together. Nova’s narrative weaves in and out of the world around her and the complex recesses of her mind. The writing is seamless in these transitions. We see so much of Nova’s past without feeling overwhelmed by the flashbacks, and that’s really hard to do. The way Nova processes everything around her is done in an intricate way that helps the reader see into the world of her mind when characters around her in the story often can’t. I was able to so closely relate to so much of what Nova did and felt through the story, but this is extremely accessible from a neurotypical perspective as well. It gives an honest glimpse into day-to-day life with a neurological disability.
It was so refreshing to see Nova exist in an environment that felt extremely reflective of the real world. Between her foster family, school, and real family (through flashbacks), she was surrounded by many different figures— some welcoming and understanding, and others harsh and dismissive. It was a very nice balance, and it was nice to see her face realistic challenges while finding support and warmth elsewhere. Especially given that this book is set in 1986, it feels honest in portraying that not everybody understands or attempts to support autistic individuals; however, in the end, Nova’s story taught her growth and love rather than suffering and otherness.
And what a tearjerker. It takes a lot for me to cry while reading, but this one did me in! Five pages from the end and I was down for the count. This is an ARC review, so no spoilers, but it both broke and warmed my heart, in that order.
This is an honest and emotional portrayal of a very eloquent girl with autism struggling to find her place in a world that isn’t built for her comfort. It is deeply relatable and so important, and I can’t wait for the rest of the world to be able to read it.
I’m a writer, college student, and literary intern. You can read my blog about life with autism here, and this is where I talk about books.
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May 22, 2019Holy cats, this book y'all. It broke my heart into a million pieces.
It's 1986 and Nova has just been placed with a new foster family. She's separated from her older sister for the first time ever and it's devastating to her. Nova has autism and is mostly nonverbal - Bridget is the only person who could really understand her and now she's run away, leaving Nova to deal with the new family and a new school by herself. Hard stuff when the outside world assumes that just because Nova can't communicate conventionally that she's mentally retarded and can't read or understand what's going on.
Nova actually has a rich inner world - she's obsessed with space and especially looking forward to the Challenger mission and seeing the first teacher in space. Bridget promised that they would watch it together, so Nova knows that Bridget is coming back so they can be together for the launch. But as the countdown gets closer and closer, Nova's new family starts to see that there's more to her than meets the eye, Nova starts to make some friends at her new school and she starts her new astronomy class - the highlight of her week. Maybe this new situation is not all bad.
Readers who like to FEEL ALL THE FEELS or who are interested in ability-diverse characters and the inner lives of nonvocal kids will love this book.
It's 1986 and Nova has just been placed with a new foster family. She's separated from her older sister for the first time ever and it's devastating to her. Nova has autism and is mostly nonverbal - Bridget is the only person who could really understand her and now she's run away, leaving Nova to deal with the new family and a new school by herself. Hard stuff when the outside world assumes that just because Nova can't communicate conventionally that she's mentally retarded and can't read or understand what's going on.
Nova actually has a rich inner world - she's obsessed with space and especially looking forward to the Challenger mission and seeing the first teacher in space. Bridget promised that they would watch it together, so Nova knows that Bridget is coming back so they can be together for the launch. But as the countdown gets closer and closer, Nova's new family starts to see that there's more to her than meets the eye, Nova starts to make some friends at her new school and she starts her new astronomy class - the highlight of her week. Maybe this new situation is not all bad.
Readers who like to FEEL ALL THE FEELS or who are interested in ability-diverse characters and the inner lives of nonvocal kids will love this book.
March 1, 2025
Wow if you don't read middle grade you really need to give this book a try. Nova is living with a new foster family without her sister. Nova is a non speaking autistic and struggles. This takes place in the 80's when the first teacher that will go up in space and Nova is eagerly waiting for this event not just for the launch but her sister who isn't with her is going to come and watch it with her. Nova now has to wait. Waiting means starting a new school with new friends and a new family. But finally people are starting to see Nova can actually do more than what many thought she couldn't. Life is getting better but why won't her sister come and be with her. When the day arrives that the Challenger will go up will Nova sister finally come for her? I loved this story. Nova is a wonderful girl who has so much going for her but in the 80's she is label retarded. We follow Nova and what is in her head even though she can't speak it. The ending will have you surprised. I highly recommend this wonderful story, so worth the read even if you don't read middle grade!!
September 15, 2019
I have so many emotions after reading this. My son is 15 and Autistic and didn’t speak until he was 5. He can speak but not a lot. I know there is a lot in his head but he can’t get it out. I always say he knows more than we think he does. Nova reminded me so much of my son. Also the ending about her sister broke my heart. The way this unfolded was so well done.
December 31, 2021
A touching story about a twelve year-old girl Nova with autism.
What would it be like if very few people could understand you? It's 1986 and Nova has been placed in a new foster home without her older (almost 18) sister Bridget. Both Bridget and Nova have shared an interest in space their entire lives and are looking forward to watching the latest launching of the space shuttle Challenger together at the end of January. Will Bridget and Nova reconnect in time to watch the launch on January 28th?
Alternating between third person chapters and and letters that Nova writes to her sister Bridget, the story counts down from ten to one as the day of the space shuttle launch approaches and will keep you turning the pages to learn more about both Bridget and Nova.
Give this to fans of Wonder, Out of My Mind, and other stories about children with disabilities. Or give it to fans of stories like All the Impossible Things or Fighting Words with characters finding hope in foster homes.
What would it be like if very few people could understand you? It's 1986 and Nova has been placed in a new foster home without her older (almost 18) sister Bridget. Both Bridget and Nova have shared an interest in space their entire lives and are looking forward to watching the latest launching of the space shuttle Challenger together at the end of January. Will Bridget and Nova reconnect in time to watch the launch on January 28th?
Alternating between third person chapters and and letters that Nova writes to her sister Bridget, the story counts down from ten to one as the day of the space shuttle launch approaches and will keep you turning the pages to learn more about both Bridget and Nova.
Give this to fans of Wonder, Out of My Mind, and other stories about children with disabilities. Or give it to fans of stories like All the Impossible Things or Fighting Words with characters finding hope in foster homes.
September 8, 2019
This book is a perfect example of why it's so important to have diversity in books. Every person deserves to be able to a read a book that has characters in the story that represents themselves, whether it's with ethnicity, sexuality, or physical/neuro diversity.
There are so many things I loved about this book. Yes, we follow a young lady, Nova, who happens to be non-verbal with Autism and Intellectual disability but the story is about a young lady who loves space and space flight. She is counting down the days to the launch of Challenger and to be reconnected with her sister, Bridget. Thanks to the advocacy of Bridget and later Nova's Foster family, the people around Nova's life are shown there is a lot more than meets the eye.
There are so many things I loved about this book. Yes, we follow a young lady, Nova, who happens to be non-verbal with Autism and Intellectual disability but the story is about a young lady who loves space and space flight. She is counting down the days to the launch of Challenger and to be reconnected with her sister, Bridget. Thanks to the advocacy of Bridget and later Nova's Foster family, the people around Nova's life are shown there is a lot more than meets the eye.
November 26, 2018
I was lucky enough to read this book pre-publication, and it is an astronomically beautiful, gorgeously written, heartbreaking story. Readers will fall in love with 12-year-old Nova, who thinks deeply and feels strongly despite her inability to communicate in ways that most people understand. The author does a remarkable job of depicting Nova's life and thoughts. We count down the days until the Challenger launch with Nova and hope it will bring the return of her missing sister Bridget. This is a symphonic novel that expertly weaves together history, science, and emotion.
September 16, 2019
This book was beautiful. Simply beautiful.
March 1, 2023
This book was wonderful! Nova is a non-verbal, Autistic girl who is obsessed with space and the upcoming Challenger launch that was to take place on January 28, 1986. It was written with such sensitivity and my heart felt so much for Nova. I enjoyed the letters written to her sister, Bridget, throughout. I also loved that it had some real history woven throughout it. Great on Audio!
dnf
February 26, 2024dnf at 37% - found out what happens in the end with the sister in the end and I just can't read this honestly. So sad. Really liked the representation of autism with Nova and the foster family situation in the 80s and the schooling details but other than that, this is just not for me.
August 28, 2019
Planet Earth is Blue by @nicwritesbooks is a DEBUT book that broke my heart. The book is set in 1986 just days before the Challenger launch so the reader knows from the start that there will be a devastating, sad climax. The main character is Nova, a young girl in foster care with nonverbal autism; in 1986 people assumed that meant she was also “retarded.” Nova has been called the R word for her entire life, but she understands everything people are saying and she can read, too. Every other chapter is a letter written to Nova’s absent older sister Bridget. Nova is counting down to the Challenger launch because Bridget promised to come home to watch it with her. As the days count down, Nova becomes more and more agitated even as her new foster family discovers her true mental capacity. Sooooo much to love about this book, which is written by an author with #aspergers. It’s a wonderful #windowsandmirrors book about disability
August 3, 2019
A beautiful book about a nonverbal autistic girl in foster care in the 80s, told from her perspective. Nova is smart, space-obsessed, and really looking forward to watching the Challenger launch with the only person who has ever understood her - Bridget, her older sister. Trouble is, Bridget is not with Nova in this new foster home, but Nova is confident Bridget will keep her promise to find her for the launch. In the meantime, Nova must get used to a new school and family who think she's "severely retarded."
The story reminded me a bit of Terry Truman's _Stuck in Neutral_, and it was fascinating (and sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking) to see her perspective. Highly recommended.
The story reminded me a bit of Terry Truman's _Stuck in Neutral_, and it was fascinating (and sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking) to see her perspective. Highly recommended.
April 17, 2019
This book gutted me. I couldn’t stop reading. I admit, I was wary at first. My son has apraxia of speech and I was wary of how the Neurodiversity would be handled. But I think it was done extremely well. The storyline is artfully crafted and I was not expecting one part. Nova will crawl into your heart and stay there. I am not a crier, but I cried multiple times while reading this.
March 18, 2019
Wonderful. Truly wonderful. Never condescending, always honest, this story is both hopeful and heartbreaking at the same time. Nova is a non verbal, autistic and misunderstood child and I just love this story about her, hearing her inner voice and watching her grow.
October 16, 2019
Remarkable debut middle grade read. Strong Newbery contender.
January 10, 2020
Closer to 3.5.
Nova and Bridget are sisters and best friends. When their mother is incapable of caring for both of them, they are pushed into the foster care system. Bridget decides one day that she and Nova need to strike out on their own, but her plan doesn't go as planned and the sisters are separated.
Nova is autistic and Bridget is the only person that shows patience and compassion towards her. When Nova has to start over in a new foster home without Bridget, things are difficult. But this is a story about hope and the family that takes in Nova embraces her as their own.
I liked the setting of 1986 as the Challenger is about to launch into space with the first teacher on board. I recall this tragic event. Nova's love of all things space means she is counting down to the launch of the space ship, not only for the historical significance, but because her sister tells her this is the day they will be reunited.
A short read that at times felt long. I did love the characters, I just felt like the plot didn't move along fluidly at all times.
Nova and Bridget are sisters and best friends. When their mother is incapable of caring for both of them, they are pushed into the foster care system. Bridget decides one day that she and Nova need to strike out on their own, but her plan doesn't go as planned and the sisters are separated.
Nova is autistic and Bridget is the only person that shows patience and compassion towards her. When Nova has to start over in a new foster home without Bridget, things are difficult. But this is a story about hope and the family that takes in Nova embraces her as their own.
I liked the setting of 1986 as the Challenger is about to launch into space with the first teacher on board. I recall this tragic event. Nova's love of all things space means she is counting down to the launch of the space ship, not only for the historical significance, but because her sister tells her this is the day they will be reunited.
A short read that at times felt long. I did love the characters, I just felt like the plot didn't move along fluidly at all times.
August 16, 2019
Beautiful, hopeful, and at times heart-wrenching.
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Planet Earth is Blue is one of those books where I knew as soon as I saw the cover it was one I needed to read, and when I read the blurb on the inside cover I also knew it was a book that would make me cry.
Planet Earth is Blue centers around a 12-year-old girl named Nova, who is autistic and nonverbal. She is in foster care and without her older sister for the first time since being placed into the system, and all her hopes are riding on being able to watch the Challenger launch with her sister by her side.
This turned out to be such an important and careful narrative. We have so much here that needs to be discussed and Nova’s character creating a momentary glimpse into what her world is like. I personally don’t think I have read a book with a nonverbal main character, and while I have had the basic understanding of what autism entails this book brought so much more to the forefront. It also shines a light on the foster care system and diagnosis of autism in the 1980s, where misconceptions and blind eyes were more present than not. We get to know Nova through two different narratives, the first is the general story where we are moving forward as she gets to know her new foster family and school and the second in a set of letters to her older sister Bridget which serve to show her true voice. I truly love Nova. She has such a passion for space exploration, and watching her grow in her new environment was so wonderful.
It also focuses on grief and loss in a way that was unexpected, but all too relatable. Loss is something that kids can sometimes not fully grasp, it’s too large a feeling and too alien to really handle it in a way where full understanding is there all at once. And some times we/they learn what it really means from those events that forever imprint themselves into your life. For Nova it’s the Challenger, for me it was 9/11 and Columbia. I never expected to read a book that managed to come close to that overwhelming, crushing understanding of loss; and as a result, I spent quite a lot of time after reading this crying.
Words can not express how much I truly love this book, and I don’t think I am capable of typing a review that fully expresses how much I want others to read it, but believe me when I say that this is one to read. I recommend it a hundred times over.
I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
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Planet Earth is Blue is one of those books where I knew as soon as I saw the cover it was one I needed to read, and when I read the blurb on the inside cover I also knew it was a book that would make me cry.
Planet Earth is Blue centers around a 12-year-old girl named Nova, who is autistic and nonverbal. She is in foster care and without her older sister for the first time since being placed into the system, and all her hopes are riding on being able to watch the Challenger launch with her sister by her side.
This turned out to be such an important and careful narrative. We have so much here that needs to be discussed and Nova’s character creating a momentary glimpse into what her world is like. I personally don’t think I have read a book with a nonverbal main character, and while I have had the basic understanding of what autism entails this book brought so much more to the forefront. It also shines a light on the foster care system and diagnosis of autism in the 1980s, where misconceptions and blind eyes were more present than not. We get to know Nova through two different narratives, the first is the general story where we are moving forward as she gets to know her new foster family and school and the second in a set of letters to her older sister Bridget which serve to show her true voice. I truly love Nova. She has such a passion for space exploration, and watching her grow in her new environment was so wonderful.
It also focuses on grief and loss in a way that was unexpected, but all too relatable. Loss is something that kids can sometimes not fully grasp, it’s too large a feeling and too alien to really handle it in a way where full understanding is there all at once. And some times we/they learn what it really means from those events that forever imprint themselves into your life. For Nova it’s the Challenger, for me it was 9/11 and Columbia. I never expected to read a book that managed to come close to that overwhelming, crushing understanding of loss; and as a result, I spent quite a lot of time after reading this crying.
Words can not express how much I truly love this book, and I don’t think I am capable of typing a review that fully expresses how much I want others to read it, but believe me when I say that this is one to read. I recommend it a hundred times over.
I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
May 10, 2019
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
Planet Earth Is Blue is a heartwrenching portrayal of a little girl who can't tell the world who she truly is. The book is set in the 80s and starts ten days before the fateful launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger. The story centers around Nova, a non-verbal autistic girl. She struggles to show the world that she is more than they think she is---that though she can't speak well, she is intelligent and curious. It's a portrayal of profound autism that we don't typically see, and one that would help any reader to understand someone who is different. Nova doesn't think like the average 12-year-old; she can't always respond the way a typical 12-year-old would respond; she can't do everything her peers can do, but she is still a vibrant and worthy human being. I think anyone could benefit from seeing the world through her eyes. The author is on the spectrum herself, and she worked with autistic children, and you can tell that she brings her own love, strength and compassion to Nova.
Nova's foster family loves her and believes in her in a way that the "system" has never been able to do, but Nova still yearns for her older sister, who has told her that she will return for her for the launch of the Challenger, no matter what (Nova's sister shared her love of space exploration with Nova and fostered that love in Nova herself). The book is a countdown to the launch in many ways---and a countdown to Nova's emotional breakthrough (prepare to be heartbroken for her!).
I highly recommend this book to anyone---adults and children alike will learn from Nova and her story of strength and resilience in a world that doesn't understand her.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Rockstar Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
Planet Earth Is Blue is a heartwrenching portrayal of a little girl who can't tell the world who she truly is. The book is set in the 80s and starts ten days before the fateful launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger. The story centers around Nova, a non-verbal autistic girl. She struggles to show the world that she is more than they think she is---that though she can't speak well, she is intelligent and curious. It's a portrayal of profound autism that we don't typically see, and one that would help any reader to understand someone who is different. Nova doesn't think like the average 12-year-old; she can't always respond the way a typical 12-year-old would respond; she can't do everything her peers can do, but she is still a vibrant and worthy human being. I think anyone could benefit from seeing the world through her eyes. The author is on the spectrum herself, and she worked with autistic children, and you can tell that she brings her own love, strength and compassion to Nova.
Nova's foster family loves her and believes in her in a way that the "system" has never been able to do, but Nova still yearns for her older sister, who has told her that she will return for her for the launch of the Challenger, no matter what (Nova's sister shared her love of space exploration with Nova and fostered that love in Nova herself). The book is a countdown to the launch in many ways---and a countdown to Nova's emotional breakthrough (prepare to be heartbroken for her!).
I highly recommend this book to anyone---adults and children alike will learn from Nova and her story of strength and resilience in a world that doesn't understand her.
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via Rockstar Book Tours in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
August 3, 2019
We came across Planet Earth is Blue when my 11 year old son was looking for something to fulfill his summer reading requirement. When I showed him the blurb, he was immediately interested. He's on the spectrum and loves stories that include neurodiverse characters. Seriously, this is the kid who chose Alan Turing for his Day at the Museum historical figure project and Temple Grandin for his research a scientist project. Representation matters. But beyond that, there is so much to love about this story. Nova is such a beautiful, complex character, and the way she's given a voice in the narrative is clever and insightful. Her struggles are relatable beyond her diagnosis. This story deals with dreams, loss, and ultimately hope, which is something we've all experienced.
With my son's permission, I've copied and pasted excerpts from his book report below.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
Book Title: Planet Earth is Blue
Author: Nicole Panteleakos
Main Characters: Nova, Bridget, James, Joseph, John
Story Setting: It took place Jan. 18,1986.
Story Summary: 12 year old Nova is a regular kid who is awesome. Not everyone knows that because she can’t speak. She has autism. Nova and her sister were supposed to watch the Space Shuttle Challenger launch together. But her sister is gone.
Main Events: Nova is in foster care.
Her sister Bridget is gone and she promised nova that she would watch the Challenger launch with Nova.
Nova runs away to look for Bridget.
She runs to the car crash site and remembers her sister had die.
Her foster family finds her and later they adopt Nova.
Story Conclusion: Nova writes a letter in her head telling her she is happy.
Write one fact and one opinion about this story: The Challenger blew up. The teacher that yells at Nova is evil.
My son hasn't always been a reader, but books like this have engaged, entertained, and educated him. That's priceless!
With my son's permission, I've copied and pasted excerpts from his book report below.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
Book Title: Planet Earth is Blue
Author: Nicole Panteleakos
Main Characters: Nova, Bridget, James, Joseph, John
Story Setting: It took place Jan. 18,1986.
Story Summary: 12 year old Nova is a regular kid who is awesome. Not everyone knows that because she can’t speak. She has autism. Nova and her sister were supposed to watch the Space Shuttle Challenger launch together. But her sister is gone.
Main Events: Nova is in foster care.
Her sister Bridget is gone and she promised nova that she would watch the Challenger launch with Nova.
Nova runs away to look for Bridget.
She runs to the car crash site and remembers her sister had die.
Her foster family finds her and later they adopt Nova.
Story Conclusion: Nova writes a letter in her head telling her she is happy.
Write one fact and one opinion about this story: The Challenger blew up. The teacher that yells at Nova is evil.
My son hasn't always been a reader, but books like this have engaged, entertained, and educated him. That's priceless!
April 22, 2019
Nova is a space geek who loves all things NASA, and she is counting down the days until the Challenger lifts off and takes the first teacher into space. Nova is clear about this, but she's confused about many other aspects of her life. Why are she and her sister always moving from one foster home to another? And where is Mama? Why does every new school have to test her so much? And why isn't her sister with her as this new (and nicest so far) foster home? As Nova pieces information together, the reader starts to understand the answers as well. When the day comes for the Challenger to lift off, Nova seems poised for triumph, but the shuttle disaster triggers her own realization that love is linked with loss. Processing everything life has brought to Nova would be hard for anyone, but it's especially difficult for her, since she lives with sensitivity to noise, fabrics, and eye contact. She copes without the benefit of speech or the satisfaction of being understood. Though the ending may bring tears to your eyes, be ready to hear Nova make a decision that sets her life on a hopeful path.
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