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The Year We Fell From Space
The deeply affecting next book from acclaimed author Amy Sarig King.
Liberty Johansen is going to change the way we look at the night sky. Most people see the old constellations, the things they've been told to see. But Liberty sees new patterns, pictures, and possibilities. She's an exception.
Some other exceptions:
Her dad, who gave her the stars. Who moved out months ago and hasn't talked to her since.
Her mom, who's happier since he left, even though everyone thinks she should be sad and lonely.
And her sister, who won't go outside their house.
Liberty feels like her whole world is falling from space. Can she map a new life for herself and her family before they spin too far out of reach?
Liberty Johansen is going to change the way we look at the night sky. Most people see the old constellations, the things they've been told to see. But Liberty sees new patterns, pictures, and possibilities. She's an exception.
Some other exceptions:
Her dad, who gave her the stars. Who moved out months ago and hasn't talked to her since.
Her mom, who's happier since he left, even though everyone thinks she should be sad and lonely.
And her sister, who won't go outside their house.
Liberty feels like her whole world is falling from space. Can she map a new life for herself and her family before they spin too far out of reach?
272 pages, Hardcover
First published October 15, 2019
52 people are currently reading
4080 people want to read
About the author
Amy Sarig King
5 books193 followersA.S. King writes middle grade fiction under the name Amy Sarig King.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 324 reviews
February 18, 2020
Might be more of a 3 or a 3.5 for me personally but it was still a very strong book!
December 4, 2019
So yep, I’ve just read a Middle Grade book that was so good I’d recommend to adults. A lot can be learnt from this story.
A family that breaks up.
The constellation in the sky seems on track, planned and focused.
But when the parents split, a rock falls to earth. A heavy burden for the kids in that relationship to handle.
Dad has his mental health problem that afflicts him. But did they really break up because of that?
This is a well written well thought out story that I flew through within two evenings.
There’s a lot I can say about this story but I’m reluctant as you need to experience this for yourselves if you choose to read it.
The physical book is quite beautiful, the sections/parts have black pages with stars on.
The chapters a fast and snappy giving you a feel of reading very quickly.
Loved it.
I need to find more middle grade books!
Any recommendations, let me know.
A family that breaks up.
The constellation in the sky seems on track, planned and focused.
But when the parents split, a rock falls to earth. A heavy burden for the kids in that relationship to handle.
Dad has his mental health problem that afflicts him. But did they really break up because of that?
This is a well written well thought out story that I flew through within two evenings.
There’s a lot I can say about this story but I’m reluctant as you need to experience this for yourselves if you choose to read it.
The physical book is quite beautiful, the sections/parts have black pages with stars on.
The chapters a fast and snappy giving you a feel of reading very quickly.
Loved it.
I need to find more middle grade books!
Any recommendations, let me know.
March 14, 2021
So I was not expecting a middle grade book to make me cry, but it did.
This is a story about a 12-year old girl trying to navigate her world after it has fallen apart. Her parents are getting a divorce, she’s getting bullied at school, she has the responsibility of having to look after her 10-year old baby sister which she has taken on herself and bottles her emotions. But she tries to make sense of them through constellations.
It’s a story about living with a depressive parent and the trauma that divorce has on children. It’s about the importance of having conversations about mental health from a young age and allowing yourself to feel whatever it is you’re feeling and that it’s okay. There are no right and wrong feelings.
I love what the author did with this story. It was so well-written and creative. She has captured the voice of our main character so perfectly. It’s young, but heavy and open and honest and doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable topics, just because its audience is young. Children are always smarter than what adults give them credit for.
This is a story about a 12-year old girl trying to navigate her world after it has fallen apart. Her parents are getting a divorce, she’s getting bullied at school, she has the responsibility of having to look after her 10-year old baby sister which she has taken on herself and bottles her emotions. But she tries to make sense of them through constellations.
It’s a story about living with a depressive parent and the trauma that divorce has on children. It’s about the importance of having conversations about mental health from a young age and allowing yourself to feel whatever it is you’re feeling and that it’s okay. There are no right and wrong feelings.
I love what the author did with this story. It was so well-written and creative. She has captured the voice of our main character so perfectly. It’s young, but heavy and open and honest and doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable topics, just because its audience is young. Children are always smarter than what adults give them credit for.
November 3, 2020
The Year We Fell From Space was a moving, emotional and important middle grade novel that I would recommend for any age.
This book focuses on themes of depression and divorce within a middle school setting, and is infused with a typical A.S. King magical/speculative element. We follow Liberty, a young girl who is enamoured by the stars more than she is by real life. She is left reeling from her parent's separation when a meteorite falls from the sky. From there, Liberty's life becomes even more complicated.
This was my first book by A.S. King, but it certainly won't be the last! I adored the writing and the slightly weird and magical twist to a typical contemporary story.
I knew nothing about this book going in apart from the title and cover, which lead to to make some incorrect assumptions about it. I had no idea that depression and divorce were some of the main themes, and thought instead that space and her love for stars would big the bigger plot. Obviously this is my fault for having misplaced expectations, but the more sombre and melancholic atmosphere wasn't what I was looking for at that particular time. Don't get me wrong, I think tackling these topics in middle grade is incredibly important- but I think I just read this at the wrong time for myself personally.
I have been lucky enough to never directly experience a divorce, but this book portrays it in a way that feels so deeply realistic and emotional that I felt as if I had. It was devastating to read the impact it had on these young kids, and so many times I just wished I could give them a hug. This will be such an impactful and important read for children around this age going through a similar situation.
In addition, the tackling of mental health for a younger audience is something that is invaluable. Depression is the main thing addressed, and I think it was done in an authentic and realistic way for the age of the characters. It never spoke down to the readers, but was honest and unflinching in its discussions.
I began reading this physically, and while I enjoyed it, I didn't love it. But towards the end I switched to the audiobook and I became much more enamoured. I would highly recommend listening if you have the option, as I feel like the story translates perfectly to that format and the narrator was brilliant.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone or any age. In particular, those around the 10-13 age who are experiencing a divorce within their family or are struggling with their own mental health. If you like slower, more emotional contemporaries with a twist- this is perfect. I hope to read more from this author soon, and particularly have my eye on Dig! If you have any recommendations on how to read A.S King's backlist, or your personal favourites, feel free to let me know!
★★★☆☆.5 stars
This book focuses on themes of depression and divorce within a middle school setting, and is infused with a typical A.S. King magical/speculative element. We follow Liberty, a young girl who is enamoured by the stars more than she is by real life. She is left reeling from her parent's separation when a meteorite falls from the sky. From there, Liberty's life becomes even more complicated.
This was my first book by A.S. King, but it certainly won't be the last! I adored the writing and the slightly weird and magical twist to a typical contemporary story.
I knew nothing about this book going in apart from the title and cover, which lead to to make some incorrect assumptions about it. I had no idea that depression and divorce were some of the main themes, and thought instead that space and her love for stars would big the bigger plot. Obviously this is my fault for having misplaced expectations, but the more sombre and melancholic atmosphere wasn't what I was looking for at that particular time. Don't get me wrong, I think tackling these topics in middle grade is incredibly important- but I think I just read this at the wrong time for myself personally.
I have been lucky enough to never directly experience a divorce, but this book portrays it in a way that feels so deeply realistic and emotional that I felt as if I had. It was devastating to read the impact it had on these young kids, and so many times I just wished I could give them a hug. This will be such an impactful and important read for children around this age going through a similar situation.
In addition, the tackling of mental health for a younger audience is something that is invaluable. Depression is the main thing addressed, and I think it was done in an authentic and realistic way for the age of the characters. It never spoke down to the readers, but was honest and unflinching in its discussions.
I began reading this physically, and while I enjoyed it, I didn't love it. But towards the end I switched to the audiobook and I became much more enamoured. I would highly recommend listening if you have the option, as I feel like the story translates perfectly to that format and the narrator was brilliant.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone or any age. In particular, those around the 10-13 age who are experiencing a divorce within their family or are struggling with their own mental health. If you like slower, more emotional contemporaries with a twist- this is perfect. I hope to read more from this author soon, and particularly have my eye on Dig! If you have any recommendations on how to read A.S King's backlist, or your personal favourites, feel free to let me know!
★★★☆☆.5 stars
July 24, 2022
The Year We Fell From Space is a well-written, moving middle grade novel about divorce and mental health. Specifically, this is the story of children stuck in the middle of their parents' divorce and how they are affecting by this separation.
Liberty's character is realistic and genuine yet quite infuriating, at times. But it's understandable as she is experiencing a bad thing, which is the divorce of her parents.
She's acting irrational as a way to cope and process all of these things and it's apparent when you read the book, how she is hurt, confused and trying her best to understand what she needs to understand. It's contagious.
It's a pity what Lib is experiencing but it is also commendable how she is overcoming herself to be matured enough to discern the things along the way to acceptance.
The Year We Fell From Space is a great book. And it becomes greater because of the magical realism infused to this book, which is interesting and amplify the importance of why this book was written.
Liberty's character is realistic and genuine yet quite infuriating, at times. But it's understandable as she is experiencing a bad thing, which is the divorce of her parents.
She's acting irrational as a way to cope and process all of these things and it's apparent when you read the book, how she is hurt, confused and trying her best to understand what she needs to understand. It's contagious.
It's a pity what Lib is experiencing but it is also commendable how she is overcoming herself to be matured enough to discern the things along the way to acceptance.
The Year We Fell From Space is a great book. And it becomes greater because of the magical realism infused to this book, which is interesting and amplify the importance of why this book was written.
April 16, 2020
I'm not sure where to start...
This book is absolutely wonderful, and I can't wait for it to come out so I can share it with you guys.
This is the story of Liberty, 12, stars mapmaker. This is the story of her parents divorcing and how it felt like falling from space. This is the story of a meteor. This is the story of how mental health should be seen vs how stigma tarnishes it. This is the story of life.
This is the second book I read by A.S. King and it certainly won't be the last.
It is so utterly authentic and healthy. She knows how to write emotions, how to describe them, how to make them understandable. This is a middle grade book that made me discover things about myself that therapy didn't.
The author opens your eyes on mental health, feelings and how we are exception.
This book should be read by everyone. Teachers and students, to raise mental health awareness. Kids and grown ups, to make conversations easiest.
Above all this book is a beautiful, touching, deeply moving story, with a little girl that you want to hold and hug.
This is a book about a little girl who used to be me. I should hug her sometimes.
So if you want a thought provoking, original and heart warming story to get back to your inner child, to understand mental illness, to understand divorce, to understand the importance of talking and expressing yourself, and if you like stars, then I definitely recommend this book. It is a true wonder.
Wouldn't recommend below 12 though.
June 29, 2019
I read this in one sitting.
And then I read it again.
Liberty is 12 years old and reeling from her parents' separation. She's outside working on a star map (on which she creates her own constellations, which help her to focus her mind and process things) when a meteorite comes from the sky. Liberty wants her parents to reconcile, and bargains with the night sky, with the meteorite, to make it happen. It doesn't. She can't find the constellations in the maps from the week her dad moved out. She knows that her dad has depression but doesn't fully get what that means, even though she's struggling with similar, nameless emotions herself. The constellations won't come. The meteorite's advice is a mixed bag.
This hit home for me, square in the chest. As is to be expected with King's books, there's not a single wasted word; the sentences flow smoothly with distinct voice and rhythm. The meteorite adds a surreal element to an otherwise straightforward story. Required reading for middle schoolers, especially the ones who are struggling to understand their emotions and those of their parents.
And then I read it again.
Liberty is 12 years old and reeling from her parents' separation. She's outside working on a star map (on which she creates her own constellations, which help her to focus her mind and process things) when a meteorite comes from the sky. Liberty wants her parents to reconcile, and bargains with the night sky, with the meteorite, to make it happen. It doesn't. She can't find the constellations in the maps from the week her dad moved out. She knows that her dad has depression but doesn't fully get what that means, even though she's struggling with similar, nameless emotions herself. The constellations won't come. The meteorite's advice is a mixed bag.
This hit home for me, square in the chest. As is to be expected with King's books, there's not a single wasted word; the sentences flow smoothly with distinct voice and rhythm. The meteorite adds a surreal element to an otherwise straightforward story. Required reading for middle schoolers, especially the ones who are struggling to understand their emotions and those of their parents.
January 2, 2020
Another solid addition to King's catalog. Full of heart and humor, all the while tackling the very serious subjects of divorce, depression and dealing with emotions.
July 23, 2020
This book broke my heart and pieced it together at the same time
December 10, 2019
This book is not getting nearly the attention it deserves, in my opinion. It's primarily about how divorce impacts an entire family. But the main character, Liberty, is so clever and her coping mechanisms are fascinating. Everyone in the family is in pain. There are a lot of tears, but I appreciated that there were no flat characters. The relationships are realistic and everyone makes fairly normal mistakes. The word "space" in the title is a metaphor for belonging. And when a child loses their sense of belonging, they may face a number of issues ranging from depression to bullying at school. Another interesting tidbit about the story is that the journal entries go all the way up to October 2, 2019 -- less than two weeks from the publication of this book, which I thought was pretty cool. There's an Author's Note about apps and other online resources related to mental health as well as about stars and constellations. It was very difficult to put this one down. 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!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
Read
March 9, 2020When your world falls apart, it may take some time for the stars to realign.
Liberty wanted to change the way people saw the stars. But now her life is falling out of the sky as her parents announce their divorce and her dad moves out. During the next year, can Liberty figure out how to live her new life, or will the stars forever be out of line?
A story of patterns and exceptions. A tale of what happens when one girl's family falls apart.
Trigger warnings for depression, divorce, sexism, and parental abandonment.
Frustrated and angry at the world, Liberty didn't know how to deal as her world fell down around her. A lover of space and stars, she often looked to the sky for answers. Hurt, confused, and scared, Lib struggled to show and reign in her emotions, often causing them to spill out in damaging ways. Observant, she tried to take care of her spiraling family as much as she could, even as it tore her apart inside. Luckily, a coping mechanism that fell into her lap was simply perfect for her. The more she anguished, the more I wanted to give this vulnerable girl a hug.
Families are constellations, all connected in various shapes and patterns. But sometimes, they get scrambled into new shapes. From her tormented, but trying father, to her strong but saddened mother, to her moody younger sister, Liberty's family and relationships were all affected by the separation. The family bonded through all sorts of outdoorsy things, and it was so wonderful to see that never disappear, even as the family themselves changed. Depression crippled her father, turning him into someone different than the man she knew. Wise and somehow freer then before, Liberty's mother was a rock for her daughters. Filled with the wonder and hopes of a child, Jilly was precious. Well built, some of their bonds strengthened while others withered away and had to be built up once more.
Sometimes our star maps fail, and as The Year We Fell From Space shows, it takes time to chart a new one. Honest and insightful, this story of family, growing up, and what fell from the sky, was absolutely beautiful. A look at how depression changes not only the person themselves, but manifests itself in various ways across members of a family. Incredibly relatable, it also talked about the confusion, tears, and fears surrounding declining mental health and divorce. The middle grade read also highlighted why it's important to talk about how you're really feeling. Organically nestled within were conversations about gender roles, sexism, acceptance, and being kind to others even while you're hurting. The mash-up of magical realism and coping mechanisms was one of the oddest, yet most wholesome things I've ever read. Gorgeously written, Amy Sarig King crafted and captured pain, strained love, and the slow process of healing in ways that touched the deepest parts of my soul.
Make sure this book falls into your hands this year.
Liberty wanted to change the way people saw the stars. But now her life is falling out of the sky as her parents announce their divorce and her dad moves out. During the next year, can Liberty figure out how to live her new life, or will the stars forever be out of line?
A story of patterns and exceptions. A tale of what happens when one girl's family falls apart.
Trigger warnings for depression, divorce, sexism, and parental abandonment.
Frustrated and angry at the world, Liberty didn't know how to deal as her world fell down around her. A lover of space and stars, she often looked to the sky for answers. Hurt, confused, and scared, Lib struggled to show and reign in her emotions, often causing them to spill out in damaging ways. Observant, she tried to take care of her spiraling family as much as she could, even as it tore her apart inside. Luckily, a coping mechanism that fell into her lap was simply perfect for her. The more she anguished, the more I wanted to give this vulnerable girl a hug.
Families are constellations, all connected in various shapes and patterns. But sometimes, they get scrambled into new shapes. From her tormented, but trying father, to her strong but saddened mother, to her moody younger sister, Liberty's family and relationships were all affected by the separation. The family bonded through all sorts of outdoorsy things, and it was so wonderful to see that never disappear, even as the family themselves changed. Depression crippled her father, turning him into someone different than the man she knew. Wise and somehow freer then before, Liberty's mother was a rock for her daughters. Filled with the wonder and hopes of a child, Jilly was precious. Well built, some of their bonds strengthened while others withered away and had to be built up once more.
Sometimes our star maps fail, and as The Year We Fell From Space shows, it takes time to chart a new one. Honest and insightful, this story of family, growing up, and what fell from the sky, was absolutely beautiful. A look at how depression changes not only the person themselves, but manifests itself in various ways across members of a family. Incredibly relatable, it also talked about the confusion, tears, and fears surrounding declining mental health and divorce. The middle grade read also highlighted why it's important to talk about how you're really feeling. Organically nestled within were conversations about gender roles, sexism, acceptance, and being kind to others even while you're hurting. The mash-up of magical realism and coping mechanisms was one of the oddest, yet most wholesome things I've ever read. Gorgeously written, Amy Sarig King crafted and captured pain, strained love, and the slow process of healing in ways that touched the deepest parts of my soul.
Make sure this book falls into your hands this year.
January 19, 2023
Stories where a child feels like their parent doesn't care for them really get me. No kid should feel that way and it breaks my heart. Liberty goes through a lot in this, having her parents divorce, her dad disappear for a while and then show up with a new girlfriend in tow, plus she's trying to set an example for her sister and pushing her own feelings down. It's too much for a twelve year-old to handle and Liberty started to break down under the pressure.
I'm glad that Liberty's mom was there for her and recognized the importance of getting the girls in therapy. By the end, I was happy that Liberty was sharing how she felt and things were looking up. This was emotional and a good family story, I'm glad I came across it.
I'm glad that Liberty's mom was there for her and recognized the importance of getting the girls in therapy. By the end, I was happy that Liberty was sharing how she felt and things were looking up. This was emotional and a good family story, I'm glad I came across it.
December 26, 2019
I can't stress how important I think it is to be talking about mental health at a young age. The stats are so high for middle schoolers and elementary schoolers dealing with mental health issues and it's impossibly hard to know what's supposed to be normal at that age. I think King did a great job here of introducing depression and talking about it in an adult way through a story that speaks to kids. She defined it, talked about different types, showed different manifestations, and found various solutions. Well done.
Also, Jilly is the cutest and the scene where Finn and Lib chase her away is a total delight.
Also, Jilly is the cutest and the scene where Finn and Lib chase her away is a total delight.
December 17, 2025
This is amazing. Here is my review for the Australian YA Bloggers & Readers 2020 Challenge May book - After Dark
1) What book did you pick for this month’s read?
The Year We Fell From Space by Amy Sarig King
2) Did you enjoy it?
Yes! But it made me cry in between laughing.
3) What rating would you give it out of five?
★★★★
4) Was there anything in your book that touched you /resonated with you in some way?
Liberty's love of the stars and her remapping of the constellations. It's heartbreaking when things get so bad for her, she can't draw her maps anymore.
5) What was your favourite part of the book?
The meteorite. Who doesn't love a talking rock. I still don't know the difference between a meteor and a meteorite.
6) Who would you recommend read this book?
Children 10-13 whose parents are divorcing
7) Try to sum up the book in one sentence:
When your world falls apart, the stars will always be above us, returning to the same place in the sky a year after we fell from space.
1) What book did you pick for this month’s read?
The Year We Fell From Space by Amy Sarig King
2) Did you enjoy it?
Yes! But it made me cry in between laughing.
3) What rating would you give it out of five?
★★★★
4) Was there anything in your book that touched you /resonated with you in some way?
Liberty's love of the stars and her remapping of the constellations. It's heartbreaking when things get so bad for her, she can't draw her maps anymore.
5) What was your favourite part of the book?
The meteorite. Who doesn't love a talking rock. I still don't know the difference between a meteor and a meteorite.
6) Who would you recommend read this book?
Children 10-13 whose parents are divorcing
7) Try to sum up the book in one sentence:
When your world falls apart, the stars will always be above us, returning to the same place in the sky a year after we fell from space.
May 1, 2020
This is a really sweet, quick middle grade read which such an important message.
The main reason I picked this book up was because of the depression representation. I was pleasantly surprised. I think it was handled really well.
It was particularly nice to read a book about mental illness in which the main character does not have the illness but lives with someone that does. It really shows the effect mental illness can have on the rest of the family.
I think this book handled the topics of mental health, bullying and divorce for a young audience really well.
It also had a slightly weird/ speculative twist to it, like most of A.S King books. It was just the right amount of weird for me.
It was a really quick listen on audio book and it was a very well produced audio book too.
Overall, this was a great read and I highly recommend it you are looking for some middle grade with mental health rep
TW: depression, divorce and bullying
The main reason I picked this book up was because of the depression representation. I was pleasantly surprised. I think it was handled really well.
It was particularly nice to read a book about mental illness in which the main character does not have the illness but lives with someone that does. It really shows the effect mental illness can have on the rest of the family.
I think this book handled the topics of mental health, bullying and divorce for a young audience really well.
It also had a slightly weird/ speculative twist to it, like most of A.S King books. It was just the right amount of weird for me.
It was a really quick listen on audio book and it was a very well produced audio book too.
Overall, this was a great read and I highly recommend it you are looking for some middle grade with mental health rep
TW: depression, divorce and bullying
March 27, 2019
Coming October 2019. At 12 years old, Liberty uses her star maps, which she uses to find new constellations. She really needs this coping mechanism since Dad moved out, but for the first time it's failing her. How can she explore, name, react and fix what is happening without it? Such an important book for everyone--but a way in for those who love preteens to start conversations around emotions, where they come from, what they reveal, and what it means to deal with them in various (helpful and unhelpful) ways.
February 21, 2020
Wow. I read this in one sitting and I really loved it. I felt like crying most of the time and my heart went out to Liberty. It's a book full of heart but with some humor, while discussing important topics like divorce and mental illness. Highly recommend!
July 12, 2019
Great middle school novel dealing with divorce and depression.
February 7, 2020
This is an important novel that addresses divorce and depression for children, that speaks their language. Addressing the promises, the hopes, the disappointments, the stresses, the anger, the blame, and just about every emotion that a child feels as their parents separate and divorce, this book confronts them directly. A.S. King delivers another great book.
The arguing the occurs between Liberty’s parents has reached its limit and now, her dad was moving out. He was making promises to Liberty and her sister, Jilly to smooth out the situation but nothing he could say would ever make this move easy. Liberty and her dad were close. They spent a lot of time together, they loved to unravel the night sky together.
Liberty’s world begins to fall apart when her father moves out of the house yet she keeps everything inside her. She continues to try to find comfort in the night sky but like everything else in her world, it just isn’t there anymore. Wishing upon stars, asking for guidance, Liberty calls upon the night to help restore her balance. Liberty is spiraling.
I liked the difference between the two sisters. Liberty was the older sister and she tried to keep her emotions inside and in-control. Her younger sister, Jilly made me smile and laugh numerous times, as she’s young, carefree and she’d let’s go with what’s on her mind, when given the chance. Liberty couldn’t talk openly so what she really needed was to talk privately with some individuals throughout the book but she just couldn’t.
I enjoyed how the book dealt with all the different emotions that occur during a divorce. Children are a major part of a divorce yet some parents feel that they’re not, forget to include them, or just don’t want to get them involved. Children need to be able to talk about their feelings, ask questions and get a truthful (as truthful as they can handle) response to their questions. Children need to feel valued and respected during this time. I think this book addressed these topics very well.
I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it. Another fantastic book by A.S. King!
April 14, 2021
This is another book that I picked up for the Buzzwordathon theme of books with galaxy-related words in the title and though I’ve heard great things about this author, this is a middlegrade title that I knew very little about going in.
I decided to pick this one up on audiobook and I think that the narrator did a great job of convincing me of the age of the protagonist, who is twelve when the book begins. As someone who has suffered with depression in the past and has ongoing mental health issues, this is a book that I think would have really helped me as a kid. The author manages to discuss having a parent with depression and being a child whose parents are going through a divorce in a way that doesn’t talk down to the reader. Adults in the book are called out for their bad behaviour and mental health is openly discussed on the page. I would recommend this book to those who want to introduce the idea of mental health to their middlegrade-aged children but as a parent, it may be a wise idea to read for yourself beforehand as it may be difficult for some children, depending on their own experiences.
The slightly fantastical elements of this book are something that you shouldn’t know much about before going into the book but I feel like it was the perfect level of slightly odd for me. It is an unexplained element, something where you are unsure whether it is real or imaginary and I really enjoyed that.
Overall I liked this book. There was something about it that stopped me loving it, and I think it may just be the bleak atmosphere throughout. Although it suited the plot and the character, there was no relief from that feeling. I understand why the author did it though so it is just personal preference. On the whole, I would definitely recommend this book – just be aware of the mental health topics that it discusses before going in.
3 out of 5 stars!
I decided to pick this one up on audiobook and I think that the narrator did a great job of convincing me of the age of the protagonist, who is twelve when the book begins. As someone who has suffered with depression in the past and has ongoing mental health issues, this is a book that I think would have really helped me as a kid. The author manages to discuss having a parent with depression and being a child whose parents are going through a divorce in a way that doesn’t talk down to the reader. Adults in the book are called out for their bad behaviour and mental health is openly discussed on the page. I would recommend this book to those who want to introduce the idea of mental health to their middlegrade-aged children but as a parent, it may be a wise idea to read for yourself beforehand as it may be difficult for some children, depending on their own experiences.
The slightly fantastical elements of this book are something that you shouldn’t know much about before going into the book but I feel like it was the perfect level of slightly odd for me. It is an unexplained element, something where you are unsure whether it is real or imaginary and I really enjoyed that.
Overall I liked this book. There was something about it that stopped me loving it, and I think it may just be the bleak atmosphere throughout. Although it suited the plot and the character, there was no relief from that feeling. I understand why the author did it though so it is just personal preference. On the whole, I would definitely recommend this book – just be aware of the mental health topics that it discusses before going in.
3 out of 5 stars!
October 11, 2019
A tale following the despair of divorce and how it damages everyone, The Year We Fell From Space does more than explore the manifestation of mental illness in both children and adults, it it paints it in big, red letters on a banner and waves it; it blares it from the speakers loud and clear, until people can't keep sweeping the existence of mental illness under the rug and politely ignore the large bump in the middle of the room.
Every part of this book was a punch to the gut, which is a rare and astounding feat in books geared towards children and tweens (sorry, Liberty). It's what we need now, we being children who can't understand or articulate that heaviness in our bodies that grows with every setback and change; adults who want to know why their kid is hurting so much and feel helpless in comforting them, and for adults, like me, who wish that this book, and books like this, were available back in the day.
Every part of this book was a punch to the gut, which is a rare and astounding feat in books geared towards children and tweens (sorry, Liberty). It's what we need now, we being children who can't understand or articulate that heaviness in our bodies that grows with every setback and change; adults who want to know why their kid is hurting so much and feel helpless in comforting them, and for adults, like me, who wish that this book, and books like this, were available back in the day.
April 30, 2020
Absolutely incredible. An amazing book about divorce, depression, and acceptance. Highly recommend this for parents to read with their children or for young readers to enjoy on their own. As a 24 year old reader, I highly recommend this to anyone of any age group- it will pick at your emotions, make you think back on times you’ve felt down/times you’ve felt others have let you down and help you out those moments into perspective.
The added metaphor of relating the stars, planets, and space to all these themes was also thoroughly enjoyable- it didn’t feel cheesy or forced and King really did some research on space! Beautiful, beautiful book.
This was my first read by A.S. King and I’m definitely going to pick up more of their books!
The added metaphor of relating the stars, planets, and space to all these themes was also thoroughly enjoyable- it didn’t feel cheesy or forced and King really did some research on space! Beautiful, beautiful book.
This was my first read by A.S. King and I’m definitely going to pick up more of their books!
December 16, 2019
Honest and insightful middle grade novel that shows us a picture of a family torn apart by depression and divorce.
March 9, 2022
Very important novel for teens, helping to deal with tough topics like divorce and depression.
May 29, 2020
Fan.
October 2, 2019
5/5 for The Year We Fell From Space, a strange, but deeply affecting #mglit novel about the pain of divorce and how it impacts the entire family.
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@as_king_ knows how to break your heart with words. Liberty's pain and emotions about her parents' divorce (which is introduced on page 1!) is so hard to watch and of course that's what makes it realistic. She talks to the meteorite she's keeping in her room about the possibility of her parents getting back together even as part of her realizes that will never happen. She is irrationally angry at the world, fears that she'll inherit her father's depression and is acting out in strange ways. Basically, she's a mess. Her first person narrative conveys her messy emotions effectively. I couldn't look away from her journey and finished the book in one sitting.
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Highly recommended for all elementary and middle school libraries.
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"I can't remember anything the way it used to be. And I don't know how to be in this new family. A family of three. A galaxy missing a vital planet. It's like I dreamed all this."
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@as_king_ knows how to break your heart with words. Liberty's pain and emotions about her parents' divorce (which is introduced on page 1!) is so hard to watch and of course that's what makes it realistic. She talks to the meteorite she's keeping in her room about the possibility of her parents getting back together even as part of her realizes that will never happen. She is irrationally angry at the world, fears that she'll inherit her father's depression and is acting out in strange ways. Basically, she's a mess. Her first person narrative conveys her messy emotions effectively. I couldn't look away from her journey and finished the book in one sitting.
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Highly recommended for all elementary and middle school libraries.
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"I can't remember anything the way it used to be. And I don't know how to be in this new family. A family of three. A galaxy missing a vital planet. It's like I dreamed all this."
October 14, 2019
The Year We Fell From Space is Amy Sarig King’s second middle-grade novel. The world falls apart when Liberty Johansen’s parents sit her and her sister down to tell them her dad is moving out.
But Liberty’s dad is the person who the budding-astronomer shared her star gazing with, he was her “guiding star”. Everything changes the day Liberty’s dad leaves, it was like Liberty fell from space.
What really struck me about this book was the way King (no relation to me) portrayed Liberty’s internal speech. As adults, it’s easy to forget how acutely sensitive children are to family breakdowns, everything really does change for them and children have to learn how to navigate their feelings, the changing relationships within the family, and still function at school and outside the home.
The depiction of Liberty is openly honest. I could totally relate to her mixed-up feelings of anger and frustration. Add to that, the social terrain of Liberty’s school life (with its own set of problems) and it’s a wonder that any children survive their parents’ separation and divorce. King has captured Liberty’s interior angst perfectly. But the crux of this book is the portrayal of Liberty’s dad and his struggles with depression and anxiety, and how it affects the whole family. King sensitively depicts depression and gently points to ways to seek help.
I loved this book. I’ve been a fan of King’s work for years, she tells a cracking story while also tackling societal issues in unobtrusive and non-didactic ways.
Bravo, King on this tender sensitively told story about a young girl reaching for the stars.
My thanks to the team at Text Publishing for this advance copy.
But Liberty’s dad is the person who the budding-astronomer shared her star gazing with, he was her “guiding star”. Everything changes the day Liberty’s dad leaves, it was like Liberty fell from space.
What really struck me about this book was the way King (no relation to me) portrayed Liberty’s internal speech. As adults, it’s easy to forget how acutely sensitive children are to family breakdowns, everything really does change for them and children have to learn how to navigate their feelings, the changing relationships within the family, and still function at school and outside the home.
The depiction of Liberty is openly honest. I could totally relate to her mixed-up feelings of anger and frustration. Add to that, the social terrain of Liberty’s school life (with its own set of problems) and it’s a wonder that any children survive their parents’ separation and divorce. King has captured Liberty’s interior angst perfectly. But the crux of this book is the portrayal of Liberty’s dad and his struggles with depression and anxiety, and how it affects the whole family. King sensitively depicts depression and gently points to ways to seek help.
I loved this book. I’ve been a fan of King’s work for years, she tells a cracking story while also tackling societal issues in unobtrusive and non-didactic ways.
Bravo, King on this tender sensitively told story about a young girl reaching for the stars.
My thanks to the team at Text Publishing for this advance copy.
November 29, 2019
2.5 STARS
Sixth grader Liberty dreams of creating constellations, drawing maps of stars whenever she can. Then her parents announce separation. Her dad moves out, languishing in chronic depression. Her younger sister Jill won’t leave the house. Liberty fights and constantly gets in trouble.
THE YEAR WE FELL FROM SPACE tackles divorce, mental illness, bullying and other serious issues that affect middle grade readers. Amy Sarig King AKA as YA writer AS King (which I thought had to be a pen name not so cleverly disguised as Asking), created a complex character in Liberty. She’s not always likable, but usually relatable.
I loved that Liberty refused to get involved with sixth grade playground marriages. She was firm in her resolve that she was too young to be involved in such nonsense and never wielded to peer pressure.
King does a good job differentiating chronic major depressive disorder from situational depression. I wish she hadn’t included a talking meteorite into this otherwise realistic story. Auditory hallucinations are signs of serious mental illness and talking rocks don’t belong as a fun side story in this type book. The meteorite was supposed to Liberty’s voice or reason, but didn’t work for me.
In at least two instances boys get physical with girls with only a small message about this abusive behavior being out of bounds. If King wanted to go the router boys hurting girls, greater attention should have been paid to Liberty figuring out this was akin to battered spouses.
For the most part THE YEAR WE FELL FROM SPACE is a solid read, but the glaring issues I mention prevent me from rating higher.
Sixth grader Liberty dreams of creating constellations, drawing maps of stars whenever she can. Then her parents announce separation. Her dad moves out, languishing in chronic depression. Her younger sister Jill won’t leave the house. Liberty fights and constantly gets in trouble.
THE YEAR WE FELL FROM SPACE tackles divorce, mental illness, bullying and other serious issues that affect middle grade readers. Amy Sarig King AKA as YA writer AS King (which I thought had to be a pen name not so cleverly disguised as Asking), created a complex character in Liberty. She’s not always likable, but usually relatable.
I loved that Liberty refused to get involved with sixth grade playground marriages. She was firm in her resolve that she was too young to be involved in such nonsense and never wielded to peer pressure.
King does a good job differentiating chronic major depressive disorder from situational depression. I wish she hadn’t included a talking meteorite into this otherwise realistic story. Auditory hallucinations are signs of serious mental illness and talking rocks don’t belong as a fun side story in this type book. The meteorite was supposed to Liberty’s voice or reason, but didn’t work for me.
In at least two instances boys get physical with girls with only a small message about this abusive behavior being out of bounds. If King wanted to go the router boys hurting girls, greater attention should have been paid to Liberty figuring out this was akin to battered spouses.
For the most part THE YEAR WE FELL FROM SPACE is a solid read, but the glaring issues I mention prevent me from rating higher.
August 9, 2019
I received an ARC of this book at BEA 2019. It was excellent. A.S. King writes the story of 12-year-old Liberty's experience with the separation/divorce of her parents. Liberty's dad has depression, it has effected their family. He moves out and so begins the year they fell from space. Liberty has problems with bully's in school and fears she has depression like her father. Liberty wants to help everyone in her family (her parents and little sister), but she also has to learn to help herself. Liberty loves stars, but loses her passion when her dad moves out and her whole world changes. This is an amazing story of a family learning to communicate with each other when there are things that are hard to talk about. Highly recommended for middle school students and higher that like realistic fiction.
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