We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly – Newbery Honor Winner

Enter the captivating world of We Dream of Space, a poignant novel by Erin Entrada Kelly that has earned the prestigious Newbery Honor Award. Set against the backdrop of the 1986 Challenger launch, this heartfelt story follows three siblings—Bird, Fitch, and Cash—navigating the trials of family life while dreaming of great adventures in space. As they face personal challenges, their individual aspirations are vividly brought to life, reflecting the beauty and complexity...

Enter the captivating world of We Dream of Space, a poignant novel by Erin Entrada Kelly that has earned the prestigious Newbery Honor Award. Set against the backdrop of the 1986 Challenger launch, this heartfelt story follows three siblings—Bird, Fitch, and Cash—navigating the trials of family life while dreaming of great adventures in space. As they face personal challenges, their individual aspirations are vividly brought to life, reflecting the beauty and complexity of childhood dreams.

Bird, the determined protagonist, dreams of becoming the first female space shuttle commander, embodying the yearning for exploration and hope amidst familial discord. Her twin brother, Fitch, finds solace in arcade games, while their older brother Cash grapples with his own identity, having repeated seventh grade. Together, they traverse heartwarming moments of connection and conflict, allowing readers to explore not only their dreams but also the painful impacts of the Challenger tragedy on a generation.

Key Features:

• Emotionally Resonate Storyline: Addresses loss and hope through the lens of childhood, perfect for initiating discussions on family dynamics and historical events.
• Diverse Perspectives: The unique viewpoints of each sibling deliver a rich reading experience catered to different emotional states.
• Educational Insights: Captures intrigue in the space program, inviting readers to engage with history while promoting STEM interests.
• Relatable Characters: Each sibling showcases different challenges, making it easy for readers to empathize and connect with their journeys.
• Recommended Age: Suitable for middle-grade readers aged 8-12, but appreciated by readers of all ages seeking heartfelt literature.
• Author Expertise: Erin Entrada Kelly is a celebrated author known for her ability to craft heartfelt, authentic narratives that resonate across generations.

Target Audience:

• Children: Readers aged 8-12 who appreciate middle-grade literature.
• Parents: Adults seeking quality books for their children that also offer insightful themes.
• Teachers: Educators looking for books that encourage discussions about historical events and emotional intelligence.
• Book Clubs: Groups interested in reading and discussing layered narratives with emotional depth.
• Space Enthusiasts: Individuals fascinated with space exploration and NASA’s history.

Occasions:

• Family reading nights
• Classroom discussions on history
• Book clubs focused on emotional narratives
• Gifts for young readers

In a world filled with distractions, We Dream of Space serves as a reminder of the pure hope and determination found in the hearts of children, making it a must-read for families and individuals looking to reconnect with their dreams.

Comparison:

Compared to other middle-grade novels, We Dream of Space stands out due to its historical context and emotional depth. While many books focus solely on whimsical adventures, this novel intertwines real-life history—the Challenger explosion—providing readers with both a narrative and a lesson in resilience and family unity, unlike others that may lack such substance.

Emotional Appeal:

Reading We Dream of Space encourages reflection on personal dreams and the importance of family support. Readers will find themselves drawn into Bird's world, sharing in her moments of joy, grief, and determination. It fosters a sense of nostalgia for childhood aspirations, while also serving as a poignant reminder of the strength found in familial love.