Red Planet

By: Robert A. Heinlein

Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi

Pages: 256

Published: 1949

Told In: Third Person

“Movie” Rating: G

Compare to:

A Wrinkle in Time; Madeleine L’Engle

The Stars, Like Dust; Isaac Asimov

Ender’s Game; Orson Scott Card

In a nutshell:

When Jim’s alien friend, Willis, overhears and records a plot that threatens all of the colonists on Mars, they embark on an adventure to save everyone they care about.

What you may enjoy:

Heinlein makes life on Mars fun and thought out. The Martians keep the book puzzling and intriguing. The main characters in the story are engaging and endearing.   

What you may NOT enjoy:

The story contains some gaps and the conflict itself is weak, like its “bad guys.” There is also a good amount of sexism and some racism within the book.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Man and woman shot and killed; man shot and killed; man shot and wounded; men disappear.

Sex and Nudity:

None

Language and Profanity:

damning

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A Night Divided

By: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Genre: Juvenile Historical Fiction

Pages: 317

Published: 2015

Told in: First Person

Compare to:

I Pledge Allegiance, Chris Lynch

Stones in Water, Donna Jo Napoli

Number the Stars, Lois Lowry

In a nutshell:

When the Berlin wall goes up Gerta’s family is separated. Four years later she sees her father on the west side of the wall telling her to dig her way out. But will Gerta and her brother be able to dig to safety without being caught?

What you may enjoy:

This is a great look for kids at how the Berlin Wall affected people. The story is moving, especially the relationships in the family. It’s a pleasant read that will also expand your basic understanding of the Berlin Wall.

What you may NOT enjoy:

This book only touches on the history of the time, not fully expanding on the fear that was felt. Descriptions were often vague, making the story difficult to visualize. The end drags on a little more than necessary.

Warnings:

Violence and Disturbing Images:

Woman jumps from a window and dies; boy shot in the back; boy tortured (mentioned); people killed for trying to escape; man hurt, bleeding from head; girl held forcibly; man lays dead; boy shot in the leg; man shot in the chest and killed (pool of blood mentioned).

Sex and Nudity:

None

Language and Profanity:

None

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