07/24/2023

Junior astronauts aim for disability inclusion in Lackey’s conscientiously researched summer camp drama. After their father left, 13-year-old Houston Stewart, who cues as white, promised his now-10-year-old brother, Robbie, that they’d travel space together. So when Houston is accepted into the Junior Astronaut Recruitment Program, a NASA recruitment camp inaccessible to people with cerebral palsy and epilepsy, like Robbie, he feels guilt “like a black hole, sucking Houston into a familiar crush.” Still, he goes, both to work toward his future and for an opportunity to meet his estranged maternal grandfather, astronaut Carey Broderick. He hits turbulence with Broderick upon arrival, and as a camp competition to propose a bold new project for NASA heats up, Houston wonders both how to work through conflict on his crew and whether space travel will ever be accessible to all humankind. Inspired by a family member with cerebral palsy, per an author’s note, Lackey (All the Impossible Things) employs close perspective and nuanced characterization to capture the realities of full-time caretaking as well as the brothers’ joyful connection. Anchored by the detail-rich space program environment, the book’s competitive tension balances the introspective evolution of intersectionally diverse cast members. Age 10–14. Agent: Elena Giovinazzo, Pippin Properties. (Sept.)

Praise for Farther Than The Moon
*A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection*
*A Bank Street Best Book of the Year*
*Longlisted for the OWL Awards*

"Starring an innovative and compassionate character, Farther Than the Moon is a memorable story about rebuilding when plans blow up, reaching across rifts to mend friendships, and working to keep an impossible promise. I love this story to the moon and back!" — Lynne Kelly, author of Song For a Whale

"Lackey expertly weaves together the wonders of the cosmos with the equally wondrous human capacity to connect, love, and forgive. Farther Than the Moon is not only an engaging introduction to the history of aeronautical achievement but a powerful meditation on family, the importance of inclusiveness, and how we’re all in this universe together." — Katherine Marsh, critically acclaimed author of Nowhere Boy and The Lost Year

“Lindsay Lackey has done it again. This heartfelt story of brotherhood, told with Lindsay's particular brand of tenderness, healed and softened bruises inside me I didn't know were hurting. The careful attention to and expert deployment of in depth research delighted me and tickled my fancy the whole way through. Farther Than The Moon is a treat for the mind and a balm for the soul.” — Sarah Allen, author of What Stars Are Made Of

"This is an enchanting story about brotherly love and big dreams. You'll adore Houston and Robbie to the moon and back." — Natalie Lloyd, New York Times-bestselling author of A Snicker of Magic

“The power of Farther than the Moon comes at you twice, since this is a story of two loves: the love of space travel, the sheer thrill and excitement of being an astronaut, and the love of a kid who is absolutely devoted to his brother with disabilities. Both love stories will grip any reader who cheers for the seemingly impossible.” —Gary D. Schmidt, Newbery Honor winner and National Book Award finalist

"Farther Than the Moon is a remarkable and heartfelt story that is as fun and gripping as it is profoundly moving. I loved it." — Dan Gemeinhart, #1 New York Times-bestselling author of The Midnight Children

“Father Than The Moon is a heartwarming tale of love and awe for space travel, overcoming self doubt, and the importance of inclusivity. A page-turner and an absolute joy to read." — Hayley Arceneaux, Inspiration4 astronaut, author, speaker

"Lindsay has tenderly approached the issues of being human with all the troubles of family relations, both emotional and health oriented; problems with those with whom we interact; the criticality of team work; and making hard choices in life. I highly recommend Farther Than the Moon to any young person who might presently be dealing with any of these issues in their real life." — Robert L Stewart, BG US Army (ret), Astronaut, STS41B/51J

"Full of passion and determination." — Kirkus Reviews

"Nuanced [and] introspective." — Publishers Weekly

Joshua Wichard is phenomenal at narrating this endearing novel, which captures a poignant time in a teenager's life. Thirteen-year-old Houston lives with his single mom and younger brother, Robbie, who has cystic fibrosis. The boys share a dream of traveling to the moon one day, just like their estranged grandpa. Hard work pays off, and Houston is accepted to the Junior Astronaut Recruitment Program. Wichard changes tempo and adds depth to Houston's voice as he grapples with leaving Robbie and his mom. At the program, Wichard portrays each of the recruits perfectly as they work through their various issues. Wichard moves seamlessly between the voices of the characters with heart. S.K.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine

2023-07-13
There’s nothing Houston Stewart cares more about than space—with the exception of Robbie, his little brother.

When their dad walks out on them and their mom, the brothers make a vow: They’ll go to the moon together someday. Accepted into the prestigious Junior Astronaut Recruitment Program, Houston’s path to this dream has begun. However, 10-year-old Robbie has cerebral palsy and epilepsy and is nonspeaking. Thirteen-year-old Houston is determined to not only find a way for Robbie to join him, but in the process win over his NASA hero—who’s also the maternal grandfather he’s never met. Houston’s newly assigned crew is full of quirky, varied personalities, and they must work through conflicts to lift each other up. A wealth of fascinating details about space travel is shared naturally via their lessons and tasks; both the overwhelm and the excitement of the aspiring astronauts are well conveyed. Houston’s connection with his estranged grandfather—once a distant idol, now coming into view as a flawed human being—provides an emotional center of gravity, as does the affection between the brothers. But, while treated with respect, Robbie often feels pushed off to the side, present to motivate Houston’s journey. The need for accessibility both in regular life and the space program for people with disabilities like Robbie and Houston’s crewmate Freya, who has a sensory processing disorder, is highlighted. Houston and his family read white; the JARP candidates are racially diverse.

Full of passion and determination. (author’s note, resources) (Fiction. 8-12)