We Dream of Space

We Dream of Space follows three siblings in January 1986 as they navigate middle school life while anticipating NASA's Challenger launch. Cash struggles with academics and a recent injury, Bird dreams of becoming NASA's first female shuttle commander, and Fitch battles anger issues while finding refuge in the local arcade. The Thomas siblings deal with their parents' crumbling marriage and their own individual challenges at Delaware's Park Middle School. Their science teacher Ms. Salonga helps prepare the students for the upcoming Challenger mission, which has captured Bird's imagination and given her a sense of purpose. The novel alternates between the perspectives of Cash, Bird, and Fitch as they face both ordinary middle school moments and life-changing events. Through their experiences, the story explores family dynamics, self-discovery, and how children process both triumph and tragedy. The book reflects on how defining moments in history intersect with personal growth and family relationships. Through its focus on space exploration and family bonds, it examines the distance between dreams and reality, and the ways siblings can support each other through difficult times.

Readers appreciate the authentic portrayal of sibling dynamics and family tension in 1980s middle America. Many note the book's success in capturing the Space Shuttle Challenger's impact on young people, with one reader calling it "a time capsule of that moment in history." The character development receives consistent praise, particularly Bird's engineering interests and Fitch's internal struggles. Teachers and librarians highlight its classroom discussion potential around family relationships and coping with disappointment. Common criticisms include the slow pacing in the first half and some readers found the parents too consistently negative. Several reviews mention the story may be too mature for younger middle-grade readers. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (6,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (380+ ratings) Common Sense Media: 4/5 One parent reviewer noted: "This book addresses complex family dynamics without sugarcoating, but maintains hope throughout." A middle school teacher wrote: "Students connect with at least one of the siblings, which sparks meaningful conversations."

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson Two friends create an imaginary world to escape their everyday lives until tragedy forces them to face reality.

See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng An 11-year-old space enthusiast records messages for aliens while embarking on a cross-country journey that reveals truths about his family.

The Science of Breakable Things by Tae Keller A middle school student uses the scientific method to understand her mother's depression and find ways to bring her joy.

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt A sixth-grade girl with dyslexia discovers her own strengths through the help of a teacher who shows her that intelligence comes in many forms.

Planet Earth Is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos A nonverbal autistic girl awaits the launch of the Challenger space shuttle while adjusting to a new foster home and searching for her missing sister.

🚀 Author Erin Entrada Kelly was in 7th grade when the Challenger disaster occurred—the same age as her characters in the book. 🏆 We Dream of Space won a Newbery Honor in 2021, making it Kelly's second Newbery recognition after her 2018 Medal for Hello, Universe. 📚 The book incorporates actual historical documents and news reports from the 1986 Challenger mission, helping readers connect with the real-world event. 👩‍🚀 Christa McAuliffe, who was to be the first teacher in space aboard Challenger, received over 11,000 applications for NASA's Teacher in Space Project. 🌟 The three siblings in the story—Bird, Fitch, and Cash—are each named after different species of birds, reflecting their unique personalities and challenges.