Twelve-year-old Nova is
eagerly awaiting the launch of the space shuttle Challenger--it's the
first time a teacher is going into space, and kids across America will
watch the event on live TV in their classrooms. Nova and her big sister,
Bridget, share a love of astronomy and the space program. They planned
to watch the launch together. But Bridget has disappeared, and Nova is
in a new foster home.(goodreads summary)
Nova and Bridget have been in 11 different foster homes in 7 years. Their mama was not able to care for them but Nova knows Bridget will always be there for her. She is autistic and non-verbal and Bridget is the only one that understands her. She tells everyone Nova is a "thinker, not a talker". Nova is also very enthusiastic about astronomy and the upcoming space shuttle Challenger lift off. After they run away from their current foster home, Nova is placed with another family and Bridget has disappeared. All Nova can do is patiently wait for her big sister to return in time to watch the Challenger launch together. Just like Bridget promised, no matter what.
There are many books and characters that will truly touch your heart and this debut novel is at the top of the list. This is a moving story, set in January 1986, about an autistic girl with a remarkable mind and a deep sisterly bond. Moving around to different foster families was very hard on both girls and after running away, Nova was then placed with Francine and Billy but this time without Bridget. Uncertain as to where she is, Nova holds onto hope that she will find her in time to watch the Challenger lift off in 10 days. Everyday, as she counts down to the exciting day, she writes a letter to Bridget in her notebook. Her teachers think they are just scribbles but listening to Nova's internal voice as she writes makes you realize how extraordinary children with severe autism might be. I think more than adults understand or will ever know. Nova was very articulate and thoughtful in her writing to Bridget and hearing her words made me forget how challenged she really was. Nobody knows that Bridget taught her the ABC's or read novels to her because she is unable to tell it to the grown ups. The chapters would also flashback during times in the girls lives giving us better understanding of their past that leads up to the present.
The day of the lift off has finally arrived but to Nova's dismay Bridget did not come to find her. Watching the Challenger disaster that day myself brought back that sad memory and I knew what was coming next for Nova and her classmates. The shock was overwhelming for her to see but it also triggered her memories of that night they ran away and why Bridget has not come back like she promised. Her final letter was four days after the lift off explaining to Bridget that she finally understands why and it made for a beautiful ending to an incredibly beautiful story. You know it is a good book when it gives the reader many different feelings throughout while reading. The author included a note at the end discussing the autism spectrum and an overview of the Challenger launch which compliments the story well. I think this is a "just right book" for ages 11 -13.~
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