Warga, Jasmine. A Rover’s Story. Balzar + Bray, 2022. 979-0-063-11392-9. 294 p. $17.99. Grades 5-8.
Mars rover Resilience, Res for short, was built to explore Mars. As he learns how to do that, he begins to think that maybe he was built for more. He begins to develop human-like emotions which he knows he is not supposed to have. As Res goes to Mars with his helicopter drone, Fly, he ends up learning more about himself than he ever knew before. The story is also told through letters by a young girl who is connected to Res in ways that he does not know. They both develop throughout the story in surprising and wonderful ways.
THOUGHTS: This is an amazing book that looks into human emotions and what it means to have courage, resilience, and strength. Even though this story is fictional these characters felt like they were real, and if I searched I could find a Mars rover who had done the things that Res does in the book. This is a wonderful book that would make an amazing read aloud. A must have for every middle grade collection.
Science Fiction Mary McEndree, Lehigh Valley Regional Charter Academy