SYNOPSIS

Bird, her twin brother Fitch, and older brother Cash don’t get along.

Fitch is an arcade game wiz, has no friends, and avoids school and home at all costs.

Cash loves playing basketball (though he’s not very good at it) until he breaks his wrist and is booted off the school team.

An engineer and explorer at heart, Bird enjoys studying and documenting how machines work.

Mostly ignored by her screaming, unhappy parents, she often “speaks” to Judith Resnik (a teacher-member of the Challenger space shuttle crew).

Bird’s class watches the televised takeoff of the Challenger and the resulting explosion.

Fitch and Cash recognize Bird’s devastation and support her through her grief.

PERFECT AGE 10 – 14

We love

• Interesting parallel plotlines for the three siblings.
• Bird is an inspiring young scientist and she herself is a role model for other girls reading the book.

WATCH OUT FOR (Language, Big / Sensitive Topics, Outdated Concepts):

• If readers are not familiar with the fate of the Challenger, they may need a preview.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• What attracts Bird to the Challenger? Why is she inspired by Judith Resnik?
• How do you think Fitch handled his interactions with Amanda? What could he have done differently?
• Why do you think the author chose to portray the parents as fighting and unkind to each other? How does that help you appreciate the siblings’ relationship?