Greetings From Planet Earth
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Children's Book Author Barbara Kerley
Jacket and interior art by Istvan Banyai
Published by Scholastic Press
Published by Scholastic Press
If you had one minute to describe life on Earth, what would you say?
"The upcoming Voyager 2 space probe sparks 12-year-old Theo's discoveries about life on earth in 1977.... The space capsule assignment reveals much about earthlings, and Mr. Meyer's insightful questioning brings a depth and universality to what is essentially one family's struggle with the past."
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
It's 1977, and Theo and his class are creating a golden record inspired by the one Voyager 2 will carry into space as a greeting from Earth. Led by their teacher, Mr. Meyer, Theo and his classmates must contribute one picture and one minute of sound to the class project. But as Theo searches for an original answer to Mr. Meyer's question, "Who are we?" other questions -- questions that have been buried for years -- begin to surface: What happened to his father in Vietnam? Where is he? And why has his mother been keeping secrets all these years?
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
Librarians Choices
California Collections
Librarians Choices
California Collections
"This compelling and beautifully written story is built around an intriguing historical event and draws an elegant parallel between Voyager's journey and an adolescent's odyssey of self-discovery."
School Library Journal
School Library Journal
"Satisfying...the novel convincingly portrays a family overshadowed by secrets."
Booklist
Booklist
"Though it is set after Vietnam, it is especially appropriate for today's youth, many of whom are facing fractured families and the effects of war.... Veering from the everyday hilarity and adventures...to the poignant and unique moments of Theo's life, this story is highly recommended."
Children's Literature
Children's Literature
"Beautifully written, the science is accurate and interesting, the story captivating."
National Space Society, 'Excellent' rating
National Space Society, 'Excellent' rating
5 out of 5 stars, Midwest Book Review
5 out of 5 stars, TeensReadToo.com
Recommended -- Richie's Picks
Recommended -- The Librarian's Choice
5 out of 5 stars, TeensReadToo.com
Recommended -- Richie's Picks
Recommended -- The Librarian's Choice
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To order a signed and/or personalized copy (To John, To the Smith Family), contact my local independent bookstore. I come in to sign books there all the time, and they'll be delighted to help you.
Happy reading!
at your local library (don't forget your library card!)
To locate an independent bookstore near you, click here.
You can also try Powell's, amazon, or Barnes and Noble.
To order a signed and/or personalized copy (To John, To the Smith Family), contact my local independent bookstore. I come in to sign books there all the time, and they'll be delighted to help you.
Happy reading!
Go to a Teacher's Guide for this book.