Planet Earth Is Blue

It’s 1986, and Nova is eagerly awaiting the launch of the space shuttle Challenger. She loves astronomy — plus her sister Bridget promised she’d be back for the launch, no matter what. Nova is autistic and nonverbal, and navigating a new foster family and a new school alone is extra tough; no one but Bridget has ever fully understood that she’s a whole, intelligent person. As Nova counts down to the launch, we share in her excitement, her worries, her grief, and her joys. Panteleakos (who herself is on the spectrum, and who has been an instructor in a school for autistic students) has crafted a compelling, compassionate debut. Recommended By Madeline S., Powells.com

Nova is an 11-year-old nonverbal autistic girl in foster care who is intensely interested in space. In particular she's interested in the Challenger space shuttle launch which will bring the return of her sister, Bridget. She is so enthralled and overwhelmed with the idea of space that she excitedly stims, but the people around her don't quite understand why. Nor do they understand how intelligent she is. Through the 10 or so days of this book, you really get to understand Nova and what's important to her. This book is an amazing exploration of autism and grief, change, and hope. I would highly recommend this story for those who enjoyed Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine, or for those who are close to the topics at hand.   Recommended By Rin S., Powells.com

A heartrending and hopeful debut novel about a nonverbal girl and her passion for space exploration, for fans of See You in the Cosmos, Mockingbird, and The Thing About Jellyfish.

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.

While foster families and teachers dismiss Nova as severely autistic and nonverbal, Bridget understands how intelligent and special Nova is, and all that she can't express. As the liftoff draws closer, Nova's new foster family and teachers begin to see her potential, and for the first time, she is making friends without Bridget. But every day, she's counting down to the launch, and to the moment when she'll see Bridget again. Because Bridget said, "No matter what, I'll be there. I promise."

"As close to perfect as a story can get. It speaks to heartbreak and joy, pain and resilience, tragedy and humanity (both big and small) in a unique and utterly engaging 'speechless' voice that transcends all boundaries." Nora Raleigh Baskin, author of Anything but Typical and Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story

"Tender and illuminating, Planet Earth is Blue is a beautiful debut novel about the strength of a girl who knows exactly who she is, even when others can't see her." Rebecca Stead, Newbery-winning author of When You Reach Me

"Bursting with worry, joy, empathy, humor, and even mischief, Nova is endearingly nuanced... Stellar." Kirkus Reviews (Starred Review)

"A remarkable, sensitively told debut with a joyfully positive portrayal of neurodifference. Nova and her indomitable spirit will remain with you long after you close the book." Cindy Baldwin, author of Where the Watermelons Grow

Nicole Panteleakos is a middle-grade author, playwright, and Ravenclaw whose plays have been performed at numerous theaters and schools in Connecticut and New York City. She earned her BA in Theatre Scriptwriting from Eastern Connecticut State University and is currently working toward her MFA in Children's Literature at Hollins University. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, and has three awesome godchildren, two quirky cats, and at least one Broadway song stuck in her head at all times. Planet Earth Is Blue is her debut novel. Visit Nicole on Twitter at @NicWritesBooks, on Facebook (facebook.com/nicolepanteleakos), or at nicolepanteleakos.com.