Review of The Calculating Stars

The Calculating Stars

Author: Mary Robinette Kowal

Publisher: Tor Books

Publication Date: July 2018

    “In the early hours of the morning a meteorite struck just outside the capital of the United States of America with a force greater than the bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.” In the 1952 of Mary Robinette Kowal’s The Calculating Stars, a meteorite the size of the one that wiped out the dinosaurs fell on the east coast of the United States, obliterating everything within a 50 mile radius. As they were for the dinosaurs, the effects are catastrophic worldwide. Elma York, former WASP (Women's Airforce Service Pilot) is now a “computer” for the International Aerospace Coalition and her husband, Nathaniel York, is the organization’s lead engineer. As the devastating implications of the meteor strike become clear, the IAC becomes determined to colonize space in order to ensure humanity’s survival. Elma and Nathaniel are helping to lead the space program, but all of its astronauts and head administrators are male. Elma determines to recruit women astronauts. A combination of gender stereotyping and her own anxiety are set against Elma’s hard-earned skills and perseverance as she ventures into the world of news and television to promote her mission. Space is Elma’s dream, and she will not be held down by either the prejudices of men or the physics of her planet.

    The Calculating Stars is a remarkably written piece of historical fiction, conveying the drive and desperation of women held back by society while also exploring an event that could be the future of humanity, not just a fictional past. The math and science-infused plot is a treat for STEM-inclined young readers. Unfortunately, the number of intimate scenes seems a little gratuitous and disruptive to the story. The book might also be a bit more appropriate for older readers because the mathematical and scientific terms are many and can be challenging to decipher. 

D. K. Nuray, age 13

Review of This Savage Song

This Savage Song

Author: Victoria Schwab

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Publication Date: June 2016

    This Savage Song is a tale of monsters and men, love and anger, peace and war. August Flynn is a monster, born from crimes. Able to steal souls with a song, August is a force to be reckoned with, but all he wants to be is human. He lives in Verity, also known as V-City, one of Earth’s Ten Territories. Unfortunately, V-City is divided between the Flynns and the Harkers. Kate Harker, the daughter of Callum Harker, was not born a monster, but human. Her father rules his half of V-City, including its monsters, and all she wants to be is as ruthless as him. That may prove harder than it seems when Kate and August begin attending the same school in a “safe” part of V-City. The two form an unlikely friendship, forged out of happenstance rather than intent, and begin to see each other’s perspective on what it means to be a monster. As the truce between the Flynns and the Harkers begins to break, Kate and August must decide whether they are willing to risk their lives for peace, and whether they are fighting against the heroes or the villains of V-City. Victoria Schwab’s dystopian New York Times Bestseller has a plot that will startle and compel readers through the story. The writing switches between the perspectives of Kate and August, balancing dialogue, intrigue, mayhem, and an exploration of what it means to be human in a monstrous world. This Savage Song is a terrific read for YA and adult fans of dystopian mysteries. 

D. K. Nuray, age 13