Planet Earth is Blue

Nova has been labelled as non-verbal and severely autistic by teachers and a string of foster families, but she understands much more than they know. She eagerly awaits the launch of the space shuttle Challenger and the return of her sister, Bridget, who promised to watch it with her. When Bridget doesn’t show up, Nova learns she has died in a car accident and with the help of a new, supportive foster family she begins to heal from her loss. This easy-to-read novel for grades 7-8 is suited as a class or small group novel, and can launch discussions of bullying, autism, social responsibility, foster care, safety, and dynamic families/learners.