FARTHER THAN THE MOON

There’s nothing Houston Stewart cares more about than space—with the exception of Robbie, his little brother.

When their dad walks out on them and their mom, the brothers make a vow: They’ll go to the moon together someday. Accepted into the prestigious Junior Astronaut Recruitment Program, Houston’s path to this dream has begun. However, 10-year-old Robbie has cerebral palsy and epilepsy and is nonspeaking. Thirteen-year-old Houston is determined to not only find a way for Robbie to join him, but in the process win over his NASA hero—who’s also the maternal grandfather he’s never met. Houston’s newly assigned crew is full of quirky, varied personalities, and they must work through conflicts to lift each other up. A wealth of fascinating details about space travel is shared naturally via their lessons and tasks; both the overwhelm and the excitement of the aspiring astronauts are well conveyed. Houston’s connection with his estranged grandfather—once a distant idol, now coming into view as a flawed human being—provides an emotional center of gravity, as does the affection between the brothers. But, while treated with respect, Robbie often feels pushed off to the side, present to motivate Houston’s journey. The need for accessibility both in regular life and the space program for people with disabilities like Robbie and Houston’s crewmate Freya, who has a sensory processing disorder, is highlighted. Houston and his family read white; the JARP candidates are racially diverse.

Full of passion and determination.