Review of the Week: We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly

We Dream of Space

A Newbery Honor Award Winner

By Erin Entrada Kelly

Greenwillow Books, an Imprint of Harpercollins Publishers

May 5, 2020

ISBN 978-0062747303

We Dream of Space is a middle-grade text filled with learning opportunities for students, and if you're anywhere close to me in age, you will discover it is filled with nostalgia for teachers. I was born in 1979, so the 1980s hold many of my first and most cherished memories. Entrada Kelly’s lyrical but direct writing, relatable characters, and engaging 1980s setting give this thoughtful read high appeal for middle-grade readers.

The setting is January 1986, and siblings Bird, Fitch, and Cash’s seventh-grade science classes anticipate the Challenger shuttle launch at the end of the month. Twins Bird and Fitch are now in the same grade as their older brother Cash, who is repeating the year. Cash’s grades are poor, Fitch can’t control his temper, and Bird dreams of becoming an astronaut, but her mother only talks to her about dieting. All three siblings sink into separate coping mechanisms when their parents’ daily bickering inevitably erupts into fights. Entrada Kelly tells the story through each sibling’s viewpoint in distinct and engaging voices, giving readers a choice of characters to relate to. The Nelson-Thomas family is white, Bird’s friend Devonte is African American, and teacher Ms. Salonga has a Filipina surname.

Entrada Kelly creates a vivid historical setting by being selective with 1980s details and highlighting elements with high kid appeal, such as arcade games and popular TV shows. There is similar restraint in recounting the Challenger explosion, depicted only by its effect on the characters rather than used gratuitously to complete a dramatic arc. There is no forced march towards a resolution, and the book ends with greater resilience on the part of Cash, Fitch, and Bird, along with an awareness that, by joining forces, they have the power to form the family they want.

We Dream of Space is told from multiple perspectives, and the double entendre title offers numerous opportunities to check students' comprehension and use discussion questions to engage in meaningful discussions. Each chapter is filled with rich vocabulary, and there are many opportunities for making connections while teaching and reviewing language arts objectives for the middle grades.

Teacher Resources: We Dream of Space