All Alex Petroski wants is to send his iPod out into space like his idol, Carl Sagan. He figures that recording his experience leading up to the launch would be a great way to let the future know his story. Unfortunately, sending something into space is harder than it seems, and a new notification from Ancestry.com about Alex's dad leads him across an uncharted mystery... I loved this book so, SO much! Alex was such a lovable character, and I adored his dog, Carl Sagan as well, since pretty much any dog is going to be cute! I also really liked Terra and Zed, and I thought they were interesting and unique characters that added a lot to the story. The format of the book was also interesting, since it was told through recordings from Alex's iPod, so it was almost like a digital or recording diary, which is very unique. I also really enjoyed how the book was able to tackle so many important issues while still making it family friendly and with a ring of innocence, since Alex is only eleven (though at least thirteen in maturity). Alex's situation is terrible, but I feel as if I've learned a lot from him and his experiences without even realizing it! I would definitely recommend this to older readers (10+) or to someone who's interested in science and space, because, not only is it an important read for everyone, but it's also a very intriguing, fun, and fast-paced book!

All Alex Petroski wants is to send his iPod out into space like his idol, Carl Sagan. He figures that recording his experience leading up to the launch would be a great way to let the future know his story. Unfortunately, sending something into space is harder than it seems, and a new notification from Ancestry.com about Alex's dad leads him across an uncharted mystery... I loved this book so, SO much! Alex was such a lovable character, and I adored his dog, Carl Sagan as well, since pretty much any dog is going to be cute! I also really liked Terra and Zed, and I thought they were interesting and unique characters that added a lot to the story. The format of the book was also interesting, since it was told through recordings from Alex's iPod, so it was almost like a digital or recording diary, which is very unique. I also really enjoyed how the book was able to tackle so many important issues while still making it family friendly and with a ring of innocence, since Alex is only eleven (though at least thirteen in maturity). Alex's situation is terrible, but I feel as if I've learned a lot from him and his experiences without even realizing it! I would definitely recommend this to older readers (10+) or to someone who's interested in science and space, because, not only is it an important read for everyone, but it's also a very intriguing, fun, and fast-paced book!

This is a dream come true. I've always wanted the full collection of Harry Potter ever since I started reading them seven years ago. I hope I can win the series so I can reread the books that started my love for literature. Thank you for the opportunity DOGO!

Alex Petroski is eleven years old, and he wants to launch his golden iPod into space the way Carl Sagan the astronomer launched the Golden Record on the Voyager spacecraft in 1977. So, Alex is recording EVERYTHING, this book is actually a recording. Alex is a curious kid, and he loves everything about space, from rockets to the stars. He has a dog named Carl Sagan (named after the astronomer) as well. Alex's father is dead, his mother isn't very responsible, and his older brother works out of the state in LA. So, when the Southwest High-Altitude Rocket Festival comes around, Alex packs his duffel, grabs the rocket he's been working on, cooks his mom some meals for while he's gone, and hops on a train. On the train, Alex meets Zed, a guy who has a "Vow Of Silence," so he writes on a chalkboard to talk. Once at the launch site, when it is finally Alex's turn to launch his rocket, it doesn't go very high, and then it plummets to the ground. Alex learns that just because his rocket fell the first time, doesn't mean that he failed for life, he will have another chance. Then, after the launch, Alex learns that a house under his dad's name is in Las Vegas, and that supposedly there was more to Alex's dad's life than he knew. In this amazing book Alex learns that he has more people who care about him than he ever realized. This book pulls you in, and I literally couldn't stop reading it! Alex is funny, curious, thoughtful, caring, and optimistic. This book shows how strong a friendship is, and how important it is to have caring friends. This book is for late elementary and middle school kids. I rate it 5 stars! I hope you like this book as much as I did!

Alex Petroski is eleven years old, and he wants to launch his golden iPod into space the way Carl Sagan the astronomer launched the Golden Record on the Voyager spacecraft in 1977. So, Alex is recording EVERYTHING, this book is actually a recording. Alex is a curious kid, and he loves everything about space, from rockets to the stars. He has a dog named Carl Sagan (named after the astronomer) as well. Alex's father is dead, his mother isn't very responsible, and his older brother works out of the state in LA. So, when the Southwest High-Altitude Rocket Festival comes around, Alex packs his duffel, grabs the rocket he's been working on, cooks his mom some meals for while he's gone, and hops on a train. On the train, Alex meets Zed, a guy who has a "Vow Of Silence," so he writes on a chalkboard to talk. Once at the launch site, when it is finally Alex's turn to launch his rocket, it doesn't go very high, and then it plummets to the ground. Alex learns that just because his rocket fell the first time, doesn't mean that he failed for life, he will have another chance. Then, after the launch, Alex learns that a house under his dad's name is in Las Vegas, and that supposedly there was more to Alex's dad's life than he knew. In this amazing book Alex learns that he has more people who care about him than he ever realized. This book pulls you in, and I literally couldn't stop reading it! Alex is funny, curious, thoughtful, caring, and optimistic. This book shows how strong a friendship is, and how important it is to have caring friends. This book is for late elementary and middle school kids. I rate it 5 stars! I hope you like this book as much as I did!

Gracie Grant is fourteen years old and best friends with Sienna Reyes. At school, Gracie hangs out with Sienna, AJ Rojanasopondist, and Emmett Barnaby. In this book, Gracie starts to have a crush on AJ, but when it turns out that AJ actually likes Sienna, not Gracie, Gracie decides to be the #1 best friend. Gracie helps Sienna come up with smart things to text to AJ, and she gets over her crush. Or does she? But there is also Emmett, and Gracie has to decide who she actually likes: AJ, or Emmett? You will love this clever, funny, captivating story that you won't be able to stop reading! Gracie is confident, funny, bright, caring, and she doesn't care what people think of her. My favorite part is when Gracie loses her pet turtle, lightning, and she gets Emmett to help her find him. Emmett is really helpful, and calls over all of their friends to help. With the help, they eventually find Lightning. I recommend this book to middle schoolers. I hope you love this book as much as I did!