Description
It's 1979 and the sky is falling. Skylab, that is. Somewhere high above Frankie Avery, one of the world's first space stations is tumbling to Earth. And rushing back with it are old memories. Things twelve-year-old Frankie thought she'd forgotten. Things her mum won't talk about, and which her little brother Newt never knew.
Only... did he? Does he? Because as Skylab circles closer, Newt starts acting strangely. And while the world watches the sky, Frankie keeps her own eyes on Newt. Because if anyone's going to keep him safe, it's her. It always has been. But maybe this is something bigger than splinters and spiders and sleepwalking. Maybe a space station isn't the only thing heading straight for calamity.
Review
This is an incredible story by multi-award winning author Meg McKinlay.
Set in 1979 at the time of the imminent Skylab re-entry into our orbit, and how people dealt with the fears associated with Skylab coming crashing back to earth.
Twelve year old Frankie’s Dad disappeared six years ago - on the day Skylab was launched. He was a super keen astronomy enthusiast, and Frankie shared his passion. But then his plane crashed, and his body has never been found.
Frankie’s little brother Newt is an eight-year-old science lover who never knew his Dad. Newt seems to think that somehow his Dad’s disappearance is linked to the Skylab launch, and that therefore his Dad may return when it does.
This is much more than a science story, as it is filled with themes of loss, family, adjusting to change, friendship and hope.
Historically based, it would be a great classroom read for Year 5 and 6 students. Junior secondary students will also love it.
Reviewed by Rob
