The Weight of the Stars by K. Ancrum - OPTIONAL

The Weight of the Stars by K. Ancrum, 378 pages Imprint (Macmillan), 2019.           $19

Language: R (39 swears, 41 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (Under age drinking and use of drugs); Violence: PG (Fist fights)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW    

Ryann Bird loves the stars and learning about space. Ryann takes care of her brother James and her nephew Charlie because her parents were killed in an accident while working for NASA during a new SCOUT program. The SCOUT program sent 18 year old people into space for the rest of their lives. Years ago, one of the girls found out she was pregnant after being accepted to the SCOUT program. That baby, Alenanderia, was left behind.  Ryann befriends Alexanderia after an accident leaves Alexanderia with a broken arm. This story is one of believing in your dreams and second chances.             

Ryann’s story is set in the future, however you are never told how far in the future until the very end. I feel like the swearing was forced; it would drop the "F" bomb just to swear, but the word never really had a real purpose. I also wanted to learn more about what Ryann's parents did working for NASA; it is never really mentioned. The SCOUT program is all cloak and daggers until almost the end of the story. I don't feel like this book flowed and it jumped from moment to moment. I found this book hard to stay engaged in even though it was easy to read. 

Teresa, Librarian