About This Book
Reach for this book when your middle schooler is grappling with the realization that the world is more complex than it seems and is questioning the true meaning of safety and community. This sequel to The Search for WondLa finds Eva Nine arriving at the long-awaited human colony of New Attica, only to discover that their perceived utopia comes at a terrible cost to others. It is a powerful exploration of belonging, the ethics of leadership, and the courage required to stand up against injustice even when it is uncomfortable. Through Eva's journey, the story examines the tension between personal security and global responsibility. It is perfectly suited for 10 to 14 year olds who enjoy high stakes science fiction but are ready for deeper questions about systemic inequality and the environmental impact of human expansion. Parents will appreciate the book's ability to spark conversations about what makes a society truly just and the importance of empathy for those who are different from us.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
DISTRESS: There are scenes of intense peril and mechanical warfare. The most distressing element is the discovery of 'The Tank,' where biological experiments are performed, and the realization that the human utopia is built on the systematic oppression and planned extermination of alien life. The death of a significant parental figure/mentor character is depicted with emotional weight. CONVERSATION: Parents should be prepared to discuss the concept of 'manifest destiny' or colonialism. The villain justifies his actions as being 'for the good of humanity,' which provides a concrete opportunity to talk about how rhetoric can be used to justify harm against others. Be ready to explain the ethics of environmental conservation and the consequences of humans prioritizing their own comfort over the health of a planet.
Ideal Reader
A 12-year-old who loves world-building and gadgetry but is starting to notice and question social hierarchies and unfairness in the real world.
Parent Prep
Preview the chapters involving the discovery of the true nature of New Attica's power source and the treatment of the 'Wanderers.' A child expressing disillusionment with a leader, teacher, or system they previously trusted.
Age Experience
Younger readers will focus on the cool technology and the 'quest' aspect. Older readers will pick up on the political allegories regarding isolationism and the cost of progress.
What Makes It Special
DiTerlizzi's incredible illustrations aren't just decorations: they are essential to the storytelling, blending a classic 'Golden Age of Science Fiction' aesthetic with a modern, urgent message about ecological interconnectedness.
Read plot summary
Eva Nine and her companion Hailey arrive at New Attica, a high-tech underground human colony. While Eva initially feels she has found her home, she soon discovers that the colony's leader, Cadmus Pryde, intends to reclaim Orbona for humans by eradicating the alien species currently living there. Eva must team up with her old friends and new allies to stop a genocidal war and find a way for all inhabitants of Orbona to coexist.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Cadmus Pryde believes he is doing the right thing for the human race. Does having a 'good' goal justify using 'evil' methods? Why or why not?
2
How does Eva's perspective of New Attica change from the moment she arrives to the moment she decides to leave?
3
The humans in New Attica live in comfort while ignoring the destruction of the world outside. How does this compare to how people sometimes treat the environment in our world?
4
Eva has to choose between her own kind (humans) and her friends who are different from her. What does this tell us about what makes a true 'family'?
