About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is navigating the complex feelings of being an outsider or is starting to notice the unfair judgments people make based on appearances. This science fiction classic follows Olwen, a girl raised on a lonely planet who has been genetically altered to survive its harsh environment. When human settlers arrive, their rejection of her 'alien' look becomes a powerful mirror for real-world prejudice. While the setting is a distant planet, the emotional core is deeply human, exploring how isolation can feel like home and how the desire for acceptance can be met with painful bias. It is ideal for middle schoolers (ages 10-14) who are ready to discuss heavy topics like discrimination, loneliness, and the ethics of medical intervention, all wrapped in a gripping space adventure.
