Dove Arising
By Michael Berry,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Lunar military adventure has strong teen girl at center.

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What's the Story?
Barely speaking after her father is killed in an accident, 15-year-old Phaet Theta works in a greenhouse on the moon, enjoys her friendship with Umbriel, and tries to keep a low profile from the authorities. But when her journalist mother is taken away for allegedly writing seditious works, Phaet must join the Militia to protect her siblings and have any hope of freeing her mother. Despite grueling odds, she pushes herself to succeed. But all Phaet's efforts could be for naught if she can't conquer her fears while remaining empathetic and humane.
Is It Any Good?
DOVE ARISING author Karen Bao keeps the plot moving smoothly, delivering action-packed scenes while steadily upping the stakes. The story moves its "teen rebel" tale to the moon, following reluctant enlistee Phaet Theta as she tries to save her family from disgrace and starvation by succeeding against the odds in the Militia.
The lunar setting is credibly depicted, and Bao populates the cast with multidimensional characters. The concluding chapters offer plenty of surprises, and the cliffhanger ending will leave readers primed for the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it might be like to live in a militaristic police state. What do you think it would be like to live in a society where citizens are ruled by a mysterious "Committee"?
How does Dove Rising compare with other stories of teen rebels. How is this one different from others you've read? How is it similar?
What kinds of challenges do the children of incarcerated parents face? How would having a parent in jail affect your family?
Book Details
- Author: Karen Bao
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Brothers and Sisters
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: viki
- Publication date: February 24, 2015
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
- Number of pages: 336
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: July 12, 2017
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