Homebound
By Mary Eisenhart,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Satisfying conclusion to swashbuckling space epic.
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What's the Story?
In the wake of Book 1's challenges and cliffhanger ending, 13-year-old Leo wants nothing more than to reunite his family and be HOMEBOUND with them once again. Unfortunately, his brother Gareth is nowhere to be found, while his scientist father is the captive of the lizard-like Djarik race, and being made to do their bidding in ways that seem likely to destroy Earth. Leo -- with the help of his space-pirate pals -- must deliver a message slipped to him by his dad to a mysterious scientist out in the galaxy somewhere. Who, according to Leo's dad, holds pretty much the only hope of saving the planet from being collateral damage in the war between predatory alien species. Mortal peril is constant. Succeeding is essential. So is staying alive.
Is It Any Good?
John David Anderson's swashbuckling, spacefaring coming-of-age saga races to a emotional, satisfying conclusion as 13-year-old Leo and his space pirate pals battle many perils trying to save Earth. And what's left of his family, if possible. Homebound's action-packed story has epic clashes between humans, aliens, robots, and spaceships. Also complex characters, ethical quandaries, snarky dialogue, numerous plot twists -- and deep, emotional dives into what home and family mean, and why they're worth saving.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories like Stowaway and Homebound that involve Earth being conquered by alien beings from other planets. Why do you think this is such a popular theme? Do you find it scary, or exciting?
What's the place you call home, and what do you love most about it?
What scientific or technical discoveries do you know about that had life-changing consequences for people in the past? How do you think our lives would be different today if they hadn't happened?
Book Details
- Author: John David Anderson
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Adventures , Brothers and Sisters , Great Boy Role Models , Pirates , Space and Aliens
- Character Strengths: Courage , Gratitude , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Walden Pond Press
- Publication date: August 23, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 400
- Available on: Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: August 29, 2022
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