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Tin Star, Book 1
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Cecil Castellucci's Tin Star is an exciting, well-written coming-of-age science fiction novel set on a space station that's home to a wide mix of aliens. It features a compelling, complex female protagonist, as well as an intriguing supporting cast. There's some violence, including beatings and fatal shootings, but the scenes aren't graphic. There's no strong language, and drug use is confined to knockout poison used in an escape attempt. Minimal sexual content consists mostly of hugging and kissing (including a passionate embrace shared by two young women).
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What's the story?
Left for dead by a charismatic colonial leader, 16-year-old Tula Bane swears she'll find a way to get off the remote space station and exact vengeance. First, however, she has to find a way to survive as the only human among a confusing mix of aliens. Thanks to the local constable and a shady trader, she's able to build a rough-and-tumble life for herself. But the arrival of three other humans threatens to upset all of Tula's plans.
Is it any good?
TIN STAR is a solid, exciting science fiction story with an interesting cast of characters and an intriguing female protagonist, Tula Bane. Although there's plenty of action, the nuanced plot also pays attention to the politics of Tula's plight. Some readers might be reminded of the classic film Casablanca in the way author Cecil Castellucci spins out intrigue in a closed-off environment. Although the novel resolves satisfyingly, there's room for further exploration of this milieu and of Tula's quest for justice.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can discuss why people choose to emigrate. What situations might force families to move to another country?
What makes outer-space adventures so popular? What's intriguing about living on a space station? How does this space story compare with others you've read or seen in movies?
How can you develop trust with someone whose background is very different from your own?
Book details
- Author: Cecil Castellucci
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, Misfits and Underdogs, Space and Aliens
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date: February 25, 2014
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
- Number of pages: 240
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.