Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Nuanced, exciting sci-fi tale of survival on space station.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
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 talk about 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 :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- 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, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : December 4, 2025
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