Chasing the Milky Way

Gr 5–7—Few middle-grade books depict a parent's mental illness as well as this one. Lucy Peevey, 12, and her best friend, Cam, dream of getting out of Sunnyside Trailer Park. To do so, they plan to compete in the BotBlock robot-programming contest. They have been saving up for months to pay the entrance fee, hoping that the prize money will lead to a better life. Cam's mom has an abusive boyfriend and Lucy's mom has manic-depressive disorder and hasn't been taking her medication. As Lucy's grandma explains to her, "It's like when one second you're so high you can taste the sweetness of the Milky Way." And "the next second it's like you have your head in the sand, and any sort of critter can go wandering in one ear and out the other." Lucy and Cam are competing against other kids with supportive parents, better equipment, and enough money not to have to worry about the entrance fee. And when Lucy's mother's has her head in the sand, anything can mess with the girls' already slim chances of entering and winning the contest. Moulton's characters are well developed, and Mama, in particular, never becomes a caricature of a person with mental health issues. Instead, she is nuanced, her disorder pulling back at just the right time. Readers who have a loved one with a similar illness will have much to relate to, and those who don't will see others in a more discerning light. There is also a good amount of science content, particularly coding and space themes, which could be tied into a STEAM book club. Just like Mrs. Peevey's manic-depressive disorder, Chasing the Milky Waytakes readers along for the highest of highs and lowest of lows. A much-needed addition.—Jessica Ko, Los Angeles Public Library