Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.

This book covers a lot of ground! There are themes of dealing with a disability, family connections, forgiveness, problem solving and space travel. There are interesting and likable characters trying to solve some of these problems and for the most part are successful. It's a nice story and readers who like books like Out of My Mind will enjoy this one too.

Houston has always wanted to go to space. It’s in his blood! But he is also grappling with potentially having to leave his brother behind.

I loved seeing both disability and sibling dynamics within that on page, especially in middle grade. Additionally, the facts about astronauts and space in general were blended in nicely to the plot. Many middle grade readers will enjoy the exploration of friendship and science in this book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for access to an eARC in exchange for my honest review!

Houston Stewart has dreamed of going to space one day for as long as he can remember, to follow in his famous astronaut absentee grandfather's footsteps. And especially after their father left the picture and he and his younger brother Robbie became inseparable, his plans grew to include taking Robbie with him to the moon. The catch? Robbie's cerebral palsy and epilepsy mean that he isn't the typical candidate for any of the world's current astronaut training programs. So when Houston is accepted into a highly competitive Junior Astronaut Recruitment Program, he's left to make the difficult choice to missing out on the first step to achieving his dreams and leaving Robbie behind, if only for a few weeks.

Houston's journey is full of so many important lessons, from some as simple as the importance of honesty and others as big and important as how to ask for help when you need it and how to accept the views of others or how to apologize when you've done something to hurt someone even if you thought you were doing the right thing. Houston's friends from the JARP were an incredible diverse group of brilliant kids with a wide range of abilities--many shout outs to the multiple ladies in STEM we got to see take the stage in this story--and the way that Houston is given the chance to teach his new friends about Robbie and his disabilities while also learning so much more about Robbie's and those of others for himself (getting to see a young girl who comes from a whole family who uses sign language was so exciting).

The inclusion of so many different races, languages, schools of thought, neurodivergence, and mental as well as physical disabilities, and the way that Lindsay Lackey explores the effect that each of these things impacts the outlooks of different people while also looking at the importance of our intentions versus how our actions effect others is so, so important. I can't wait to buy a copy of this for my nephew. It's one of my favorite new middle grade titles.

Houston is accepted into the Junior Astronaut Recruitment Program and has to leave behind his mom and brother Robbie. Houston has always promised to take Robbie to the moon, but Robbie's cerebral palsy and epilepsy may prevent that from ever happening. Houston has to learn how to navigate the new terrain and figure out a way to get Robbie to space.

I thought this book was absolutely adorable. There are many instances where the characters have to problem solve, not just in their JARP, but also in their friendship and family lives. Lindsay Lackey did a wonderful job describing the JARP and made me feel like I was right there with the kids!

A truly "OTP" story! Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the eARC.

What a wonderful book this is! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an opportunity to read this heartfelt and inspirational middle grade novel.

What I liked:
- The in depth knowledge of space programs including NASA and also the introduction of space programs looking at making space travel accessible for all.
- Houston, the main character. Very realistic and empathetic. I was impressed by Houston's responsibility and growth throughout the story.
- The friendship and relationships, particularly with Houston's family and his crew.
- Robbie, Houston's brother, who has cerebral palsy. The relationship between Houston and Robbie was so special.

I recommend this for middle graders who are interested in learning more about space and those who love science!

This book was an unexpected gem! A middle grade that was filled with fun facts about space, true friendship and a realistic look at disability. Houston’s brother Robbie has severe cerebral palsy and both of them have the dream of becoming astronauts. Houston is able to go to a monthlong astronaut camp while Robbie has to stay home. Houston meets a good group of friends along with his long lost grandpa and realizes how important it is for everyone to be seen, no matter their circumstance. This book made me tear up at times and the author’s note made me love it even more. I highly recommend this one!

Linday Lackey’s Farther Than the Moon is a beautiful, heartfelt tale of two brothers dreaming of astronauts, space adventures, and possibilities. Houston and Robbie have always been a team; they’ve had to be, best brothers raised by their single mom and bonded by their love of space and the everyday worries of Robbie’s disabilities. The love is real and more than once will have you reach for tissues, in this wonderful story of family, birth and found, through thick and thin, highest of g forces and the lowest of disappointments.

Here is a book that just exceeded all expectations.
The plot, the characters, the drama, the friendships, everything developed and just kept getting better and better. I commend the author for dealing with difficult issues in a way that enhanced the story while still being honest.
And I want to thank the real-life inspirations for the characters for allowing the author to share their stories in such a moving way.
I ran the emotional gambit in this book and absolutely loved it.
I have even been obnoxious enough to read aloud passages to anyone who will listen.
Don't miss this one!
Enjoy!

Lindsay Lackey (All The Impossible Things) has written another heart-warming novel about family, this one set at a fictional Junior Astronaut Recruiting Program. Houston and his brother have both had their eyes set on a future in space and this summer, the elder Houston has earned a spot in the prestigious JARP program and is leaving his younger brother, wheelchair bound, non-verbal and stricken with Cerebral Palsy behind with their single mom. Houston is placed with a “crew of two additional boys and three girls and despite an extremely rough start, they begin to work as a team. Houston meets an astronaut grandfather he never knew he had and strives to help his mom reconcile with her dad and, with the help of his new friends, develops a plan that may someday allow his brother to join him in space. Wonderful examples of working together, forgiveness, and work ethic are woven throughout a very STEM-forward, aerospace-full storyline that is sure to keep middle graders engaged from the very first chapter until the last page is turned. Highly recommended for grades 4-7; no profanity, violence, or sexual content, although there is a bit of blushing and interest between Houston and Tahmina and by the end of camp, George is holding hands with one of the other girls in the crew! Representation: Houston’s JARP crew is racially diverse with characters who are Black, Indian, and Caucasian; families are from varied economic backgrounds.