Patricia Forde's "The Girl Who Fell to Earth," published on October 3, 2023, is a children's dystopian, fantasy, and sci-fi mystery that tugs at the moral fabric of society. Received as an Ebook ARC through Netgalley, this novel compels young readers to ponder the future through the lens of an outsider observing Earth—our ‘Shadow Planet.’

A Complex Utopia with Dubious Ideals

Forde presents us with Terros, a planet that views itself as a utopia, having eradicated what it perceives as genetic weaknesses—a notion that uncomfortably echoes eugenics. Our protagonist, Aria, grapples with her society's drive for perfection, challenging the reader to consider whether a utopia achieved through such means can truly be perfect.

Eugenic Undertones and the Value of Diversity

The narrative bravely attempts to flip the script on systemic racism and the legacy of colonial attitudes by casting Terrosians in the role of oppressors, yet this is not without its problems. The book inadvertently skirts the edge of suggesting that the eradication of physical and neurological diversity is a hallmark of advancement, a premise that demands careful handling, especially for younger audiences.

A Thoughtful Critique of Xenophobia and War

Through Aria’s journey, the book navigates xenophobia and the senselessness of war, offering biting social commentary on humanity’s propensity for conflict despite our fleeting existence. Forde employs a deft touch in highlighting our illogical preoccupations, a lesson that resonates amidst the action.

Challenging Preconceptions of Sentience and Connection

The protagonist’s realization that her people's beliefs about humans—that they do not feel pain or form attachments—are flawed is a poignant moment of self-discovery. This mirrors the real-world dehumanization often faced by immigrants and marginalized groups and serves as a sobering reminder of our shared humanity.

The Evolution of Empathy

The book crescendos with Aria's ethical awakening to the injustices of her people, though one wishes Forde had tackled earlier eugenics-like comments with the same vigor. It’s crucial for young readers to leave with the understanding that the beauty of humanity lies in its diversity and the acceptance of all individuals as they are.

Final Thoughts

"The Girl Who Fell to Earth" offers a meditative glimpse into what it means to be human through the eyes of the other. While the narrative sails close to controversial winds, it ultimately delivers a call for empathy and understanding. It is a daring read for children to reflect on the complexities of society and the value of every life.

I give this book 3.5/5 stars for its courage in concept, though the execution leaves room for deeper exploration.

I loved The List by Patricia Forde, and her contributions to the middle grade scifi genre are solid. I couldn't get through this one as easily however. I chose not to post my review to Goodreads and social media for that reason.

I still think this one is such a neat premise and there will be tween/teen scifi readers who ADORE this set up. Set in a world separate from earth, Earth dwellers are seen as an inferior race that has demolished the planet. Aria gets to travel to Earth with her father to help prepare things for the planet and its inhabitants to be demolished. She struggles with herself and the plan after finding out that she is actually part human. Younger readers who can suspend their disbelief and not question too much of the science will find Aria endearing and root for her in this scifi adventure!

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

The Girl Who Fell to Earth is sci fi for middle grade readers from Patricia Forde who also blessed the age group with dystopian The List and The Last Word. In less than 300 pages, readers will be immersed into a tale of extra terrestrials who have been using Earth as an observational experiment that is now over. Enter Aria and her father who are tasked with introducing a virus on Earth in order to destroy the planet and all the inferior humanoids on it. The longer Aria is on Earth, the more she discovers that all she’s been told is wrong, but what can she do, especially when it is revealed that she is half human?! Wonderful science fiction, fast-paced and full of action and twists. Text is free of profanity and sexual content and no violence except for the intended annihilation of Earth.

Cannot really rate as I was unable to finish. I waited too long to read this one so only got to read the introduction. And, what a hook! I wanted to find out why she was different from everyone else. The near future setting was intriguing too. If this is purchased by our library system, I may read it.

This was such a cool middle grade sci-fi! I found it at times a bit simplistic but that would likely play perfectly for its intended audience.

We see a lot of alien stories from the human perspective, and that flips this on our head and shows us what an alien girl who was raised to see humanity as a disposable experiment might be like.

It was really well done!

The Girl who Fell to Earth is a science fiction/dystopian novel about a girl from another planet that uses Earth as an experimental planet is sent to Earth to help unleash a virus to destroy humanity. The longer she spends on Earth the more she comes to care for humans and realize the things she's been told about Earth are not true. The ending felt rushed to me, but fans of SciFi will likely be satisfied.

This is a book I would recommend to teachers and librarians teaching specifically the genre of science fiction. It asks the big moral and ethical questions that science fiction traditionally asks of its readers in a story that is accessible to middle grade readers.

This book is such a great concept! I loved everything about it. In fact- I didn't want it to end. I want to know more and have so many questions!

The premise and the overall plot are interesting enough to hook a middle school reader and the actions of the character are relatable. Aria, Megan and Duke make rash decisions like a group 13-year-olds would, and adult intervention is generally negative. This is a great book for students who enjoy a little science fiction, action, and some drama thrown into the mix.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.