The Sideways Orbit of Evie Hart

This book expertly intertwines Evie’s study of space with the plot of the novel, enabling Evie to learn more about herself as she learns about Earth and the universe. Fond of rules and prone to anxiety, she is challenged by changing friendship dynamics, changing circumstances of her family and transition to high school set against the background of the everchanging night sky. Evie has a strong voice and secondary characters are well-realised, with their voices, hopes and fears challenging Evie and the reader to think deeply about themselves and others. With a visually inviting cover featuring Evie amongst the planets, this is a quality book that will appeal to many readers in the Younger Reader category.