Loved this book! I ended up listening to the audiobook offered on Netgalley. The experiences Wendy goes through are so maddening, as a reader who has empathy for others. The character connection with the boy bully who has a hateful police officer dad makes his behavior towards Wendy make sense. Karma is satisfyingly delivered at the end to the bullies. I love that Wendy and the teacher and her allies are able to make positive changes. Realistic!

Dealing with school bullying as well as immigration, sanctuary, and human rights this beautifully written MG novel is the perfect introduction to activism. Wendy learns to navigate both the school hallways and the larger world with compassion and empathy as she seeks to stand for what is right, protect those she loves, and find her own orbit.

This is the best book I've read yet this year, for any age, in any genre. I finished it in one sitting and bet many middle grade readers will do the same. It is riveting. This is the story of Wendy Celestina Toledo, a middle school student with a love for astronomy who moves to a new town with her family under circumstances she's just beginning to understand. It crafts an entirely fresh take on classic issues like middle school bullying and academics in the context of a riveting tale of immigration, discrimination, and what it means to be an American in the 21st century. Elisa Stone Leahy's writing is extraordinary. I felt the terror and dread right along with Wendy as she discovers who her friends really are and what fears her family must face. And I felt hope in the end, not that everything would be perfect, but that Wendy's family and friends wouldn't give up the fight for a better future. There were parts that had me literally in tears. I don't want to say more and risk any spoilers, but I will add that this is a book for all middle grader readers, whether they think their live are impacted by immigration or not. Content notes for violence, injury, hate speech, and law enforcement interactions. Thank you so much to the publisher and Net Galley for the chance to read early.

This is one of the best books I have read ALL year. It tells the story of one family trying to protect each other and keep each other safe. Over the course of the book we see Wendy, Tom, and both of their parents gradually gain the courage to return to the fight and do what is right, even when it’s scary or uncertain. As an educator I saw many parallels to students I have taught over the years. I think this book will serve as a mirror for those who have gone through similar experiences and a window for those who have not, to better understand and gain compassion. I especially recommend this book to ALL adults in our country.

This book has my heart. Is was heartbreaking, heart warming, and powerful with so many important topics, that were nice to see through the eyes of a child. This was beautifully written and everything was well fleshed out.

Tethered to Other Stars is a heart-wrenching and powerful middle-grade debut by Elisa Stone Leahy. Wendy Toledo is a seventh-grader who loves science and dreams of building a telescope that will win her the science fair. But her family’s move to a new neighborhood brings with it unexpected challenges, including the looming presence of ICE and a woman hiding out in the church across the alley. Wendy finds herself caught between the gravitational pulls of her family’s secrets, bullying at school, and her own hopes and dreams. When someone she loves is detained by ICE, Wendy must find the courage to set her own orbit and navigate the devastating impact of ICE’s presence on her family and community. This is an important and timely story that will resonate with readers of all ages.