Deucalion

Brian Caswell's "Deucalion" is a thought-provoking young adult science fiction novel set in the late 23rd century. It tells the story of human settlers arriving on the distant planet Deucalion, only to find it inhabited by the indigenous, Stone Age-level Elokoi people. The narrative delves into the ethical complexities of colonization, as humans establish their capital, New Geneva, and force the Elokoi onto reservations. The book explores themes of justice, cultural identity, and the struggle for survival and independence for both groups. It's an excellent choice for readers aged 8-12 who enjoy space adventure combined with deeper moral questions.