A parent might reach for this book when their child is facing a big new challenge, like a new school or camp, and needs a model for resilience and creative problem-solving. This graphic novel follows best friends Sanity and Tallulah, two girls living on a deep-space station. When their class field trip to a new planet goes awry, their shuttle crashes, leaving them stranded. They must rely on their scientific smarts, their unshakeable friendship, and a little help from a three-headed cat to survive and signal for help. For ages 8-12, it's a fantastic story that champions female friendship, celebrates STEM skills, and shows kids that with teamwork and ingenuity, they are capable of overcoming even the most daunting obstacles.
The book's central conflict revolves around survival peril, but there are no other sensitive topics like death, divorce, or identity struggles. The approach to problem-solving is entirely secular and science-based. The resolution is hopeful, with the characters successfully rescuing themselves through their own competence.
Ideal Reader
An 8-11 year old who loves graphic novels, science, and adventure stories. This is perfect for a child who enjoys tinkering and problem-solving, or for one who is feeling anxious about their own ability to handle new situations without direct adult guidance. It models competence, teamwork, and facing the unknown with curiosity instead of fear.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold; the story is self-contained. A parent should know that the premise involves children being in a dangerous situation without adult supervision. However, the narrative never feels truly terrifying. It focuses on the characters' resourcefulness rather than their fear, making it an empowering, not frightening, read. A parent has overheard their child expressing fear about an upcoming independent experience, like a first sleepover or overnight camp. The child might say, "What if something bad happens and you're not there?" or "I don't think I can handle it by myself."
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will be captivated by the adventure: the crash, the cool alien creatures, the humor, and the awesome three-headed cat. An older reader (10-12) will also appreciate the clever scientific solutions, the specific teamwork dynamics, and the subtle character moments that strengthen the friendship between Sanity and Tallulah. They will see it as a story about competence and collaboration.
What Makes It Special
This book stands out by grounding its sci-fi adventure in plausible science and engineering. The two female protagonists solve problems with their intellect and teamwork, not with superpowers or violence. It's a powerful example of a STEM-positive narrative that celebrates smart, capable girls and their supportive friendship, all within an accessible and highly engaging graphic novel format.
Read plot summary
This is the second book in the Sanity & Tallulah series. Best friends and science whizzes Sanity and Tallulah are on a class field trip to a newly discovered, uninhabited planet. Their shuttle crashes during landing, separating them and a few classmates from the teachers. Stranded in an alien wilderness, the girls must use their scientific knowledge to find shelter, locate resources, and devise a way to signal for rescue, all while navigating unfamiliar flora and fauna and managing the anxieties of their peers.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
On page 68, Tallulah gets frustrated with Sanity's 'we'll figure it out' attitude. Why do you think Tallulah felt that way? Have you ever felt like a friend wasn't taking a serious situation seriously enough?
2
Sanity and Tallulah used their science knowledge to solve many problems, like making a radio and finding water. If you were stranded, what is one skill you have that would be useful for survival?
3
Princess Fluffy is a genetically engineered, three-headed cat. Do you think Sanity should have brought her on the field trip? Was she more helpful or more trouble in the end?
4
Throughout the story, Tallulah helps keep Sanity focused, while Sanity provides the big, creative ideas. Why is it important to have both kinds of people on a team?
