Larklight

Reach for this book when your child is feeling stifled by everyday rules or struggling to get along with a sibling. It is the perfect antidote to boredom for a reader who craves grand scale adventure and whimsical world-building. Set in an alternate Victorian era where the British Empire has conquered the stars, the story follows Arthur and his sister Myrtle as they flee giant space spiders and team up with space pirates. While the plot is high stakes, the heart of the book explores how siblings can move past their bickering to become a formidable team. It is an excellent choice for 9 to 13 year olds who enjoy sophisticated humor, a touch of historical flair, and imaginative sci-fi. Parents will appreciate the rich vocabulary and the way it encourages children to look at the 'vast unknown' with curiosity rather than just fear.