Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth

Reach for this book when your child feels like they do not quite fit into their world, particularly if they are navigating changes in foster care or kinship care. This story follows Preston, a quiet boy who stops speaking after being separated from his beloved grandfather, who is struggling with memory loss. When an eccentric alien named Sputnik appears, Preston is tasked with finding ten reasons why Earth is worth saving from destruction. Behind the wacky, laugh-out-loud humor of a space-traveling dog is a deeply moving exploration of what makes a place feel like home. It addresses complex themes like the foster system and dementia with incredible warmth and lightness. It is perfect for children aged 9 to 12 who enjoy quirky science fiction but are also ready to contemplate the value of their own unique perspective on the world.