A Rover's Story by Jasmine Warga
Published by HarperCollins US on October 4, 2022
ISBN: 0063113929
Pages: 320
Genres: Adventure, Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Resilience, a.k.a., Res, is a newly minted Mars rover, and he’s nervous and excited about traveling to the red planet. He loves learning from all the scientists around him, and he begins developing some human-like feelings about them and about the other rovers and drones around him. Accompanied by Fly, his drone, he blasts off to Mars and quickly learns that it’s a rather unforgiving place plagued by dust storms and riddled with hidden cliffs.

This fun, fictional account of a rover on Mars is written from a couple perspectives—from Resilience and from Sophie, the daughter of one of the scientists who programmed Resilience. Sophie’s accounts are heartfelt and bring the perspective of the humans on earth. They also provide a timeline since Res’s accounts don’t convey the decades that pass throughout the book. Res’s account of Mars is entertaining and will leave readers rooting for the rover to succeed. His emotions and insecurities combined with unfailing optimism result in an extemely likable character and a relatable narrator. Recommended for readers 8 and up who enjoy space, adventure, technology, and science.

Reviewed by Jessie Trafton, Skidompha Library, Damariscotta, ME