The Girl Who Fell to Earth by Patricia Forde

What worked:

Humans were planted on Earth a thousand years ago so scientists from Terros could study their development without scientific intervention. The world history humans know comes from evidence planted by people from Terros. Citizens of Terros now view Earth as a dirty, disgusting place where Earthlings know they’re destroying the planet but won’t do anything to stop it. While absurd, the truth hurts when readers think about the pollution, loss of resources, and negativity that abound in the real world today. It’s great commentary on the way we’re destroying our planet even though we’re aware we can do things to stop it.

Aria is forced to deal with many deep emotions when she’s left alone on the Shadow Planet called Earth. She’s learned all about the planet during her schooling on Terros but what’s she supposed to think when her observations and experiences conflict with that knowledge? She’s told humans don’t form bonds but that’s not what she sees in Megan’s family. What about Aria’s growing closeness with Aria. Does pollution and war on the Shadow Planet justify killing the innocent people Aria has met? How does Aria and her human DNA fit into the whole scenario? Perhaps Aria’s struggles will help young readers think about their views of others and the world.

This book may appeal to puzzle lovers, like me. Aria and her father have always enjoyed them and they even kill time doing some Earth crossword puzzles together. Crosswords have hints in how the clues are phrased or the words chosen to describe the answers. Puzzle-solving techniques come in very handy after Aria is left alone as her father is forced to send cryptic messages. Something goes wrong and they aren’t even able to trust their friends. Aria’s father transmits secret notes to her using crossword puzzle clues. Readers will able to think right along with Aria as she tries to solve the important messages being communicated.

What didn’t work as well:

Why doesn’t Aria send her own coded messages back to her father? If he thinks it’s okay to send coded messages then why can’t she do the same thing in return? It seems like there should be a way for them to communicate but it’s never introduced. I suppose it’s to make things harder and more suspenseful.

The final verdict:

Since most readers will be humans, they'll quickly connect with and root for the victims in this book. They should empathize with Aria as she’s thrust into the role of the “enemy” even though she knows almost nothing until the events begin to unfold. I’m not sure the ending is fully satisfying but I still recommend you give this book a shot.