I read this one out loud at bedtime to the kids. To be honest I didn’t have huge expectations or hopes for it as a grown-up, but was pleasantly surprised that the plot wasn’t all that predictable and the author worked hard to put thoughtful and realistic diversity and complex characters in for a kid’s novel. Also as a sci-fi fan I can confirm there was some decent world building in here. So while still definitely a book for upper elementary aged kids, I enjoyed it.