What Goes Up

Katie Kennedy has invented a young cast so sympathetic and disarmingly funny that even science-indifferent readers will resolve to understand the laws of physics . . . What Goes Up isn't so much about what's out there as about what's down here: the miracle of unlikely friendships, the mixed blessing of privilege and the stigma of social class. -- starred review * Shelf Awareness * A good choice for science fiction readers who . . . enjoy humor, adventure, and realistic characters. * VOYA * It’s a complex plot and a great one; the concepts feel fresh, the humor and fear factors are perfectly balanced, and there are plenty of nifty sci-fi elements for genre buffs . . . a worthy second outing. * BCCB * Kennedy again shows a knack for portraying real teens dealing with extraordinary circumstances. . . . Smart science, plenty of action, and no small amount of snarky banter round out an exciting and poignant read. * Publishers Weekly * Kennedy has a confident hand in her sophomore novel, particularly when deploying the complicated quantum physics and rocket science that infuse her snappy plot. Along with light cliff-hangers, a geeky atmosphere, and quip-heavy dialogue, her well-defined characters and a sprinkle of romance keep the story’s feet on the ground. Fans of smart, funny sci-fi should get their hands on this one. * Booklist * Competitive, sweet, and downright hilarious . . . Likable characters and laugh-out-loud dialogue will make this a winning choice for reluctant readers and science-fiction fans alike. * Kirkus Reviews * A refreshingly down-to-earth interplanetary adventure . . . Kennedy offers an excellent blend of believable teenage angst and well-explained physics and astronomy conundrums. The pace is blistering and will keep readers quickly turning pages. * School Library Journal * A funny, introspective story featuring a diverse cast of likable and relatable characters. * School Library Connection * At turns sweet, funny, moving, and suspenseful, this is a book to devour. I fell in love with the endearing, maladjusted genius Yuri, and held my breath--fault of the all-too-real and terrifying threat steadily mounting throughout the story. A fantastic read! -- S. J. Kincaid * author of the Insignia trilogy and THE DIABOLIC on LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA * The science Kennedy weaves throughout the story is fascinating and accessible, and Yuri and Dovie’s gentle romance is pitch-perfect. This novel is made to savor--readers will want to catch every nuance of Kennedy’s multidimensional characters. -- starred review * Publishers Weekly on LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA * The balance of wit, romance, danger, and one huge philosophical and ethical dilemma is brilliantly managed here. . . . A nail-biting climax with a cinematic aftermath and an even more nail-biting resolution round out this thoroughly entertaining sci-fi disaster, romance, action/adventure mashup. -- starred review * BCCB on LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA * Katie Kennedy is an author to put on your watch-for-and-read list! * USA Today on LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA * An end-of-the-world romp that will prompt readers to think and to laugh. * Kirkus Reviews on LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA * An entertaining, genre-bending mix of quirky romance and realistic sci-fi, with some thought-provoking questions about adulthood thrown in for good measure. * Booklist on LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA * Will appeal to many types of readers. Its NASA setting and sarcastic lead echo The Martian, while its quirky, whip-smart characters and sweet romance will capture Green and Rowell fans. . . . Recommended for all collections. * VOYA on LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA * Katie Kennedy writes with incision, fire, and euphoria. Savor this one. * Christian Science Monitor on LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA *