We're Not From Here by Geoff Rodkey

I've been on a bit of a sci-fi kick lately and have consumed some movies and some books that have challenged me to think. The book, We're Not From Here in particular is one that gave me much to consider. To Rodkey's credit he presents a doomsday scenario in an accessible way.


The young protagonist Lan Mifune and his family have had to leave Earth after humankind destroys it. His mom and dad are higher ups in the government and as such he witnesses firsthand how hard it is to find a new planet for humans to live on. When the government of a planet called Choom does accept them it seems like a miracle until after the long space voyage, the planet's rulers change their mind.

After much back and forth and patient negotiations, Lan's family is chosen to be a test case. Nothing less than the fate of humankind rests on them being able to make a great first impression. of course, we soon see that this may be harder to do than expected.

The fact that the story is told from Lan's point of view allows us to see events through his filter.
It's not often that you see a book written in such an accessible way with issues that are relevant to us today- in this novel humans are basically refugees trying to go to a place where the government doesn't want them. The book starts in media res but we can assume that humankind was not too nice to the each other and to the earth hence why Lan and the survivors find themselves elsewhere. I especially liked the various themes that Rodkey explores as young kids today may very well be able to empathize with some or all of them. This book is aimed at ages 9 and up. Some read alikes are Mars for Humanity by Brandon Terrell, Earth to Dad by Krista Van Dolzer and  The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex.