Camilla Carter is… well, Sam’s not quite sure what she is, but she’s occupying his thoughts way more than he is comfortable with. The daughter of a jetsetting music critic, Camilla has all the A-list kids at school desperate to include her in their activities but she seems just as comfortable hanging out with the guys in the chess club or with Sam and his friends.
Life in Outer Space is a young adult novel filled with likeable characters, laugh-out-loud moments and a gentle teen romance set against the background of the highs and lows of everyday teenage life. The story is energetic and enjoyable, however there is a depth there too as Sam and Camilla both deal with families that are far from ideal.
Set in Australia, I loved the numerous pop culture references, especially to movies and music. I did find that the high school felt more American than Australian for me as a reader, however this really didn’t impact the story at all. I also loved that most of the central characters were a bit outside the mainstream, but were confident enough to be comfortable with that.
Life in Outer Space is the debut novel by author Melissa Keil and the first book signed up through Hardie Grant Egmont’s Ampersand Project.
Title: Life in Outer Space
Author: Melissa Keil
Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont, $18.95 RRP
Publication Date: 1 Feb 2013
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781742973951
For ages: 12+
Type: Young Adult Fiction
