What would happen if middle school students got the chance to travel to the Moon?
In this episode of Reading in the Middle, Annisha Jeffries welcomes Jennifer Ann Richter back to talk about her exciting new middle-grade novel, The Star of Moon Village.
Set in 2079, the story follows twelve-year-old Priscilla Cobb, an aspiring Black scientist selected for the first student research voyage to Moon Village. Priscilla hopes to honor her late mother’s legacy and finally experience the legendary lunar labs she has dreamed about her entire life. But once she arrives, the mission becomes increasingly focused on celebrity culture, media spectacle, and entertainment — especially with the arrival of pop star Starletta.
Jennifer and Annisha discuss STEM representation in middle-grade fiction, realistic lunar science, rivalry and friendship, the future of Moon exploration, and how NASA’s current Artemis missions inspired excitement around returning humans to the Moon.
This episode is perfect for readers who love space adventures, emotionally grounded middle-grade novels, STEM stories, and books that inspire curiosity and wonder.
Show NotesIn this episode, we discuss:
- Writing Priscilla Cobb as an authentic middle school STEM character
- Building the futuristic world of Moon Village
- Science vs. celebrity culture
- Friendship, rivalry, and emotional growth
- STEM representation for young readers
- Lunar science and realistic Moon living
- NASA’s Artemis Program and the future of Moon exploration
- Why librarians, educators, and parents can use this book for STEM conversations
- The emotional heart underneath the science fiction setting
- Curiosity, perseverance, and teamwork in middle-grade fiction
NASA & Artemis Links 🌕🚀NASA Artemis Program
NASA Artemis Program
Artemis II Mission
NASA Artemis II Mission
Artemis II Multimedia & Photos
NASA Artemis II Multimedia Resources
Artemis Science
NASA Artemis Science
NASA Official Website
NASA Official Website
Artemis Blog & Updates
NASA Artemis Blog
Learn More About Jennifer Ann RichterJennifer Ann Richter Official WebsiteJennifer Ann Richter on Instagram
Recommended For Fans Of:
- A Rover’s Story
- The Lion of Mars
- The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl
- STEM-centered middle-grade fiction
- Space adventures with emotional depth
- Character-driven science fiction
- Books about curiosity, friendship, and ambition
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