How to Become a Planet

(Paperback)

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Description

In this acclaimed novel, which received two starred reviews, Pluto tries to figure out how to go back to being theperson she wasbefore her depression and anxiety diagnosis.With the help ofa hotline (the Hayden Planetarium Hotline, that is), a new tutor, and a new friend, Pluto discoversthat there is no oldornew Pluto,theres justPluto, growing up.

The two most important things to know about Pluto Timoney:(1) shes alwaysloved outer space (obviously); and (2) herfavourite season is summer, the time to goto the boardwalk, visit the planetarium,and work in her moms pizzeria.

This summer, when Plutos turningthirteen, is different. Pluto has just beendiagnosed with depression, and she feelslike a black hole is sitting on her chest,making it hard to do anything. WhenPlutos dad threatens to make her moveto the city where he believes his moneycould help her get better Pluto comes upwith a plan to do whatever it takes to beher old self again. If she does everythingthat old, 'normal'Pluto would do, shecan stay with her mom. But it takes a newtherapist, new tutor, and new (cute) friendwith a plan of her own for Pluto to seethat there is no old or new her. Theresjust Pluto, discovering more about herselfevery day.

Reviews

APublishers WeeklyBest Middle Grade Book of 2021
One of The Nerd Daily's Anticipated Queer Book Releases You Cant Miss in 2021
One of Lambda Literary's Mays Most Anticipated LGBTQ Literature

Gorgeous.BuzzFeed
A Publishers Weekly Best Middle Grade Book of 2021

As always, Melleby naturally integrates her queer protagonists discovery of her sexuality into a larger story. The love of space that Pluto shares with her mother (whose own stress level is honestly portrayed) informs her way of thinking about herself and the world; Plutos interest in the history of the Challenger disaster is just one reason this introspective novel might appeal to fans of Erin Entrada Kellys We Dream of Space.
The Horn Book Magazine

Nicole Melleby, author of "In the Role of Brie Hutchins," offers a sensitive, pitch-perfect portrayal of a girl battling depression and anxiety disorder the summer before 8th grade in this excellent novel for middle-grade readers. This is an important and ultimately hopeful book.
The Buffalo News

An outstanding book.
The City Book Review, Kids Book Buzz

Sprinkled with astronomy-related metaphors related to a planets properties, this acutely observed, authentically told tale by Melleby (In the Role of Brie Hutchens...) thoughtfully portrays Plutos relationship with her worried single mother, the girls urgent desire to 'be fixed,' and her intenseand at times overpoweringdepressive episodes. Compassionate secondary characters and a strong sense of place further buoy the narrative.
Publishers Weekly, starred review

A raw yet honest portrayal of a young persons experience with depression, this is a must-read for both middle grade readers and the teachers, counselors, parents, and other adults who interact daily with youth undergoing similar experiences.
School Library Journal, starred review

Lambda Literary Awards finalist Melleby tackles the gravitational force of the youth mental health crisis . . .Readers will find insight and compassion around setting realistic goals and navigating results that may not match initial expectations . . .A realistic, hopeful account of personal recovery and discovery.
Kirkus Reviews

Pluto's struggles to manage her depression are all very true to life, and Melleby handles the subject with respect and empathy. She extends that empathetic tone to the people in Pluto's orbit, who want to help but don't always know how, especially when their well-meaning attempts have unintended consequences. A character-driven novel with a hopeful tone that will resonate with many tweens.
Booklist

The visceral details of the struggle to get out of bed, shower, and greet the day offer insight into the sheer weight of Plutos depression, and the frustrated efforts of family and friends to help, help, and keep helping are also compassionately portrayed.
TheBulletin of the Center for Children's Books

Nuanced and honest to a fault,How to Become a Planetis an inspiring and educative story about how mental illness affects children and how peer and family acceptance can go a long way in fighting the isolation self-stigma often engenders.
The Nerd Daily

Both empowering and comforting, How to Become a Planet will break your heart and infuse it with hope all at once. A beautiful, essential read.
Ashley Herring Blake, author of the Stonewall Honor book, Ivy Aberdeens Letter to the World

How do you solve a problem, when it feels like the problem is you Sensitive, authentic, and expertly crafted, How to Become a Planet rockets readers on a young girl's wavering journey toward self-acceptance and recovery. Pluto's story pummels the heart, leaving it aching and tenderyet, like its hero, stronger as well.
Lisa Jenn Bigelow, author of the Lambda Literary Award book, Hazel's Theory of Evolution

Melleby takes a sensitive and nuanced approach to portraying mental illness in How to Become a Planet. I loved getting pulled into the orbit of Pluto's life as she navigates diagnoses of depression and anxiety, changing relationships with her mom and classmates, and her first crush over the course of one summer. An accessible, inclusive, and beautifully hopeful story.
A.J. Sass, author of Ana on the Edge

Author Bio

Nicole Melleby is a born-and-bred Jersey girl with a passion for storytelling. She studied creative writing at Fairleigh Dickinson University and currently teaches creative writing and literature courses with a handful of local universities. When shes not writing, she can be found browsing the shelves at her local comic shop or watching soap operas with a cup of tea.