(3) YA Jarra's (Earth Girl; Earth Star) inability to leave Earth (a condition which garners rampant discrimination in 2789) hasn't stopped her from gaining success and fame. The series' parallel plot arcs (Jarra's challenge of anti-"Handicapped" prejudice and her work toward alien first contact) peak here. A densely realized future--conveyed in impressive linguistic, political, social, and geographical detail--rewards readers looking for non-dystopian, intellectually rich science fiction.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross

(4) YA Despite being "Handicapped"--unable to leave Earth--Jarra (Earth Girl) is drafted to formulate a first response to alien contact. This sequel's Star Trek–ian ideals celebrate the excitement of exploration and cast a hopeful if simplistic light on sexual mores, disability politics, and youth leadership. Jarra, equal parts nerdy and nervy, runs on pure competence, making her successes all the sweeter.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross

(4) YA Jarra has the last remaining human disability: her immune system shuts down if she leaves Earth. Passing as "norm" in her first year of university, she builds relationships with classmates who call her kind "apes." The exploration of stigma and prejudice is simplistic, but Jarra's resourcefulness and the action-heavy scenes of excavating Earth's ruined cities are smartly written and invigorating.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross