Barbary - Hardcover

Grade 4-6 In this science-fiction adventure, Barbary, a 12-year-old orphan, journeys to the manned orbiting colony Einstein to live with a friend of her mother's and his daughter Heather. The other passengers on the space transport are heading to Einstein to investigate a recently sighted alien ship. When Barbary's cat, whom she stowed aboard the transport, climbs into an exploratory space probe sent from the colony to study the alien ship, Heather and Barbary attempt a rescue and meet the aliens themselves. Almost like a first episode in a to-be-continued television show, the novel consists of a great deal of exposition leading up to the last few pages in which the young girls encounter the aliens. While a number of characters are introduced, there is little space given to their development, even of Barbary herself. Instead McIntyre concentrates on plot details, particularly those involving the hiding of Barbary's cat. The most interesting descriptions are of performing ordinary functions of life in space. Despite its limitations, the novel may be a simple introduction to science fiction for younger readers. Yvonne A. Frey, Peoria Public Library, Ill.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.