by John Barnes
First published 1992
Melpomene Murray lives in an asteroid colony spinning through space, light-years from Earth. The adults around her have grand plans. They want Melpomene and her generation to become something bigger than themselves. They want these young people to guide humanity's future among the stars. But Melpomene wants what any teenager wants. She wants to hang out with friends. She wants to make her own choices. She wants the simple pleasures that come with being young. The colony's leaders see her desires as selfish distractions from humanity's greater purpose. Melpomene sees their vision as a cage built from noble intentions. She begins to push back against their expectations. Her rebellion puts her at odds with the very people who raised her. In this isolated world where every decision affects survival, Melpomene must choose between conforming to adult plans and claiming her right to be young.
Genres: science-fiction, dystopia, coming-of-age, family-drama
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: coming-of-age, found-family
Setting: Asteroid Colony
Period: Future
245 pages · Mass Market Paperback · Tor