Eudora is a space kid, a child who is born and lives on one of the fleet of star ships of the Planetary Republic. Eudora sees herself as a genius in the areas of engineering, physics and maths, and longs to be recognised as such so she can be promoted to chief engineer, and skip elementary school. Can she succeed in proving herself to the ship’s captain commander by making the Athena’s hyperdrive break all fleet records…?
I really enjoyed this light-hearted chapter book. It’s told in first person, and Eudora has an engaging voice. It’s set in a bizarre and entertaining world, where Eudora’s mother is species that looks like a wolf, and her father is a sort of octopus-humanoid (you might be relieved to learn Eudora is adopted). Fortunately there are no serious repercussions for Eudora’s crazy schemes. The plot is simple, as befits a chapter book but done well and very humorously. I think it would be a good introduction to science fiction for younger readers.
The story is really nicely illustrated by Talitha Shipman, complementing this imaginative and fun story. It’s the first in a series, which I think will be a hit with younger children.
TOTP awards The Great Engine Room Takeover 8 out of 10 Diamonds.
Thanks to the author for providing me a copy of this book last year as part of the Cybils middle grade speculative fiction category.
Valinora Troy 
17 responses to “Book Review: Eudora Space Kid”
What cool parents.:-) Great review!
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ANd there’s a lovely illustration of the family! 🙂 Thanks Priscilla
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It sounds like a fun book. What great variety in her family! Fab review.
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Thanks Iseult, it is a fun book!
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This sounds like a fun chapter book. There aren’t many set in space.
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Yes, it is a fun one 🙂
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Right off, I love Eudora’s name. It’s perfect for a space kid. Sounds like an entertaining book for kids who like space travel, science fiction and STEM. And it has a great cover!
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Yes, perfect for a kid who likes space or sci-fi stories. or one you think would like them, as this would make a great introduction. Plus it has lovely illustrations!
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Love your beautiful dog and this fabulous review! It sounds hilarious, and I think might be a perfect fit for one of my nephews. Thanks for the heads up and happy MMGM!
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Thank you so much! He’s a very good boy 🙂 Eudora is very humorous! 🙂
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I love the idea that a character wants to be promoted to chief engineer so she can skip elementary school. That’s pretty funny. I’m sure a lot of younger MGers will like this one. Thanks for telling me about it.
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Yes, she is a great character! I think kids will enjoy this, it’s fun!
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A fun idea to carry this plot. Great cover and the STEM connection is perfect to entice readers. Thanks for featuring your review on MMGM.
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The illustrations are pretty good too, and will really appeal to kids. Thanks for having me on MMGM!
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A science fiction book for young readers. Cool idea!
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[…] Space Kid: The Great Engine Room Takeover, by David Horn, at Valinora Troy Hedgewitch, by Skye McKenna, at Book Craic Immigrant from the Stars, by Gail Kamer, at Mom Read […]
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[…] Space Kid: The Great Engine Room Takeover, by David Horn, at Valinora Troy Hedgewitch, by Skye McKenna, at Book Craic Immigrant from the Stars, by Gail Kamer, at Mom Read […]
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