Perfect for fans of Efrén Divided and A Good Kind of Trouble, this luminous middle grade debut follows a tween girl navigating the devastating impact of ICE’s looming presence on her family and community.

Seventh grader Wendy Toledo knows that black holes and immigration police have one thing in common: they can both make things disappear without a trace. When her family moves to a new all-American neighborhood, Wendy knows the plan: keep her head down, build a telescope that will win the science fair, and stay on her family’s safe orbit.

But that’s easier said than done when there’s a woman hiding out from ICE agents in the church across the alley—and making Wendy’s parents very nervous.

As bullying at school threatens Wendy’s friendships and her hopes for the science fair, and her family’s secrets start to unravel, Wendy finds herself caught in the middle of far too many gravitational pulls. When someone she loves is detained by ICE, Wendy must find the courage to set her own orbit—and maybe shift the paths of everyone around her.

Family Secrets: Wendy’s family moved to be safe, but the secrets they’re hiding about their past—and their immigration status—are threatening to pull them apart.
Social Justice for Kids: When a woman seeks sanctuary from ICE in the church next door, Wendy is confronted with the difficult choice between staying silent and speaking out for what’s right.
Navigating Friendship and Bullying: At her new school, Wendy must find her place among new friends while dealing with a bully who challenges everything she’s trying to protect.
Astronomy and Science Theme: Perfect for young readers who love science, this story uses the wonders of the universe—from black holes to gravitational pulls—to explore the complicated challenges we face on Earth.
Sibling Relationship: Wendy and her older brother Tom have always been close, but as he gets involved in activism, their bond is tested in ways neither of them expected.

Tethered to Other Stars

Tethered to Other Stars