Very nearly a five-star book for me. My only criticism is that some of the action sequences and logistics were confusing. ( )

Cool. A little confusing because Cleo is supposed to have a large head of curly hair but cover does not reflect that. Really original, and I found it really hit home after our pandemic experiences -- both the weirdness of sudden human adaptability (all inside, all the time) and the loss of innocence that accompanies a great quest, whatever motivates it. Really well targeted for upper elementary/ young middle grade readers -- post apocalyptic can be very dark very fast, but this has a certain level of gentleness to it, with the bigger looming themes in the background. I end up with lots of questions, (for instance, do families really never meet again once a child leaves to start a family? Are there limits on childbirth? Who makes all the things that people need? Who maintains the drones?) but I found the book very interesting. ( )