The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera

Time travel, a new planet, and a dystopian plot, what more could you ask for? The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera is about a 12-year-old girl, Petra, that must leave her planet with her brother and parents who are scientists. She dreams of growing up to be a storyteller like her grandmother. When she wakes up after hundreds of years on a new planet, being the only person to remember Earth, Petra must navigate her way through any evil Collective that has taken over the ship. I found the book riveting with the language so beautiful and vivid. I felt drawn into the ship, experiencing waking up in unknown territory with her. The events that take place occur with fluidity. There was one character that had me questioning their role in the book, but in the end, I decided on the importance of the role. The story makes you think and contemplate how you feel about what she is going through. I loved the book! Anyone who can read this should. The age range recommended is 10 to 14, but I enjoyed this novel as an adult too.  -Erica Will, NERL Collection Development Librarian