Jennifer L. Holm is a three-time Newbery Honor winner and after reading The Lion of Mars, it’s not a surprise. This book is fantastic! It’s also quite relevant when you consider the various companies that are racing to figure out how to visit and settle on Mars. As the story begins, we’re introduced to a small group of characters living in a United States Territory who have done just that: settled on Mars. Holm makes the story feel realistic and possible. She’s obviously done a good deal of research. So many things from this story mirror reality–from misunderstandings causing huge rifts to a simple apology completely reshaping the future. Additionally, we see the importance of working cooperatively. When a virus hits the settlement, we see some similarities to our current day. With just the right amount of reality mixed with what could be one day, The Lion of Mars is a five-star book that will be loved by anyone interested in sci-fi, space stories, or honestly, anyone who enjoys fiction. The age group of the characters is diverse so it will appeal to a large audience, from grandparents to tweens. It will also be excellent for a family read or book club as it triggers a lot of thoughts that would be great for discussion.

Review of a Digital Advance Reading Copy

This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Random House

Content Analysis:

Profanity/Language:  None

Violence/Gore:  Several (20) brief incidents including characters worrying about getting eaten or being abducted by aliens; character joking about aliens eating a poopy baby; reference to life-threatening dangers on Mars; young characters thinking they’re being threatened; character telling cat he can’t eat a mouse; reference to bad feelings strangling them to death; second-hand report of cats dying; a few references to people dying; reference to movie about aliens eating people; character having a scar; teen characters driving rover over edge of cliff and worrying about dying; young character smashing into door to open it; character getting shot in arm for medical purposes; characters nearly dying; characters having to let pet die; something crashing on Mars – no injuries to anyone.

Sex/Nudity:  Several (11) brief incidents including husband kissing wife; teen wanting to fall in love; married couple dancing; picture of adults kissing; teen liking another teen; teens kissing; teen character saying he’s in love; reference to giving flowers when you’re in love; adults holding hands and kissing.

Mature Subject Matter:

References to orphan babies; potty humor jokes/a few references to bodily functions; death of a pet.

Alcohol / Drug Use:

None