See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng delivers a heartfelt and engaging story through the perspective of an eleven-year-old boy, capturing both the wonder and confusion of adolescence. Readers appreciate the authentic voice and emotional depth, though some find the protagonist's actions implausible for his age. Overall, it balances charm and realism well.

Fans of heartfelt, coming-of-age stories with unique perspectives, like in Wonder by R.J. Palacio and Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan, will enjoy See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng. The novel, narrated by an 11-year-old aspiring astronaut, combines adventure, family dynamics, and a poignant exploration of identity.

See You in the Cosmos by Jack Cheng follows 11-year-old Alex Petroski as he attempts to launch a Golden iPod into space to communicate with extraterrestrials, inspired by Carl Sagan’s Golden Record. Journeying to a rocket festival and then to find his father, Alex encounters various characters who ultimately help him discover truths about his family and himself. The novel addresses themes of neglect and family challenges.

Adventurous / Emotional / Inspirational / Hopeful / Heartwarming

- See You in the Cosmos is told from the perspective of an 11-year-old boy named Alex Petroski, who records his life and adventures on his golden iPod, drawing inspiration from the Voyager Golden Record.
- The book employs a unique narrative style, often using transcriptions of Alex's recordings, which mimics the feel of a podcast or an audiobook.
- Jack Cheng’s novel won the Golden Kite Award for Fiction in 2018, recognizing it for excellence in children's literature.

**Alex Petroski**  
A curious and extroverted boy from Rockview, Colorado, passionate about space and rocketry, who embarks on a journey involving a rocket launch project and a search for family connections. His enthusiasm for the cosmos and his dog, Carl Sagan, are central to his character.

**Mom (Karen Petroski)**  
Alex's mother, who struggles with schizophrenia, often leaving Alex to fend for himself. Her background includes Filipino heritage and a history of leaving her children unattended due to her mental health issues.

**Ronnie Petroski**  
Alex’s older brother living in Los Angeles, initially detached from the family, who gradually becomes more involved in caring for Alex and their mother. His career distracts him from family matters until circumstances push him to take on a more central role.

**Carl Sagan (Alex’s Dog)**  
Alex's loyal dog who accompanies him on the start of his journey. The dog provides companionship and becomes a symbol of comfort and hope for Alex.

**Zed**  
A traveler Alex meets on the train, who becomes a mentor figure in Alex's life, introducing him to meditation and supporting his quest. Zed represents new perspectives and balance.

**Steve**  
Zed's roommate, who initially appears focused on trivial or business matters but later shows growth in caring for Alex. He provides transport and companionship on parts of Alex's journey. 

**Terra**  
Alex's half-sister living in Las Vegas, who is initially impulsive and seeks connection with Alex upon meeting him. Her interactions with Alex inspire a quest for more meaningful goals in her life.

Jack Cheng

Middle grade

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

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See You in the Cosmos Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-8

See You in the Cosmos Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 9-17

See You in the Cosmos Chapters 9-17 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 18-25

See You in the Cosmos Chapters 18-25 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 26-34

See You in the Cosmos Chapters 26-34 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 35-42

See You in the Cosmos Chapters 35-42 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 43-47

See You in the Cosmos Chapters 43-47 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 48-52

See You in the Cosmos Chapters 48-52 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

See You in the Cosmos Character Analysis

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Themes

See You in the Cosmos Themes

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See You in the Cosmos Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

See You in the Cosmos Important Quotes

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See You in the Cosmos Vocabulary

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Essay Topics

See You in the Cosmos Essay Topics

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See You in the Cosmos Quiz

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See You in the Cosmos

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