How to Become a Planet Book

RELEASE DATE - 24 MAY 2022

Reading level - 9 to 12 years.

The two most important things to know about Pluto Timoney:

(1) she's always loved outer space (obviously); and

(2) her favourite season is summer, the time to go to the boardwalk, visit the planetarium, and work in her mom's pizzeria.

This summer, when Pluto's turning thirteen, is different. Pluto has just been diagnosed with depression, and she feels like a black hole is sitting on her chest, making it hard to do anything. When Pluto's dad threatens to make her move to the city--where he believes his money could help her get better--Pluto comes up with a plan to do whatever it takes to be her old self again.

f she does everything that old, "normal" Pluto would do, she can stay with her mom. But it takes a new therapist, new tutor, and new (cute) friend with a plan of her own for Pluto to see that there is no old or new her.

There's just Pluto, discovering more about herself every day.

“Gorgeous.”
BuzzFeed

“Sprinkled with astronomy-related metaphors related to a planet’s properties, this acutely observed, authentically told tale by Melleby (In the Role of Brie Hutchens...) thoughtfully portrays Pluto’s relationship with her worried single mother, the girl’s urgent desire to 'be fixed,' and her intense―and at times overpowering―depressive episodes. Compassionate secondary characters and a strong sense of place further buoy the narrative.”
Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Lambda Literary Awards finalist Melleby tackles the gravitational force of the youth mental health crisis . . . Readers will find insight and compassion around setting realistic goals and navigating results that may not match initial expectations . . . A realistic, hopeful account of personal recovery and discovery.”
Kirkus Reviews