Escape Velocity

Escape velocity: the minimum speed needed for an object to escape from gravitational influence Parallax: the effect where the position of an object appears to differ when viewed from different angles 15-year-old Savanna Gilson, a quick-tempered loner, prickles at any threat, real or imagined, and fears she may never escape the pull of Earth’s gravity or, let’s face it, most people. With her parents en route to Antarctica, Savanna savors time with her grandfather in his workshop. When Gramp shows signs of dementia, it upends her plans. She is forced to participate in the Parallax competition, giving her a shot at her dream—the Junior Astronaut Program—but leaving her five hours away from her most important connection. Then Gramp spills a secret. Or is it his dementia? Armed with her great-grandmother's diary, Savanna's on a mission to uncover the truth, Parallax or no Parallax, before Gramp's fading memory shatters their bond. This ultra-near-future story, interwoven with excerpts from the WWII diary, poses the challenge of risking friendship and rediscovering trust. Without that, Savanna’s dream could slip away, leaving her alienated, stuck alone on Planet Earth.