What Goes Up

Katie Kennedy has invented a young cast so sympathetic and disarmingly funny that even science-indifferent readers will resolve to understand the laws of physics . . . What Goes Up isn't so much about what's out there as about what's down here: the miracle of unlikely friendships, the mixed blessing of privilege and the stigma of social class. - starred review, Shelf Awareness

A good choice for science fiction readers who . . . enjoy humor, adventure, and realistic characters. - VOYA

It's a complex plot and a great one; the concepts feel fresh, the humor and fear factors are perfectly balanced, and there are plenty of nifty sci-fi elements for genre buffs . . . a worthy second outing. - BCCB

Kennedy again shows a knack for portraying real teens dealing with extraordinary circumstances. . . . Smart science, plenty of action, and no small amount of snarky banter round out an exciting and poignant read. - Publishers Weekly

Kennedy has a confident hand in her sophomore novel, particularly when deploying the complicated quantum physics and rocket science that infuse her snappy plot. Along with light cliff-hangers, a geeky atmosphere, and quip-heavy dialogue, her well-defined characters and a sprinkle of romance keep the story's feet on the ground. Fans of smart, funny sci-fi should get their hands on this one. - Booklist

Competitive, sweet, and downright hilarious . . . Likable characters and laugh-out-loud dialogue will make this a winning choice for reluctant readers and science-fiction fans alike. - Kirkus Reviews

A refreshingly down-to-earth interplanetary adventure . . . Kennedy offers an excellent blend of believable teenage angst and well-explained physics and astronomy conundrums. The pace is blistering and will keep readers quickly turning pages. - School Library Journal

A funny, introspective story featuring a diverse cast of likable and relatable characters. - School Library Connection

At turns sweet, funny, moving, and suspenseful, this is a book to devour. I fell in love with the endearing, maladjusted genius Yuri, and held my breath--fault of the all-too-real and terrifying threat steadily mounting throughout the story. A fantastic read! - S. J. Kincaid, author of the Insignia trilogy and THE DIABOLIC on LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA

The science Kennedy weaves throughout the story is fascinating and accessible, and Yuri and Dovie's gentle romance is pitch-perfect. This novel is made to savor--readers will want to catch every nuance of Kennedy's multidimensional characters. - starred review, Publishers Weekly on LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA

The balance of wit, romance, danger, and one huge philosophical and ethical dilemma is brilliantly managed here. . . . A nail-biting climax with a cinematic aftermath and an even more nail-biting resolution round out this thoroughly entertaining sci-fi disaster, romance, action/adventure mashup. - starred review, BCCB on LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA

Katie Kennedy is an author to put on your watch-for-and-read list! - USA Today on LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA

An end-of-the-world romp that will prompt readers to think and to laugh. - Kirkus Reviews on LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA

An entertaining, genre-bending mix of quirky romance and realistic sci-fi, with some thought-provoking questions about adulthood thrown in for good measure. - Booklist on LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA

Will appeal to many types of readers. Its NASA setting and sarcastic lead echo The Martian, while its quirky, whip-smart characters and sweet romance will capture Green and Rowell fans. . . . Recommended for all collections. - VOYA on LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA

Katie Kennedy writes with incision, fire, and euphoria. Savor this one. - Christian Science Monitor on LEARNING TO SWEAR IN AMERICA