Skating on Mars

A heartwarming debut from author Caroline Huntoon about a young figure skater discovering who they are on and off the ice.

Life isn't easy on twelve-year-old Mars. As if seventh grade isn't hard enough, Mars is also grappling with the recent death of their father and a realization they never got to share with him: they're nonbinary. But with their skates laced up and the ice under their feet, all of those struggles melt away. When Mars' triple toe loop draws the attention of a high school hot shot, he dares them to skate as a boy so the two can compete head-to-head. Unable to back down from a challenge, Mars accepts. But as competition draws near, the struggles of life off the rink start to complicate their performance in the rink, and Mars begins to second guess if there's a place for them on the ice at all.

Skating on Mars is a tender examination of grief and a hopeful middle grade tale of self-discovery.

"This timely, triumphant novel about figure skating, identity, loss, and love will move and entertain readers--and it might just inspire them to find their own ways to change the world. " --Laurie Morrison, author of Up for Air and Coming Up Short

Author: Caroline Huntoon
Publisher: Square Fish
Published: 05/07/2024
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.40lbs
Size: 7.50h x 5.10w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9781250851864
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 4.3
Point Value: 7
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Quiz #/Name: 522224 / Skating on Mars

About the Author
Caroline Huntoon (they/them) is a nonbinary storyteller and educator and the author of Skating on Mars and Linus and Etta Could Use a Win from Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan. They grew up in Michigan but spent time in New York City to earn their B.A. at Barnard College and see as much musical theater as possible, Walt Disney World to fulfill a lifelong dream of working on The Great Movie Ride, and Vermont to earn their M.A. from The Bread Loaf School of English. Now back in Michigan, Caroline lives with their headstrong and hilarious child, Winnie, and their adorable and needy dog, Oscar David. By day they work as an English teacher and theater director, and by night they write stories for young people about loss, identity, and friendship that validate their messy and wonderful lives.