Authors: please don't ask to be added if the content of your books or profile is inappropriate for readers under 18 -- as this is a Young Adult novel, this page is often visited by middle school children as well as by older teens.
You don't have to be a science fiction fan to enjoy Journey Between Worlds -- it's a romance novel for teens (and also adults) that just happens to take place on Mars.
Not a romance reader? If you believe in the
importance of space colonization, you still want to know about this book so you can give it to your friends and relatives who have yet to be convinced.
Now available in paperback from Firebird (a Penguin imprint) as well as from Putnam in hardcover, it can be obtained online at Amazon.com, or through most other booksellers -- or if you're a library, from your normal distributor.
Please note: The original edition of this book was published by Atheneum in 1970, but the new edition, published in hardcover by Putnam in 2006 and in paperback by Firebird in 2007, has been updated. Don't read the old edition! Most of the changes are in connection with the attitude of today's women toward marriage and careers and the impact of computers on everyday life -- some of what's in the old edition will seem quaint to today's teens, and those anachronisms have been fixed. There were also some minor changes due to new discoveries about Mars.
“I would recommend Journey Between Worlds to any teen looking for a thought-provoking read. . . . Both Melinda’s problems and the issues raised by the colonization of another planet will give readers much to ponder long after they’ve finished reading.†--Lynn Crow, Teens Read Too, October 2006“Sylvia Louise Engdahl’s futuristic romance is truly out of this world, her imagination remarkably accurate. An excellent book for teen and mature reader alike!†--Phyllis Muhlhauser, Romance Book Cafe, April 2006.“The book feels as fresh and interesting as any near-future novel I have read. . . . A very accessible story for readers who are interested in space colonization as well as readers who enjoy stories about personal growth and relationships.†--Anna Creech, Blogcritics, August 18, 2007“I really felt like Melinda was growing and changing, that she was a real person telling me a story.... I was in love with this book from the beginning. I hadn’t read much science fiction in a while, since I find a lot of it focuses too much on space battles. But this was a great book that looked at humanity in a classic science fiction way, exploring how humanity reacts to the stars.†--Cassie Richoux, Bookwrym Chrysalis, July 22, 2007“A must-read for all future space pioneers who wish to persuade their friends to join them in making that future journey between the worlds of the known and the unknown. I highly recommend it.†--Marianne Dyson, Reading Space (National Space Society), September 2006“Journey Between Worlds is a fast-paced, futuristic romance that will appeal to teens ... a satisfying read, and a step above the typical teen romance.†--Kendra Patterson, Romance Reader at Heart, August 29, 2006“Due to deep character development recommend this to older teens and young college students... Melinda’s insightfulness will certainly win the hearts of those wanting a coming-of-age story with substance.†--Amanda Rodriguez, Brave & Brass Book Blog, August 9, 2006“Journey Between Worlds is a beautifully-written, heartwarming, and scientifically plausible novel. What’s more, it’s quite a lot of fun ... the sort of thing that’s easy to devour in one sitting, and though short, it will leave you satiated afterward. On the other hand, now that I’m done with it, I want more.†--John Joseph Adams, Orson Scott Card’s Intergalactic Medicine Show, April 2006“Engdahl’s return to the spotlight is long overdue ... Journey Between Worlds’ theme of a human manifest destiny in space is by no means juvenile.... The veracity that Engdahl brings to Melinda’s fantastic adventure is pure sci-fi sense of wonder.... In a low-brow teen marketing world that seeks to mold young women into juggernauts of mass consumption it’s totally refreshing to witness the idealist spirit in this novel that is a fun read for younger audiences and an inspiring, hopeful and entertaining tale for older readers as well.†--Carlos Aranaga, ScifiDimensions, May 2006“For some reason the public -- aside from a select group of aficionados -- largely ignored Engdahl’s work, and it’s only within the past few years that it’s been rediscovered as the treasure trove it is.... <[i>Journey Between Worlds] is a beautifully written coming-of-age novel, as Melinda comes to realize that the proper place for the past is in the past, and that the future is something she wants to be a part of. Engdahl pulls you right into Melinda’s life to make this an unforgettable and completely engrossing novel.†--Fantasy Magazine No. 3 (Wildside Press)
Mars Panorama
(More reviews of Journey Between Worlds below)
“The book seems to me as fresh as when I read it as a child ... the story line remains solid and the themes still seem relevant today. What a thrill to see Engdahl’s novels back in print!†--Kim Peterson, Reader Views, April 2006“Characters are human and believable ... Ms. Engdahl presents a story that touches both the heart and mind.†--Cy Korte, Paranormal Romance Reviews, April 2006“As an adult, I found Journey Between Worlds captivating and thought provoking. There’s much more to this book than romance or a coming of age type of story, but instead the concepts it holds are what make it appealing. It certainly made me think.†--Dorine Linnen, Romance Junkies, June 2006“Until I finished Melinda’s story, I had no idea that the story was written thirty-six years ago.... The characters, settings, and events all seem just a short distance in the future.... There is a touch of romance entwined in this emotional story. Don’t miss it!†--Tracy Farnsworth, Round Table Reviews, August 1, 2006“This is a wonderful sci-fi romance for young adults. Its light-hearted first-person stream-of-consciousness narrative is engaging, and Melinda is a winsome sprite who comes of age quickly because of her life-changing adversities.†--Dolores Parsons, Young Adult Romance Writers, April 2006“I loved Melinda’s voice -- it was fresh and original and genuine.... I found it easy to relate to her. And to her world.†--Leila Roy, Bookshelves of Doom, June 23, 2006“Readers are instantly drawn to Melinda, who is portrayed realistically ... we can all sympathize with her. If you’ve been trying to get your daughters to read [science fiction] to no avail, try this for a little lighter reading. You may be surprised how much they like it.†--Anise Hollingshead, Book Loons, April 2006“Journey Between Worlds is an intriguing tale that delves into the emotions of a young Melinda at a pivotal point in her life.... This is a truly thoughtful and inspiring novel.†--Kassie, Love Romances, August 2006“Journey Between Worlds is an exploration novel of self and place. Melinda starts out thinking she understands the universe and her place within it. But new concepts, locations, and people have a way of kicking over our conceptual sand castles...†--Paul Haggerty, SFRevu, August 2006“The heart of Journey Between Worlds is the belief that exploration is necessary to the human spirit, as well as to mankind’s ultimate survival. Engdahl wrote about this same theme in her other YA books, in ways I personally find more compelling -- but there’s nothing wrong with also delivering the idea with a bouquet of roses.†--Wendy Betts, Blog from the Windowsill, June 16, 2006“The feminist movement was blossoming amongst the baby boomers when this story was written, and its influences can be seen if you look. But it's also a bigger story about defining one's individuality in a new frontier, one where new cultures wait to evolve in frontier domes.†--Ken Murphy, Out of The Cradle, December 4, 2006“A tale of futuristic pioneers, Journey Between Worlds showcases the unpredictability of life ... a highly entertaining, quick read that young science fiction fans will enjoy.†--Angela Etheridge, Romance Readers Connection, September 2006“Journey Between Worlds is part sci-fi tale, larger-part romance. Readers who like gentle love stories should enjoy this book.... Romantics will also enjoy the way that Melinda's love for Alex helps her change, and the happy, heartening ending.†--Cheryl Rainfield, Teen Books that Have Something to Say, September 2006“It’s a can’t-put-it-down read, especially if you believe in soul-mates.†--Jacqueline Lichtenberg, ReReadable Books, March 2007“The power of the story is really in the strength of the characters.... There's more here for YA readers who are wondering if it's okay that they haven't made up their minds what to do with their lives and are searching for a character to identify here than for hard sci-fi geeks.†--Dragonwomant, Fantasy Book Spot, February 27, 2007“I love this book, as I love all of Sylvia Engdahl’s books. I like her heroines. They are people I’d like to be friends with. They are faced with difficult decisions and rise to the challenge.†--Sondra Eklund, Sonderbooks, August 8, 2007“The teenage me would have eaten her own hand to get a ticket to Mars, but it still all sang merrily in tune with my thirteen-year-old self. Honestly, a book hasn’t made me feel this goofy and happy in ages.†--Altariel’s Booklog, August 10, 2006“I’m not a big fan of science fiction, but this book was pretty good ... I would recommend it to many people.†--11-year-old reviewer, Flamingnet Book Blog, August 6, 2006“This book ... has one of the most well developed story lines and characters that I have ever had the opportunity to read.... Journey Between Worlds, a true classic, is sure to be a success in its republication!†--Amanda Roberts, Romance Reviews Today, May 25, 2006“Deftly blending scientific possibility, suspense, and youthful emotion in the first-person narrative, the author has projected a plausible picture of the post-twentieth-century world--a world where pioneers on Mars and envisioned as a continuation of the endless chain of settlers who have been moving to new frontiers even since the human race began.†--Horn Book, October 1970“The ‘Journey Between Worlds’ is not just between Earth and Mars; it is also between youth and adulthood, and between comfortable, ingrained mental patterns and processes and true thought and openmindedness. For all this, the trip to Mars is the catalyst or pivotal factor; and the author has made a strong and meaningful statement about the reasons for continued efforts in space exploration. Pretty much a girl’s book, I hope it won’t be read just by science fiction fans. It’s good writing and good reading.†--Luna Monthly, November 1971“...An exciting space fiction novel. Young adults will find not only adventure here in good measure but a satisfying love story as well.†--Catholic Library World, April 1971“...Absorbing science fiction ... Intensive first-person characterizations and a love story one can really care about.†--Wichita Falls Times, 10 January 1971“Capable characterization of an adolescent, imaginative, convincing details of the future and exciting setting make a total adventure.†--Elementary English, February 1972
Read a short excerpt from the book.
