Workmanlike political SF for younger & reluctant readers. Strong smart girl, provocative themes, a bit of leavening humor. Not bad.

However, nothing special for experienced adults, even those who are avid readers of children's books. I have heard good things about the author, though, and will keep reading her if I get a chance. ( )

Hoover,H.M.,(1995). Dutton Children's Books.
A self-reliant female teenager must choose between family loyalty and the good of her people in an atmosphere of exotic court. When rebel forces strike against her father, the all-powerful president of Mars, teenage she finds her comfortable existence turned upside-down and her life threatened from unexpected sources. In futuristic setting readers follow the step by step awakening of a self-reliant female heroine to both the treachery of her immediate family and the inequities of a Martian society she is destined to rule.
Hoover provides deep issues in a futuristic plot about a heroic child and her protector robot. The setting shifts from a prestigious military academy where corporate investors colonized to produce products unattainable on earth and develop secret technology Mars is shown as a rich, powerful, and independent.
After social unrest the setting becomes a remote city in need of rebuilding. Along with changes in setting are changes in the attitude of the heroine as she tries to help residents rebuild. Her comfortable existence is turned upside-down and her life is threatened as she understands the problems her own father’s rule prompted. The author uses outside changes to reflect on the changes taking place inside the heroine.At times, the elements of this fast-moving plot don’t stand up to close examination. On the other hand, the plot is so interesting and thought provoking readers can become absorbed in the heroine’s adventures and triumphs.
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Golden Duck Awards-Hal Clement Award for Young Adults Winner 1996 United States

State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Nevada Young Readers' Award, 1998 ; Nominee; Intermediate; Nevada
South Carolina Book Awards, 1998 ; Nominee; Junior Book; South Carolina ( )