Project F
Book Details
Title: Project F
Author: Jeanne DuPrau
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 0593643801
Reviews
Project F reads like a mystery and has aspects that appear to be science fiction, but at its core, it is tackling critical environmental issues in a new and creative way. Thirteen-year-old Keith yearns for adventure. He struggles with balancing his desires with how his actions have unintended consequences for others. Little Lulu has her dilemmas regarding keeping secrets. This would make a great book club book since there are so many “what would you do” moments that would fuel interesting discussions. The climate change issue is not directly addressed at the beginning of the book, which helps the reader learn about it as our main character does. This makes the story more powerful than if pages were dedicated to explaining the science.
– Ms. Mary Ralph, 5th grade teacher, NY
Project F is a story of a post-apocalyptic world where people have learned to live without the use of fossil fuels. 13 year old Keith doesn’t know what caused the “great fall” hundreds of years before his time, but he comes to the realization that the people of the world today have learned a different way of living in order to prevent that tragedy from ever happening again. On a trip to bring his cousin Lulu home, Keith encounters Malcolm and Project F, a project that he says will change the world. Not thinking about what the potential consequences might be, Keith decides he needs to be a part of it. He becomes intimately entwined with the inner workings of Project F. All the while Lulu struggles with having to keep Keith’s secret. This book gives students an opportunity to think about how dependent our world is on fossil fuels, and what the future may hold if we as humans continue on this path. It allows for varying discussions around the climate crisis and gives teachers a platform to discuss what future consequences could be. Project F could be paired with other books that may portray a different outcome to the climate crisis, and this could allow for teachers and students to discuss the potential positives and negatives of each.
– Kimberly M. Language Arts, CT
“What is more important: doing what you want, or doing what’s right?” This is a big question asked in Project F, as the protagonist, 13 year old Keith, has some big decisions to make. Project F is an exciting futuristic adventure for MG kids and beyond. The story takes place hundreds of years from now, when fossil fuels have been banned and life is completely different and much more simple. Keith finds himself mixed up in a project, “Project F”, which would introduce a new type of transportation: flying! Keith is very excited to help with this project, but he starts to have second thoughts about whether it’s truly a good idea or not. Readers will be grabbed immediately by the memorable characters. They’ll have a hard time putting the book down, as almost every chapter ends with a bit of suspense. This book is perfect for readers in fifth grade and up. Third and fourth graders may also enjoy it, but older readers will better understand what occurred with climate change and the banning of fossil fuels. Readers who enjoy fantasy and adventure books will love it the most, but kids who enjoy realistic fiction will also be excited to read, as Keith and his cousin Lulu are easy to connect with. I love how this book will get readers thinking about our world as it is today and what changes might make our world a better and more sustainable place to live. A great read! I’d definitely add this to my classroom library!
– Mrs. Lewitin, teacher, NY
Project F helps readers process the trajectory of climate change. In the name of convenience (and often greed) the needs of the masses have been sacrificed for the wants of those with means. All this is revealed through the fictional life of Keith as he grapples with the allure of independence and adventure versus collective responsibility. Kids in 4th-6th grade would enjoy this book the most perhaps seeing a little bit of themselves in Keith’s disobedience.
– Mrs. Rhodes, TOSA, CA