Bibliographical information:

Heinlein, Robert A. Citizen of the Galaxy. 1957. New York: Pocket Books, 2005.

Brief summary:

The novel opens at a slave auction, where a young boy is sold to a beggar.  The novel traces his adventures, first as the servant of Baslim the beggar, who is more than he seems to be, and then through the galaxy.

Comments:

As the novel's title suggests, Thorby's adventures help him to learn who he is--both where he comes from and where he wants to go. My daughter's fifth-grade teacher recommended this book to her, and she loved it. It has adventure and mystery, and also threads of human connection and friendship.

Grade/Age level:

Roughly fourth grade and up

Cautions:

If you like this book, you might also like . . .

 Robert A Heinlein, Tunnel in the Sky

--Lisa Gordis

Feel free to add comments by clicking the comments tab above.