Moon Dust in My Hairnet

Creaden shoots for the moon in their ambitious debut—as does their protagonist. Awkward, autistic Lane has always been the adoring shadow of her older sister Faraday, a scientific prodigy who created the gravity-altering “gravdrive,” which helps make other planets habitable to humans, at just 12 years old. Farady’s almost achieved her goal to found an independent lunar colony when she and most of her team are murdered, leaving Lane and her family to pick up the pieces and finish the job, in a settlement now full of ghosts. Lane just wants to hide out in the colony’s kitchens, avoid her controlling parents, and try to heal, maybe with the help of her boyfriend and some gorgeous new crushes. But the colony’s safety is at risk: someone is communicating with the corporate executive responsible for Faraday’s murder—and he’s coming to take what he wants. The only person who can save Faraday’s glorious dream is reluctant, unprepared, yet determined Lane. A powerful exploration of survivor’s guilt and trauma, the intricate plot still leaves plenty of room for readers to fall in love with characters whose diversity, queerness, and disabilities add to their unique appeal. Creaden is an exciting new voice in science fiction. Agents: Rebecca Williamson and Sheldon Fogelman, Sheldon Fogelman Agency. (Apr.)