Planet Perfect by Amy Bearce

Fourteen-year-old Meg knows aliens are real. Everyone does. But she's not happy with them. Extraterrestrials landed on Earth twenty years ago and took off fast. They didn't leave behind advanced science or miracle cures. Instead, they delivered an alien reality TV channel. Beamed to the whole galaxy, Planet Perfect is Earth's obsession. But no Earthling has ever been invited--until now. 

Meg wants to fight climate change, not play games. But when she is one of two Earth teens invited to Planet Perfect, she agrees to go. Planet Perfect makes its own clean energy with zero waste. Such knowledge could save Earth. Meg needs to stay in the competition so she can figure out this technology. 

But the show is harder than expected. The host demands almost impossible tasks with lots of drama. And when Meg finds out that Planet Perfect has a secret that threatens Earth, she realizes she has to win to prove her planet deserves a seat at the intergalactic table.

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Planet Perfect by Amy Bearce is a creative and fast-paced story that blends science fiction, adventure, and an urgent environmental message. Aimed at middle-grade readers, this HiLo book offers an engaging narrative that’s easy to follow while tackling themes relevant to today’s world.

The story follows Meg, a determined fourteen-year-old who wants to save Earth from climate disaster, not play along with the intergalactic spectacle of Planet Perfect. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she’s chosen as one of the first Earthlings to participate in the aliens’ reality TV competition. The stakes are higher than she imagined - Meg must navigate cutthroat challenges and high-stakes drama to not only survive the show but also uncover secrets that could either save or doom Earth.

Bearce’s Planet Perfect stands out for its inventive premise and relatable heroine. Meg’s determination to make a difference, even in the face of daunting odds, makes her a character worth rooting for. The setting - a planet where technology creates clean energy and eliminates waste - is as intriguing as it is idealistic. Through Meg’s eyes, readers explore a hopeful vision of what the future could be, even as the story uncovers the darker truths behind it. The friendships Meg forges with some of the other competitors, and their closeness even though there can be only one winner, is wonderful to see and adds a lovely tone to the story.

The book balances its serious environmental themes with humour, action, and just enough suspense to keep readers hooked. It also cleverly critiques society’s obsession with entertainment and spectacle, making it a thought-provoking read for its target audience. While some of the challenges Meg faces may feel exaggerated, they fit the over-the-top nature of reality TV and amplify the book’s sense of urgency.

Perfect for readers who enjoy science fiction with a conscience, Planet Perfect is a must-read for fans of books like A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle or Holes by Louis Sachar, where young protagonists must solve extraordinary problems in extraordinary settings.

For a movie recommendation, The Hunger Games might seem like an obvious choice with its high-stakes competition and televised drama, but for something lighter and similarly imaginative, try Zathura: A Space Adventure.

Planet Perfect publishes on the 1st of January, 2025. I received a free copy and am giving an honest review.