Do you know the title of this YA space academy novel?

December 13, 2012 6:12 AM

Can you help me remember the title of this YA science fiction novel that took place at a space academy in the asteroid belt?

Here are the things I remember: (1) the main character was a girl in her last year at the academy, (2) her love interest was a boy in his first year at the academy who was old for his age, (3) the boy had been a student there previously and was returning with a new identity after recovering from a horrible accident or illness, (4) the boy had some sort of crystal alien spider friend, (5) [spoiler alert] they foiled a plot by the commandant to use one of the cadets' war games to start a war, and (6) there was lots at the beginning of the book about the admissions tests administered to prospective students.

I think I read this book in the late 80s or early 90s. I really liked it and would to read it again.

posted by Area Man to media & arts (8 answers total)

Was it Anne McCaffery's Crystal Singer series?
posted by headspace at 6:16 AM on December 13, 2012

No, though I agree that those novels do have lots of crystals and admissions test sequences.
posted by Area Man at 6:18 AM on December 13, 2012

OH MY GOD

OH MY GOD

Every time - EVERY SINGLE TIME - somebody asks about a young adult sci-fi novel, I click past the fold to see if it's this one book that I loved as a kid, and I could say, hey yes it is this book, thank you very much, pleased to help. I have done this dozens of times. Ever since I signed up for this site, which was, wow, years ago now. It has actually become something of a small obsession, for reasons I cannot really explain.

And finally

FINALLY

today I am able to tell someone that the book you are asking about is Astropilots, by Laura J. Mixon.

You don't know how much this means to me.
posted by FAMOUS MONSTER at 6:46 AM on December 13, 2012 [39 favorites]

This book. Look at the cover. LOOK AT THAT COVER. THAT'S THE BOOK.

I am so happy right now. I am so excited.
posted by FAMOUS MONSTER at 6:46 AM on December 13, 2012 [5 favorites]

Was it D.A. by Connie Willis?
posted by likeso at 6:47 AM on December 13, 2012

Oops. Didn't mean to deflect from FAMOUS MONSTER's moment of glory. Sorry!

Wonder which one it is? (hope it's FM's)
posted by likeso at 6:49 AM on December 13, 2012 [1 favorite]

Yes, it is Astropilots. I remember that cover.

Thank you, you've made my day. I've been thinking about that book for years. I just ordered a copy. I may have it in time for Christmas. I'm happy to know that I wasn't the only kid who loved Astropilots.
posted by Area Man at 7:03 AM on December 13, 2012

And now this book is out of stock on Amazon! It sounded so awesome, I want to read it!
posted by TrishaLynn at 2:27 PM on January 1