I'm reading the Newbery honor book - We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly - and suddenly I discover the protagonist's class is getting ready for the liftoff of The Challenger, January, 1986. The liftoff that killed every person aboard. The liftoff that, because one of the astronauts was a teacher, almost every kid in the United sSates was watching. And every kid (and any adult around them) was traumatized by this event.
My daughter was home sick from school, so as I usually do, I set up our portable TV in her room so she could watch this event. Just like every child in the USA was doing in school.
Suddenly she began screaming. I rushed into her room. Discovered the explosion. That the TV played over and over and over again. (I turned off the TV and hugged my child)
I don't think I can finish this book. Too many terrible memories. I've already begun crying and the book hasn't even gotten to this event.
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