Earthborn facts for kids

Earthborn is a science fiction novel written by Orson Scott Card. It was published in 1995 and is the fifth and final book in his exciting Homecoming Saga series. This book wraps up the long journey of a special group of people trying to find their way back to their ancient home.

What is the Homecoming Saga?

The Homecoming Saga is a series of five books that tell a big story about humanity's past and future. It's set many thousands of years from now. The story begins on a planet called Harmony, where people live under the guidance of a super-smart computer called the Oversoul. The Oversoul helps keep peace and order.

The Journey Home

The main idea of the series is about a group of people who are chosen to leave Harmony. Their mission is to travel across space to find Earth, the original home of humanity. They believe that by returning to Earth, they can save their people from a future disaster. Each book in the series follows their adventures and challenges on this incredible journey.

Why are they leaving Harmony?

The Oversoul on Harmony has a secret. It knows that the people on Harmony are losing their connection to their past and their true purpose. To prevent them from becoming stuck and eventually dying out, the Oversoul sends a small group on this dangerous mission. They must rediscover what it means to be human and bring back important knowledge to their people.

The Story of Earthborn

Earthborn is the thrilling conclusion to the Homecoming Saga. In this book, the travelers finally reach their destination: Earth. But Earth is not what they expected. It has changed a lot over thousands of years.

Discovering Ancient Earth

When the characters arrive, they find a planet that is very different from the one their ancestors left. They have to learn how to survive in this new environment. They also meet other humans who have been living on Earth all this time. These Earth-dwellers have their own cultures and ways of life.

Facing New Challenges

The main characters, especially Nafai and his family, face many challenges. They must try to understand the history of Earth and why their ancestors left it so long ago. They also have to decide if they should stay on Earth or try to find a way to help the people back on Harmony. The book explores themes of discovery, survival, and what it means to find your true home.

About the Author: Orson Scott Card

Orson Scott Card is a very famous American writer, especially known for his science fiction books. He was born in 1951. He has written many popular novels and short stories.

Card's Famous Works

One of his most famous books is Ender's Game, which won major awards in science fiction. Card is known for creating deep characters and exploring big ideas in his stories, like family, religion, and the future of humanity. He often writes about moral choices and the challenges people face when trying to do what's right.

Why Kids Might Like His Books

Kids aged 12-15 often enjoy Orson Scott Card's books because they feature young characters who have to make tough decisions and go on exciting adventures. His stories make you think about important questions, like what makes a good leader or how people can live together peacefully.

Themes in Earthborn

Earthborn explores several important themes that might make you think.

The Idea of Home

A big theme is the idea of "home." Is home a place, or is it where your family and loved ones are? The characters have been searching for Earth as their home, but they learn that home might be more complicated than just a planet.

Humanity's Future

The book also looks at the future of humanity. What happens when people are separated for a long time? Can they come back together? It explores how societies change and adapt over thousands of years.

Technology and Life

Like many science fiction books, Earthborn also touches on technology. The Oversoul is a very advanced computer that guides the people. The book makes you think about how technology can help or hinder human development.

Why Read Earthborn?

If you enjoy stories about long journeys, discovering new worlds, and thinking about big questions, then Earthborn and the whole Homecoming Saga might be a great read for you. It's a story about hope, survival, and finding your place in a vast universe.