The Gravity of Us Summary
Phil Stamper

The Gravity of Us Overview

Phil Stamper’s young adult novel The Gravity of Us tells the story of teenage Cal Lewis, a budding social media reporter, and the son of NASA’s newest astronaut. Cal and his Mom are reluctantly brought along to Houston as his dad trains for the newest mission to Mars - Orpheus V. Cal is thrust into a media frenzy, as a major cable news company begins to threaten him and his social media reporting. Meanwhile he meets Leon, the son of another astronaut on the mission, and they fall in love. The media frenzy continues, as funding for the government program is threatened with waning public support. Stamper proves that in the end, it is better to work together to achieve one’s goals - whether in reporting or life. This novel explores the themes of competition, old versus new media, and the power of youth.