Astrid Maxxim and her Hypersonic Space Plane (Astrid Maxxim Girl Inventor Book 4) by Wesley Allison

Imagine a world where a teenage genius builds a hypersonic space plane in her backyard. Sounds like science fiction? Not in the world of Astrid Maxxim. Astrid Maxxim and her Hypersonic Space Plane (Book 4 in the Astrid Maxxim: Girl Inventor series) by Wesley Allison is a delightful blend of STEM enthusiasm, youthful adventure, and classic sci-fi charm.

If you’re a fan of smart, fast-paced middle-grade fiction with a strong female lead, this book is a must-read. Allison’s series has been praised for its inventive storytelling, and this installment raises the stakes with interstellar ambitions, corporate espionage, and the ever-relatable struggles of adolescence.

But does Hypersonic Space Plane live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

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Astrid Maxxim, the brilliant 15-year-old inventor, is back—and this time, she’s aiming for the stars. When her latest project, a hypersonic space plane capable of reaching orbit, catches the attention of both investors and rival corporations, Astrid finds herself navigating not just engineering challenges but also corporate sabotage, media scrutiny, and the complexities of teenage friendships.

Without giving away major spoilers, the story follows Astrid as she:

• Designs and tests her revolutionary space plane
• Faces unexpected setbacks (both mechanical and human)
• Deals with rival tech companies trying to steal her ideas
• Balances school, friendships, and her ever-growing responsibilities

The plot moves briskly, with just enough technical detail to feel authentic without overwhelming younger readers. There’s a healthy dose of humor, suspense, and even a touch of romance—making it a well-rounded adventure.

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Astrid is a refreshing protagonist—brilliant but not infallible, confident but still learning. She’s not just a "super-genius" trope; she makes mistakes, doubts herself, and grows from her experiences. Her passion for invention is infectious, making her an excellent role model for young readers, especially girls interested in STEM.

• Denise & Christopher: Astrid’s best friends provide emotional grounding and comic relief.
• Toby: The series’ recurring love interest adds a sweet, understated romantic subplot.
• Corporate Antagonists: The rival tech leaders bring real stakes—they’re not cartoon villains but shrewd businesspeople with their own agendas.

Allison does a great job of making even minor characters feel distinct, ensuring the world feels lived-in and dynamic.

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Allison’s prose is clean, accessible, and engaging—perfect for middle-grade readers but enjoyable for adults too. The dialogue feels natural, and the pacing keeps the story moving without sacrificing depth.

One standout technique is how Allison balances technical explanations with emotional storytelling. When Astrid troubleshoots an engine problem, we get just enough science to understand the challenge without bogging down the narrative.

The book also uses humor effectively, whether it’s Astrid’s sarcastic inner monologue or the banter between friends.

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Beneath the high-tech adventure, Hypersonic Space Plane explores:

• The Ethics of Innovation – Should groundbreaking tech be shared or protected?
• Friendship & Loyalty – How do you maintain relationships when your ambitions pull you in different directions?
• Pressure & Perfectionism – Astrid struggles with the weight of expectations, a relatable theme for young readers.

These themes add depth, making the book more than just a fun sci-fi romp.

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As someone who grew up devouring Tom Swift and Nancy Drew, Astrid Maxxim feels like a modern successor—smarter, more diverse, and with better gadgets. I particularly enjoyed how Allison normalizes intelligence—Astrid isn’t a "nerdy outcast" but a respected, well-rounded teen.

The emotional beats—especially Astrid’s moments of self-doubt—felt genuine. And the climactic test flight had me on the edge of my seat!

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Fans of "The Lunar Chronicles" by Marissa Meyer (for strong female leads in sci-fi) or "Nick and Tesla’s High-Voltage Danger Lab" by Bob Pflugfelder (for kid inventors solving real-world problems) will find a lot to love here.

Astrid stands out because she’s not a chosen one—she’s just a really smart kid who works hard.

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✅ Empowering STEM Representation – A fantastic book for young girls interested in science.
✅ Balanced Pacing – Never boring, never rushed.
✅ Relatable Conflicts – Even with futuristic tech, Astrid’s struggles feel real.

❌ Some Predictable Moments – A few plot twists are telegraphed early.
❌ Could Use More Diversity – The cast is mostly white, which feels like a missed opportunity.

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• Middle-grade readers (ages 9-14) who love adventure and science.
• Parents & educators looking for STEM-positive books.
• Fans of classic YA sci-fi who want a fresh, modern take.

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"Failure isn’t the opposite of success—it’s part of it." – Astrid Maxxim

"The best inventions don’t just solve problems—they change how we see the world."

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Astrid Maxxim and her Hypersonic Space Plane is a smart, exciting, and heartfelt addition to the series. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Astrid’s world, this book delivers adventure, humor, and inspiration in equal measure.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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• If you could invent anything like Astrid, what would it be?
• Do you think young inventors face the same challenges in real life?
• Which character do you relate to the most?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what you think! 🚀

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