This book is less a response to [b:Podkayne of Mars|50839|Podkayne of Mars|Robert A. Heinlein|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388228048s/50839.jpg|2534895] than [b:Carry On|32768522|Carry On|Rainbow Rowell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1481729252s/32768522.jpg|43346673] is a response to Harry Potter, but it is still quite a bit a response to Podkaye of Mars. The beginning and ending are nearly identical in the sequence of events, and yet the middle bit is not at all the same, although perhaps it is referencing other Heinlein books? I'm not quite sure why the deviation.

The beginning introduces you to Polly and Charles, children their mom thawed out from the ebryos she froze she could raise them at the optimal time in her career. Charles is smart, but sometimes withdrawn, and Polly thinks, maybe even cruel. Polly wants to be a space-ship pilot. Then they get sent on a trip to Earth.

So basically, the first chapter, is like, "Remember Podkayne of Mars?"

But then the rest of the book is some other plot, where Polly and Charles go to school on Earth, struggling with Earth gravity and Earth prejudice, and discover that something weird is going on where children at the school keep being put in danger.

Then the last chapter is like "Remember the last chapter of Podkayne of Mars? That was SOME BULLSHIT!"

Which, agreed, but it's kind of weird how those two chapters surround another story I don't recognize?