School Library Journal Review
Gr 5-8-A mediocre science-fiction novel from a wonderful fantasy writer. The setting, a domed suburb in some distant future, seems far too familiar and worn out. Like many books before it, The Sky Inside paints a bleak future filled with mind-numbed people going about their days. And, as always, there is one child filled with the curiosity to break through the mind freeze and find his way into adventure. Dunkle's setting and plot may be overdone and trite, but her characters show her true writing ability. Thirteen-year-old Martin, his A.I. dog, and his sister are well-rounded and thought-provoking characters filled with imagination and real emotions. Fans of science fiction may enjoy the story, even though they've probably read it before.-Lisa Marie Williams, East Gwillimbury Public Library, Holland Landing, Ontario (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Thirteen-year-old Martin lives in an apparent utopia. However, recent events make him begin to question this rosy picture of life. After his sister is taken away, he resolves to journey outside their domed suburb and find out the truth behind the facade. Part coming-of-age story, part thriller, the novel leads readers on an exciting adventure through a grim future. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
Martin's strictly regimented suburban life changes when he gets a robotic dog for his 13th birthday. In Martin's domed suburb, citizens watch game shows, show their patriotism through shopping and vote daily on such issues as the color of the president's drapes. The only disruption in their lives is the presence of the aggressively argumentative genius children who comprise the suburb's youngest generation. Martin's six-year-old sister Cassie is one such Wonder Baby, and he's frustrated with her constant questions. Bigotry against the Wonder Babies is on the rise, and it seems only Martin and his inexplicably intelligent dog are willing to defend them. With his dog's help, Martin discovers his suburb's dark secret. Though not everything makes sense (how exactly did Martin end up with a modified superdog?), Martin's quest makes for a solid, compelling entry in the isolated-dystopian-community genre. In a world well-stocked with genius children, the point-of-view focus through an ordinary boy with questionable free will provides a compelling shift from the expected. (Science fiction. 11-13) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.