“Raising the Roof is an imaginative book rich with original and provocative ideas. Doyle writes with skill, knowledge, and empathy. His lifelong JPL career gives him scientific and technological insights that permeate the book and are easily understandable. The fluid writing and twists keep a reader's attention and will be enjoyed by anyone valuing quality sci-fi. Especially among young readers, many will find inspiration, both scientific and human. The book may even be a formative experience for some.”

– S. George Djorgovski, Professor of Astronomy and Data Science, Caltech

“A thrilling adventure across time and space! Doyle masterfully blends cutting-edge science with unforgettable characters in a fast-paced, thought-provoking story. Smart, gripping, and full of wonder—Raising the Roof is classic sci-fi with a fresh perspective, perfect for fans of epic journeys and big ideas. With a powerful message about protecting fragile ecosystems, it’s a must-read for those who believe the future is worth fighting for.”

– Steve Holloway, Author of PELAGIA, and Marine Biologist

“Raising the Roof offers a compelling blend of astrobiology with Indigenous and other cultural perspectives, envisioning an ice-roofed ocean world like Europa, with extreme challenges for survival and ingenuity. The interdisciplinary problem-solving mirrors planetary science practices, and the importance of diverse voices. This thrilling, team-driven mission sparks curiosity and thoughtfully bridges science with stewardship. A great read for anyone passionate about the ethics and adventure of cosmic exploration.”

– Adriana Ocampo Uría, Planetary Geologist

“Five young explorers are pulled forward into the 24 th century to search for intelligent life in the dark waters of an ice-covered ocean world. Their leader, a 15-year-old Choctaw with a passion for ecosystems, directs the team’s skills and energies and applies subtle human decision-making within a grand space adventure. They confront radiation storms, sea-floor eruptions, ice falls, treacherous currents, encounters with alien life, and even betrayal.”

– Tom Antczak, Chief Engineer for Mission Operations, JPL (retired)

“A satisfying deep dive into the burning question of whether ice worlds like Europa can have life, even intelligent life.”

– Tom Easton, Coauthor (with Torion Oey) of BOONDOGGLE, and Theoretical Biologist

“Packed with action, a cast of resourceful and relatable characters, and a plot that combines astronomy and adventure in equal measure, Raising the Roof is the kind of story I would have loved to read as a kid… I’m glad I found it as an adult!”

– Steve Ruskin, Author of the EXOROK REBELS space opera trilogy, and Historian of Science

Youths from across many centuries and cultures are banded together to tackle, in an astronomically distant place and time, a universal problem of progress: Do we really understand the cost of exploitation before proceeding to... exploit? The team of youths includes a cephalopod who integrates into a local alien species community. Will the team be able to face forces of nature, economics, technology, and the plain differences of individuals and species to protect and preserve what appears precious and irreplaceable? In these pages learn what happens. And while you do, consider the possibility, as they disband in the end and return to their own times and places, that the group may have included you!

— Courtney Duncan, Telecommunications Engineer, JPL (retired)