SOLVED. YA Science Fiction. Teen telepathically communicates with an alien. Dad working on project to repair ozone layer? From 1970s or early 1980s. [s]

[Drake]

As a kid, I read this YA science fiction book where a teen was telepathically communicating with an alien.

The teen's dad is working on a project to launch something into the atmosphere to repair the ozone layer (I think) and the alien gives the teen the idea to suggest a certain type of algae (I think) to solve the problem.

The book might have been from the early 1980s, but could also be from the 1970s.

Any idea of a title?

[Kris]

Drake, is the father a scientist or engineer working for NASA? Male or female teenager?

What does the alien look like? Where does the teen first meet the alien?

[Drake]

To my recollection, NASA is not mentioned by name. Yes, the father was some kind of scientist or engineer. I'm 80% sure the teen was male. The teen never meets the alien in person. One day, they just start communicating mind to mind. If they describe the alien's appearance, it's very vague.

I do remember that when the teen asks the alien about school, the alien says their equivalent is a group/pod (?) they go to for answers. Some kind of student collective?

[Drake]

I just found it:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...

Was doing a Google search under "juvenile science fiction 1970s books".

That led me to a Goodreads list called "Children's Science Fiction of the 1970s".

It's a Thanksgiving miracle. :)

[Rainbowheart]

Glad you found it!

Dar Tellum for the trackable link.