A Life For The Stars by James Blish

Set in a future where entire cities are propelled into space, the story follows a young protagonist who stows away on one such city, seeking adventure and a new life among the stars. As he navigates the challenges of this new world, he encounters a diverse array of characters and experiences the complexities of life in a mobile city. The narrative explores themes of ambition, survival, and the quest for identity in a universe where the boundaries of home and belonging are constantly shifting.