by Melvin, Leland, illustrated by Alison Acton

This inspirational space science graphic novel tells the story of five students, two dogs, and an inspired real world astronaut who conceives of training and sending a young team of diverse people to a space station orbiting the earth. I loved the tension between individual characters’ story arcs and the idea of inspiring students to potential careers in space. I did find the premise a bit unrealistic, but once I got past that, the story had action, adventure, pitfalls, solutions, and ultimately (spoiler) a happy ending. I tried to imagine the kids who got stuck temporarily in this book in the same situation that the adults in real life faced last year while they were really stuck for much longer than their intended time aboard the space station. I guess that’s the part that felt unrealistic. I cannot imagine NASA allowing children alone in space. Or even dogs! I did like the diversity represented by the student astronauts and how each struggled to feel confident and adjust to everyone’s individual weaknesses. Artwork was colorful and appealing, though that is always such a personal choice. Clear expressive features on faces help convey emotion. I think students will enjoy this and be anxiously awaiting the next one in the series – out in February of 2026.