 | Space chasers Author: Melvin, Leland | |
| Price: $12.29 | ||
Summary:
When Tia Valor takes a test on a whim for an exclusive NASA program for middle schoolers, she never thought she'd pass. But Leland Melvin, a famed astronaut, sees potential in Tia, and before she knows it, she's part of a team of other talented kids training to launch to an advanced space station orbiting the earth. In graphic novel format.
| Added Entry - Personal Name: | Caramagna, Joe |
| Illustrator: | Acton, Alison |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (12/15/24)
School Library Journal (00/01/25)
Booklist (01/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 02/24/2025 Debut author and former NASA astronaut Melvin teams up with Caramagna (True Treasure) and Acton (the Books of Clash series) to launch an interstellar adventure in this graphic novel series opener. When mechanically gifted but self-doubting middle schooler Tia Valor unexpectedly secures a spot in a NASA youth program, she aims to prove to herself that she belongs. Coached by a fictional version of Melvin, Tia and the rest of the recruits travel to a space station orbiting Earth, where they tackle realistic challenges like zero-gravity navigation and orbital engineering. But when Tia and two peers become isolated in orbit, Tia must use all her ingenuity and resourcefulness to return them to safety. Dynamic, expressive art amplifies the narrative, balancing cartoonish charm with a kaleidoscopic palette that mirrors the energy of Tia’s adventures. Skillfully balanced action and heart ferry themes of perseverance, self-worth, and collaboration as Tia transforms from a tentative but talented student into a confident leader. Though some expository dialogue slows momentum, the authentic STEM focus proves invigorating. Characters are depicted with varying skin tones. Ages 8-12. (Feb.) - Copyright 2025
Booklist - 01/01/2025 Creative, capable Tia spends most of her time fixing cars at her brother’s automotive repair shop rather than at school, but when a group of her classmates show up and taunt her with a flyer advertising NASA’s all-new STEAM Team program for middle-schoolers, her interest (and competitive nature) is piqued. Despite her typically low grades, Tia is surprised to land a spot on the team alongside a handful of other brilliant middle-schoolers from around the country. The kids spend months training for their mission—and thankfully so, because on launch day they find themselves stranded in space with no adults. Melvin, a former astronaut and advocate for STEAM education, brings his expertise to bear in this story about the variety of strengths and abilities that potential astronauts can bring to space missions. The capable cartoon art clearly depicts the various equipment involved in the kids’ training process, and the scenes aboard the international space station are particularly strong. Space-obsessed middle-graders who dream of traveling to space will appreciate this optimistic and inspiring story that emphasizes the importance of resilience and teamwork. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
