Review by Booklist Review
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.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
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.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 4--7--Tia, 11, never thought she would get accepted into the NASA school program, believing it wasn't for someone like her--a girl with absentee parents, raised by her brother, and much more comfortable working on cars than sitting in a middle school classroom. But against the odds, Tia is in, and is soon bonding with new teammates, enjoying zero gravity, struggling through endurance trainings, and enjoying space simulations all in preparation for a real trip to a space station. When things go awry during takeoff and only half the team (and no adults!) make it to the space station, Tia and her friends must band together using their wits and training to save the space station and themselves. Using a clever narrative countdown, this full-color graphic novel uses dynamic panel layouts and speech bubbles to good effect. Main characters have diverse ethnicities and abilities, complete back stories, and show growth throughout their adventures. VERDICT A story of personal growth and teamwork; hand this to middle school kids who are looking for a STEM adventure.--Melisa Bailey
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Kids from around the U.S. join a space mission that tests their physical, mental, and interpersonal abilities. Tia is a Latine tween working at her older brother Hector's car shop when she learns about a new NASA initiative. The program, run by renowned Black astronaut (and co-author) Melvin, will send kids into space to intern at a research facility. Uber-responsible Indira, who's cued Indian American, also tries out, but she's seated near Tia during the test and is convinced Tia cheated by looking at her paper. Despite her frequent absences and failing grades, Tia is selected, while Indira is made an alternate. At space camp, Tia meets football player Bradley (who reads white), space-obsessed Andromeda (who appears East Asian), and Steven, a Black-presenting boy who has cerebral palsy and is an aspiring research biologist. Melvin's STEAM Team members pair up for physical conditioning and training for living in space, running laps and using a multi-axis trainer. After Steven is injured and goes home temporarily to recover, Indira becomes Tia's new partner (fortunately, Steven is later able to return). As the spaceships are prepped for launch, Melvin reinforces the message that "there are no useless skills. There are only skills that aren't being used to their full potential." The strong pacing and Acton's vibrant color palette make this an engaging science-based adventure that also explores friendship, team-building, overcoming personal insecurities, and other emotional themes. An entertaining and heartwarming journey into space.(Graphic fiction. 8-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
