Grab your helmet and prepare for launch—an interstellar adventure is about to blast off!
Brooklin Stormie’s debut graphic novel, Astronautical!, is a fantastic new entry in middle-grade science fiction, perfect for readers aged 8-12. The story is set on the shattered planet of Zephyr, where brothers Max and Lari travel the star-sailing seas with their beloved adoptive father. Their world is turned upside down when he is kidnapped by the formidable “Planet Breaker,” Cynosure. Setting out in a simple wooden starship, the boys begin a daring rescue mission across the cosmos. Along the way, they meet a memorable cast of characters, including an asteroid-engineer turtle and deceptively kind black-hole elders. It’s an adventure that explores deep themes of family, loss, and courage required to accept responsibility.
Being a graphic novel, the storyline is carried as much by the art as by the words and is therefore engaging for all readers. Stormie’s full-color, expressive illustrations provide constant visual clues, making it easy for students to track the plot and understand characters’ emotions. The language is accessible, using mainly simple sentences and minimal idiomatic phrasing, which is a great help for English learners. When more complex terms are introduced, contextual illustrations make their meaning clear. With starred reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, and Booklist, Astronautical! is a critically acclaimed work that blends a touching story with a highly readable format, making it an excellent choice to build confidence and foster a love of reading in your students.
