Blast Off!

by Andrea J. Loney, Fuuji Takashi (Illustrator)

Overview

2022 Foreword INDIES Finalist - Juvenile Fiction

As Abby gets used to life in space, can she keep the things that are most important to her from drifting away?

It's the first day of third grade, and Abby Baxter is determined not to make any mistakes. It's a little trickier than it was last year, though, because Abby is starting school on the OASIS International Space Station, where her parents are scientists. Abby is so focused on getting used to microgravity, watching her little brother, Nico, and meeting her new classmates that she almost messes up Mami’s big experiment. Can she figure out how to make things right, or is she destined to be sent back to Earth?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780807501009
Publisher:	Whitman, Albert & Company
Publication date:	11/22/2022
Series:	Abby in Orbit , #1
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	96
Lexile:	590L (what's this?)
File size:	30 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	7 - 10 Years

About the Author

Andrea J. Loney is an award-winning children's author whose books celebrate diversity, joy, and kindness. She holds an MFA from New York University and, in addition to the Abby in Orbit series, has published several acclaimed picture books, including Bunnybear and Double Bass Blues, which won a Caldecott Honor. Andrea lives in Los Angeles, California, with her family and their incredibly spoiled pets.

Fuuji Takashi is a children's book illustrator and character designer from General Santos, Philippines. She is best known for illustrating Love Is Bubblegum, and for her work on children’s books featuring diverse characters. In her spare time, she likes cooking, singing, and taking long, peaceful walks.

Editorial Reviews

2022 Foreword INDIES Finalist - Juvenile Fiction

"Classroom libraries be warned: This one could wind up floating off your shelves."—Kirkus Reviews

"Loney has launched an entertaining early-chapter-book series in Abby in Orbit. Curious young readers will gravitate to its quirky wit and the relatable character experiences that mirror common ups and downs."—Booklist

From the Publisher

2022-07-13
Schoolmarms in space? Well, not exactly.

However, there is a one-room school. The Baxters, who present as Black and Latine, are a family of space travelers on the international space station OASIS. Mami and Papa’s work takes them to space, and this year, the station has opened up a school, so Abby and her little brother, Nico, can join their parents in space. The kids are ready for their first day at the OASIS One Pod Schoolhouse. With only 13 students aboard the space station, you might think school would be easy. Not exactly. Third grader Abby makes a new friend, Gracie Chen, who presents as Asian, but clashes with bossy fourth grader Dmitry (depicted as light-skinned in illustrations). The three of them set off on a quest when Abby discovers she has accidently swapped tablets with Mami. And on the day of her mother’s big experiment, too! By grounding the children in a setting that’s simultaneously familiar—the first day of school—and strange (in space), Loney offers an appealing take on the back-to-school story. Characterization is effective, such as Papa and his painfully bad puns (“Why did the little astronaut get in trouble at school?” “Because she kept spacing out!”). Accessible writing brimming with funny lines (“His socks smelled like sweat and peppermint. Who gets toothpaste on their toes?”) will hold readers’ attention. Takashi’s gray-toned illustrations depict a diverse group of students.

Classroom libraries be warned: This one could wind up floating off your shelves. (Chapter book. 6-9)

Kirkus Reviews