Blast Off!

August 1, 2022
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)

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August 1, 2022
Grades 2-4 The first in a new series, this introduces spirited and inquisitive Abby Baxter. As she adapts to life on the OASIS International Space Station, she's also anxious about starting third grade--will she be able to make friends and avoid making any mistakes that will get her booted back to Earth (to the embarrassment of her parents!)? She's got to keep track of her little brother and things like gravity! In spite of these concerns, our Afro-Latinx heroine successfully leads the way in this STEM series that's funny, futuristic, and full of ingenuity. Takashi's delightful illustrations have a Jetsons flair and capture the diversity of the characters aboard the station. The book is appended with a glossary and science facts "for kids way back in the 2020s." With Abby in Orbit, Loney has launched an entertaining chapter-book series for early readers. Curious young readers will gravitate to its quirky wit and the relatable character experiences that mirror common ups and downs.

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