SPACE CHASERS BY LELAND MELVIN

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.