Zita the Spacegirl

Title: Zita the Spacegirl
Author: Ben Hatke
ISBN: 9781596434462
Published: Feb 2010
Genre: fiction, graphic novel, fantasy
Characters: Zita, Joseph, Piper, Mouse, Randy,One
Reading Level: 2nd grade
Interest Level: 2-5th grade
Plot Summary: Zita had taken Joseph's notebook when she came across a large crater and a strange red button. Curious about how the button the got there and what it does, Zita pushes the button and a some strange creature reaches out and grabs Joseph and sucking him into another dimension. Frightened Zita takes off but then realizes she must save Joseph. Zita pushes the button again and finds herself on some strange planet. The planet is headed for it's ultimate demise as a meteor is heading straight for it but Zita is only concerned with finding the creature that took Joseph and rescuing him. Zita soon finds herself some unlikely alien allies and tries to find Joseph and maybe save this strange planet from doom.
Review: This graphic is a fun and action packed story with great characters. Zita is determined to save Joseph and despite being on a strange planet far from home she shows great bravery and determination. She has a great heart and the characters that join her are all a bit flawed and strange and unlikely heroes themselves but they seem to each help Zita along the way. Along with the action and fun is some humor. This is the first in a series, which is good since it leaves with not much of a ending. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see what else Zita gets herself into.
Reader's Annotation: Zita is just a normal girl till one day she is zapped onto another planet to save her friend. But what happens when Zita has to save this strange planet too?
Main Themes: loyalty, bravery, friendship, quests
Read Alikes: Rapunzel's Revenge by Shannon and Dean Hale
Why for Tweens? Zita is a young character with lots of spunk and determination that tweens will love. They will enjoy the humor and all the crazy creatures on the planet as well as the non-stop action as Zita tries to save her friend and the planet.