Once Upon a Space-Time! (Space-Time #1)

by Jeffrey Brown (Author)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
Series: Space-Time

From the author of the New York Times bestselling Jedi Academy books comes the first in a hilarious space-themed graphic novel series.

Jide and Petra are just two normal kids until they are selected to leave Earth and join their new alien classmates on an intergalactic research mission to Mars. Too bad Petra has no idea how she ended up in the program, seeing as the closest she wants to get to space is being a sci-fi writer. Jide, on the other hand, is the brains of the mission, but his helicopter parents make it clear he hasn't left their gravitational pull behind quite yet.

What is meant to be an intra-species bonding experience soon turns to hijinx as the kids discover The Potato orbiting around their new space classroom and accidentally launch a mission of their own without any adult commanders around to supervise--or help!

From New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Brown comes an out-of-this-world adventure perfect for the astronaut-in-training in your life.

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ALA/Booklist

Brimming over with ideas, humor, and the author's infectious excitement. . . . Primed to please the growing legions of young graphic novel fans.

Publishers Weekly

In 2216, 10 years after aliens first made contact, international students study as cadets at the Earth School for Space Missing Preparation (ESSMP). When humankind is ready to " part of the galactic civilization," Tobey--the face of a goblin-like extraterrestrial group, each of whom is named Tobey--organizes an expedition staffed by ESSMP cadets (after all, "adult humans can be pretty whiny!"). To be chosen, the students undergo tests--holding ice cream in a cold pool with the AC on high ("Coldness of Space Simulator!"), sitting inside a coffin-like life-support pod ("What's in the Box? You are!"). Cadets Petra Novak and Jide Eshetu are the unlikely kid candidates who join Tobey, human Commander Gusevich, and a variety of nonhuman explorers, including a starfish in a robot tank and a disappointed-looking reptile. Together, the group performs "critical" missions on Mars--like optimal route planning (from the cafeteria to the rec room). Brown's (the Lucy & Andy Neanderthal series) signature cartoon style amplifies the humor, using facial expressions to convey exaggerated emotion. Gags and humorous dialogue make the book's subtle lessons palatable as Brown touts the importance of environmentalism, humility, and equality. Taking enjoyable liberty with science's machinations, this science fiction graphic novel captures a cavalcade of fun through a low-stakes plot. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8-12. (June)

Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

School Library Journal

Gr 3-7--Brown kicks off a new graphic novel science fiction series about kid astronauts exploring the universe. Ever since first contact was made by an alien race in the year 2206, a group of extraordinary students have been given the opportunity to study at the Earth School for Space Mission Preparation. When it's announced that two Earth children will be sent to Mars to work with alien kids, a competition is held to find the best of the best. Petra, a prankster who feels she doesn't live up to her overachieving siblings, and Jide, a perfectionist with helicopter parents, are chosen for the mission. An eclectic mix of side characters including a celebrity astronaut, helpful robots, alien kids with unique abilities, and a goofball from a cloned race of aliens all named Tobey result in many fun side stories and one-liners. A mix of scientific facts and humor makes the first book in this series both educational and entertaining. Brown's fans will not be disappointed and will enjoy the cartoonish line drawings, crammed with speech bubbles. VERDICT Another great addition from Brown. Middle grade readers will anxiously await the next installment.--Ashley Leffel, Griffin Middle School, Frisco, TX

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Praise for Lucy & Andy Neanderthal:

A Junior Library Guild Selection
A New York Public Library Best 50 Books for Kids Pick
A Chicago Public Library Best of the Best List Pick
A National Parenting Product Award Winner

Lucy & Andy are Stone Age rock stars! I loved this book! -Lincoln Peirce, author of the Big Nate series

Jeffrey Brown returns from a galaxy far, far away to bring us a whole new slew of kid-friendly characters! Just beware of mammoth dung! -Keith Knight, cartoonist of Jake the Fake and The Knight Life

Every kid will love to go back in time with Lucy & Andy! -Judd Winick, author of Hilo: The Boy Who Saved the World
Jeffrey Brown
Jeffrey Brown is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous Star Wars books, including Darth Vader and Son and the Jedi Academy series. He is also the author of the middle-grade Lucy and Andy Neanderthal series. Jeffrey lives in Chicago with his wife and sons.

jeffreybrowncomics.com
Classification
-
ISBN-13
9780553534351
Lexile Measure
380
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Crown Books for Young Readers
Publication date
June 20, 2020
Series
Space-Time
BISAC categories
JUV019000 - Juvenile Fiction | Humorous Stories
JUV053000 - Juvenile Fiction | Science Fiction
JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure
JUV008040 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Action & Adventure
JUV008140 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Science Fiction
JUV008110 - Juvenile Fiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Humorous
Library of Congress categories
Humorous stories
Extraterrestrial beings
Human-alien encounters
Science fiction
Graphic novels
Interplanetary voyages
Cartoons and comics
Science fiction comics
Comics (Graphic works)
School children
Humorous comics
Little Maverick Reading List
Selection 2021

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