Camp Launchpad (Absolute Zeros #1)

Previous collaborators Smith and Tanner (the Junior Braves of the Apocalypse series) craft an inspiring journey that chronicles the travails of an unconventional summer camp experience. As seasonal heat radiates in swampy Florida, the stakes couldn't be higher for the future of the once-bustling space program Camp Launchpad, which is in dire straits and facing fierce competition from a flashier, hipper rival camp. Aspiring campers Val, Mark, and Pete might be just what the camp needs to get back on the up-and-up. The trio, who are portrayed with varying skin tones, are united by their shared dream of cruising among the stars; Val wants to follow in her mother's footsteps and become an astronaut, Mark yearns to live up to his U.S. vice president father's high expectations, and Pete merely wants to enjoy the camp as much as possible, grateful to be attending despite his family's low income. Heartwarming visuals by Gomez skillfully complement the thrilling narrative, a celebration of the unwavering spirit of youthful dreamers and a pleasant escape in which readers are encouraged to pursue their own ambitions, never give up on their goals, and to face challenges head-on. Ages 8-12. (Mar.)

Gr 5-8--Camp Launchpad, once cutting-edge, is now a run-down tween space camp, especially compared to the well-funded competitor camps in Florida. Despite Fred, the camp director, making efforts to maintain a positive experience for young science nerds, Camp Launchpad is on the brink of closing down at the end of the season. Randomly selected as podmates--Val, the eager daughter of an astronaut; Pete, the timid, observant scholarship kid; and Mark, the son of the Vice President of the United States--don't exactly hit it off right away. Fred places a bet on the Space Race, a competition among all of the space camps, that will either fund his camp or shut it down. The race gives the podmates a chance to get to know one another and build a connection. Through strong characterization, this graphic novel demonstrates the power of friendship amid the pressure to succeed. The authors offer a diverse range of characters, providing readers with relatable experiences and opportunities to connect with characters. Further, this text highlights the positivity of mentorships, pairing each camper in the pod with an adult mentor. Gomez's cartoon-style illustrations offer great depth to the mood and tone of each scene. Panels are varied from spread to spread, offering variation and flow that match the pace of the plot. VERDICT This quirky graphic novel, with its unique characters and space-themed adventures, will interest young readers and belongs on all library and classroom shelves.-Angie Jameson

An appealing and uplifting underdog tale.