Space Chasers by Leland Melvin - by Leland Melvin & Joe Caramagna

About the Book

"When Tia Valor takes a test on a whim for an exclusive NASA program for middle schoolers, she never thought she'd pass. After all, she never really fit in at school. In fact, she's been skipping school most days to work at her brother's auto shop instead. But Leland Melvin, a famed astronaut, sees potential in Tia, and before she knows it, she's part of a team of other talented kids training to launch to an advanced space station orbiting the earth. But the perils of space are unpredictable and Tia finds herself with only half her crew and no adults around to help. Now she must rely on her instincts and the quick thinking of her fellow kid astronauts to save the space station and their lives"--

Book Synopsis

When a team of brilliant kids-turned-astronauts find themselves in serious trouble in outer space, they must work together to get back home. This is the first book in an incredible middle-grade graphic novel series created by real life astronaut, Leland Melvin!

Launch into action in T-Minus 3, 2, 1...

When Tia Valor takes a test on a whim for an exclusive NASA program for middle schoolers, she never thought she'd pass. After all, she never really fit in at school. In fact, she's been skipping school most days to work at her brother's auto shop instead. But Leland Melvin, a famed astronaut, sees potential in Tia, and before she knows it, she's part of a team of other talented kids training to launch to an advanced space station orbiting the earth. But the perils of space are unpredictable and Tia finds herself with only half her crew and no adults around to help. Now she must rely on her instincts and the quick thinking of her fellow kid astronauts to save the space station and their lives!

Created by real-life astronaut Leland Melvin, Eisner-Award nominated comic creator Joe Caramagna, and brought to brilliant life by Alison Acton, SPACE CHASERS is a space adventure like no other.

Review Quotes

"An entertaining and heartwarming journey into space." --Kirkus

"A story of personal growth and teamwork; hand this to middle school kids who are looking for a STEM -adventure." -- School Library Journal

"Space-obsessed middle-graders who dream of traveling to space will appreciate this optimistic and inspiring story that emphasizes the importance of resilience and teamwork." --Booklist

"Dynamic, expressive art amplifies the narrative, balancing cartoonish charm with a kaleidoscopic palette that mirrors the energy of Tia's adventures." -- Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Leland Melvin is an engineer, educator, author, and former NASA astronaut and NFL wide receiver. He served onboard the space shuttle Atlantis as a mission specialist on missions STS-122 (2008) and STS-129 (2009), helping to construct the International Space Station. He led NASA Education and co-chaired the White House's Federal Coordination in STEM Education Task Force, developing the nation's five-year STEM education plan. After twenty-four years with NASA as a researcher, an astronaut, and a senior executive service leader, he shares his life story as an athlete, astronaut, scientist, engineer, photographer, and musician to help inspire the next generation of explorers to pursue STEAM careers.

Joe Caramagna is a veteran writer of comic books, middle grade novels and graphic novels, and more! His notable works include Disney's Duck Tales and Disney's Frozen among other books by Disney Comics, Aru Shah & The End of Time graphic novel adaptation by Disney Hyperion, and many, many Marvel super hero stories starring Spider-Man, the Avengers, and the Guardians of the Galaxy. He lives in NJ with his wife and three children, and loves American history, New Jersey Devils hockey and donuts. Lots of donuts.

Alison Acton is a Canadian artist with a background in comics and traditional animation. She's worked for studios like Spumco, Pocket Gems, Big Jump, and Netflix, and publishers like HarperCollins, Tokyopop, and First Second. She loves creating expressive characters, writing snarky dialogue, jiu-jitsu, and long dog walks away from her three almost teen boys who are perpetually competing to see who can be the loudest.