Zita the Spacegirl

Thank you to whomever nominated Zita the Spacegirl for a Cybil. This graphic novel was an absolute treat to read. It tells the story of Zita, who finds a mysterious button in the woods and accidentally zaps her friend Joseph and herself into another world. Joseph is quickly kidnapped because the locals mistakenly believe he can save their planet, which is about to be destroyed by an asteroid. Zita sets out on a quest to save him, collecting misfit friends along the way.

The story has wonderful messages of perseverance and friendship, but that takes a backseat to the gorgeous illustrations. Ben Hatke has a blast creating the inhabitants of this distant planet, going so far as to create guidebook entries about some of them. The illustrations are detailed and merit inspection.

Zita the Spacegirl is fairly long and is the first in a series, so it would be a worthwhile investment for your library. It will appeal to a variety of readers: lovers of fantasy, adventure, and graphic novels will all be clamoring to borrow it.