CatStronauts

When a global energy crisis threatens to go dark, the world's only hope is a crew of four cats launched toward the moon to build a solar power station. Drew Brockington's graphic novel earns its praise: the premise is silly in exactly the right way, the cat characters are distinct and genuinely funny, and the NASA-inspired science gives the story real bones. Kirkus called it sure to elicit giggles among middle-grade comics fans, and School Library Journal recommended it as a strong purchase — both assessments hold up. The one honest caveat is that readers looking for rigorous STEM content will find this on the lighter end. For reluctant readers who need a fast, funny hook, CatStronauts is an excellent prescription.