Blake Laser: A Graphic Novel – An Action-Packed Middle Grade Adventure About Saving Planet Earth for Children

by Keith Marantz, Larissa Brown (Illustrator)

In this middle grade graphic novel adventure story perfect for fans of Zita the Spacegirl, a family vacation through the cosmos turns into a fight for all humankind.

Blake Laser. Daughter. Sister. Genius.

Blake and her family are headed for a vacation out in deep space for some rest, relaxation, and a whole lot of family bonding time. It’s uncharted territory, and Blake is excited for the new adventure.

But the trip is cut short when the Interplanetary Space Control Center flags them down to warn them of danger. Someone—or something—is draining energy from the sun, threatening to plummet Earth to unlivable temperatures in just under forty-eight hours. Blake and her family are the only ones close enough to investigate. They must put their trip on hold to figure out what’s going on and, more importantly, stop it. If they don’t, the fate of the entire planet hangs in the balance.

Luckily, Blake Laser has a few clever gadgets and a few more bright ideas up her sleeve that just might save the day...and the world.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Childrens, Science Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

Published December 3, 2024

Reviews

[Nadia Shaik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading an advanced reader copy of this book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! From start to finish, the story captivated me with its rich world-building, heartfelt themes, and compelling characters. Larissa’s artwork is absolutely stunning—her illustrations breathe life into the world of Blake Laser, making every scene feel immersive and dynamic.

What I loved most about this book is its perfect blend of family, heart, and sci-fi adventure. It’s not just a thrilling space odyssey; at its core, it’s a deeply emotional journey about self-discovery, resilience, and the power of believing in yourself and your worth. The characters are complex and relatable, and their relationships add layers of warmth and depth to the story.

Whether you're a longtime sci-fi fan or new to the genre, this book is a must-read. It offers a wonderful balance of action, emotion, and stunning visuals that make the story truly unforgettable. I can't wait to see what Larissa creates next!

[Dani Duck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a lot of fun. The characters are fun and engaging and it's funny. I absolutely love the illustrations in this book. Larissa is a fabulous artist. The experience and mastery she has of illustration really shows in this book. I love the change of colors she uses when the story goes between past and present. I also love when she talks about the book on her FB page, a lot of thought and details went into this book. It's a must read, and a perfect holiday gift. I did receive an advance digital copy of the book, but I had already pre-ordered from my local indie. I can't wait to get this book so I can read it again in print!

[Sophy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like stories about incredibly smart kids? This one follows a young girl whose intelligence goes unnoticed by her own parents. Meanwhile, her brother—who just wants to focus on his art—bears the weight of their parents' high expectations, not wanting to disappoint them.

When their parents need their help, both siblings step up—but they soon realize they aren’t the only ones involved, and things quickly take a dangerous turn.

The artwork in this story is stunning, bringing so much life and depth to the narrative. A must-read for anyone who loves a mix of intelligence, family dynamics, and high-stakes adventure!

[Shen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blake Laser is funny, engaging, and a compassionate window into family conflict. It's a great adventure for young scientists and the science-curious, with just the right mix of classic sci-fi sensibility and semi-magical whimsy for middle grade readers. Budding scientists from underrepresented backgrounds may see themselves in Blake, who is not always recognized and feels insecure despite her accomplishments.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This family space adventure features a diverse cast and a fantastic female inventor. Blake has been overlooked by her parents, who call her cool inventions "toys" and are too busy with work to show up at her school. The family takes a vacation when they hear that there's something draining the energy of the earth's sun and they're the only ones in the area. In helping to solve the mystery, Blake goes from overlooked to shero. I enjoyed the artwork and plot. Hope there's a sequel or three!

[Miss Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blake is on a vacation with her mom, dad, and brother to a resort on an asteroid when a message comes in saying they are needed to stop an unknown entity from taking all the power away from the sun. Can Blake use her inventive smarts and quick thinking to help her family stop the aliens from ending life as they know it on Earth? Fast paced and action packed, a fun sci fi adventure with heartfelt family dynamics. Recommended for any library serving children in grades 2nd through 6th.

[Whitney Weinberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute graphic novel of a family in space.

First. I loved the art. It was super bright and fun.

The fonts were easy to read. And the storyline was adorable- with great characters and relatable conflict.

I definitely wanna see more from the Laser Family!

Thanks to netgalley and HarperCollins children for an eARC.

[Ellon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars (I liked it)

This was an entertaining story but I didn't really see anything novel about it. A super smart kids, aliens wanting to destroy Earth, etc are things I've seen be done again and again in books. I also didn't love the illustration style of the humans. I'm not going to go out of my way to purchase this or suggest it to my students but I wouldn't be opposed to it either.

[Jennybeast · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun space story that doesn't take itself too seriously -- I love how Blake's family come around to recognizing her genius, the various science fiction hijinks are entertaining, and the illustrations are strong. A little snarky, a little melodramatic. Good times.

[Raven Black · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun story for the lover of science-fiction, a little fantasy, aliens, and humor. Face paced.

[blueygurl2016 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty entertaining. I just wish the villain had a little bit more personality than “evil overlord” but his henchmen were definitely a little more reluctant.

[Kate McCartney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning felt confusing, seemed forced to fit with the rest of the story. The story became more cohesive but still not fully developed.