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Supa Nova

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Venture into Nova's secret underground lab— and witness a gum monster come to life! A full-color, action-packed graphic novel about a young Black girl with a love for science and enough determination and confidence to fix the world.

Nova is horrified when she learns about the world's plastic problem and the trash islands floating in the ocean. Good thing she has a super-secret lab in her basement. No problem is too big for SUPA NOVA or for SCIENCE! But things go spectacularly awry when she creates a plastic-eating monster who won't stop eating and GROWING! Will Supa Nova be able to save the day--and the planet?

160 pages, Hardcover

First published June 3, 2025

3 people are currently reading
43 people want to read

About the author

Chanté Timothy

13 books1 follower

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5 stars
17 (20%)
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40 (47%)
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26 (30%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Kate.
342 reviews10 followers
May 9, 2025
This was absolutely adorable! I loved the art style. The reading level of this book isn't very hard so I think this could be a good Hi-Lo text for any struggling readers who enjoy graphic novels. The story is pretty simple but contains some cool scientific concepts. Probably best for elementary schoolers, ages 6-11 or so? Fans of Dog Man or Moon Girl will like this one! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Profile Image for Alessandro.
3 reviews
July 2, 2025
I read this graphic novel in one sitting yesterday and absolutely LOVED it! Nova, our main character, is funny, quirky, determined, and loves science. The illustrations were great as well, and I enjoyed the story and the end-matter as well.
Profile Image for Leonie.
1,093 reviews57 followers
May 3, 2025
“Supa Nova” is a middle grade novel with an environmental message about the impact of plastic waste.

The main character, Nova, is very confident and determined, but I found her attitude a bit too self-assured for my taste. I personally found it hard to connect with her. That said, I did appreciate that she wasn’t afraid to ask for help when she needed it most.

The art style was fine, but didn’t stand out to me.

Overall, the book was alright, but it just wasn’t for me.


Thank you to the publisher for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kaitlyn.
22 reviews7 followers
May 31, 2025
When a young scientist named Nova develops a “solution” to pollution, things get a bit out of hand! Chomp starts eating everything in the city, and Nova needs to find a way to stop him.

Supanova was a cute story with beautiful illustrations. This story is perfect for late elementary school kids and is a great introduction to environmental issues, but takes a funny spin on it.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy!
Profile Image for Erica.
1,331 reviews31 followers
November 9, 2025
Precocious Nova seems to be 8-10 years old (her older sister, Cassiopeia or Cassie, is 12, and much taller), and the daughter of scientists who "work for the government" off-screen.

Very little makes rational sense in this cartoonish escapade that seems to be modeled on popular Saturday morning cartoon laboratory scientists, BUT it is appealing to have the main character be female and Black, with a supporting cast of her nuclear Black family.

Although I was immediately put off when Nova arrogantly charges off to save the planet from plastics - and starting this journey with an enormous quantity of (certainly plastic) inventions to help her do inane things like put on her gloves and boots - when it's evident she is unable to demonstrate any skills or knowledge to differentiate one mushroom, worm, or organic substance from another. It was refreshing to have a kid be confident and creative, at least, but in my mind, what the worlds needs is scientists who observe, reflect, consider, and ruminate. Overconfident creative inventors have created a lot of messes - and that IS actually what happens in this story...but don't young readers need to see the best way to do something, rather than assuming that showing them the worst way is sufficient?

She uses ONE piece of the scientific method, when she seems to be looking at a chart of "results" created by a robot she invented before the story begins, and who seems all-in on the idea of bioengineering a creature by tossing random ingredients into a beaker and turning up the heat.

The only other actual science in this story is the basic plot - which seems to be grabbed from headlines first reported between 2011 and 2015, then with increasing frequency in 2020-2023, about "Plastivores" (term not used in this book, but easily discoverable in Wikipedia), meaning a variety of organisms - bacteria, fungi, and insects - that degrade plastics.

I don't know if the author doesn't trust readers to handle more information, or if she's not interested in sharing it, but she seems excited to share how to draw the main character and Chomp, the blob-creature that she created by accident and went completely out of control - similar to Frankenstein's monster, referring to it, yet learning nothing from that metaphorical story.

The parents give her a brief "tsk-tsk" lecture about "telling them" before they suggest the whole family should "invent something that helps put the town back together." This is very odd, if you ask me, and makes me think the author's heart is NOT into the parental oversight concept; they don't say "ask us first," they don't even say "tell us before you start," and they assume (outrageously) that the damage done by Chomp can be repaired by a family of impetuous scientists who are completely willing to imprison the unhappy little monster, turn it over to the FBI (CIA?), and tell them to douse it with a chemical bath that shrinks it down to size every evening.

Readers who at that point do not ask themselves; "Why not invent a special shrinking substance to douse the plastic to shrink it down to size every evening, in the first place?" will NOT make good scientists!!

I am afraid that to many readers, Nova and her family will look like the buffoonish crackpot scientists from cartoons.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jac.
88 reviews
February 18, 2025
Supa Nova follows the well-meaning but ill-advised adventure of youngster Nova who absolutely loves science—and being smarter than her big sister, Cassi (short for Cassiopeia—I love these characters’ names!). Their parents are scientists, too. Right away, Nova wants to use science for good. She has an idea to capture the sun’s rays to use as a power source so it would be free and accessible for everyone. The plot of this story, though, revolves around finding a scientific solution to the trash islands that are destroying our planet’s ecosystem.

I love a determined, confident protagonist for students to look up to. However, Nova’s also an authentic kid. She wants to solve the world’s plastic problem to help the world and its animals, sure, but she also wants “a big, shiny award” for doing it, and she doesn’t think through all of the possible ramifications before taking Chomp out of the lab. Ah, the hubris of youth.

The plot itself reads a little too young for my middle schoolers. It’s like a 3rd-5th grade amp up of Ada Twist, Scientist where the science goes off the rails into the fantastical. I think 6th-7th graders could accept some of the ridiculousness (a kid having their own secret lab, turning gum into a plastic-eating creature), but would probably not be able to get past wondering who would be funding all of the monster’s destruction. (Home renovation? Cars? Products from the mall? Um, skyscrapers?) If they can get past that and into the fantasy of it—despite it being a book supposedly about science—they’ll hopefully see the bigger picture: that, wow, so much stuff humans have made is plastic. There are real problems that can be solved by imaginative, inventive people—and that could be them.

Overall, this is a cute book. I do wish it had more of the scientific method in it. We see Nova fail a tiny bit before successfully creating Chomp, but I would love for readers to see more of the thinking, hypothesizing, and failing, failing, failing that comes with being a good scientist. I really liked that the author included the reality of the plastic island problem on Earth for readers… I just wish more of that reality were in the actual plot, since I’m not sure how many readers will look at that after-the-story-ends bit. I’d suggest this book and the rest of the series (which I’m guessing it’ll turn into) to elementary readers, for sure.

Supa Nova publishes June 3, 2025. Thanks so much to Publisher Spotlight/Nosy Crow via NetGalley for allowing me to check out this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Ms. Yingling.
4,004 reviews610 followers
April 7, 2025
Copy provided by Young Adult Books Central

Nova and her older sister Cassi are being raised by parents who are scientists for a "boring" secret government agency, so when Nova is worried about the effects of plastic pollution on the planet, she springs into action. Heading to her scientific lair, she manages to create a creature who eats plastic, with the help of a discarded piece of Cassi's bubblegum. Chomp does a good job at eating and digesting plastic, but is a little TOO enthusiastic, and ends up eating kitchen cabinets and other items around the house. As Chomp continues his rampage despite Nova's best efforts, she decides to create a shrink-ray spray, since Chomp grows every time he ingests plastic. It's hard to catch him as he breaks out of his plastic box and hits the town, and his ever increasing size makes him hard to ignore. He ends up on the news when he ends up in the city, eating the plastic roads and interacting with rescue workers. Desperate, Nova calls on Cassi for help, even though the two fight more often than they work together. While Nova's parents aren't thrilled about the damage that Chomp has caused, they are glad to see her using her scientific skills for the betterment of the planet.

This graphic novel has bright colors and simple pictures, and young readers will adore Nova's brash ways and exuberant emotions. Nova frequently tells people around her that she is a genius, and only her sister reigns her in. The STEM focus of the book, and the concern about plastic in the environment, is good to see.

Readers who enjoyed Graley and Purenins's Donut the Destroyer, Brooks' Sanity & Tallulah, or Garrity and Baldwin's The Dire Days of Willowweep Manor will enjoy this goofy science fiction romp with an ecological focus.

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Profile Image for YSBR.
847 reviews17 followers
August 6, 2025
Nova - or Supa Nova, as she likes to call herself - is a young Black scientist and genius inventor, ready to take on any challenge. When she learns about the giant island of trash in the Pacific Ocean, Supa Nova decides to do something about it. She brainstorms, experiments, and concocts a bunch of ideas until she finally creates something that can naturally get rid of waste for good: a trash-eating monster! But, it may end up being slightly out of control and eating more than just trash….but Supa Nova is on the case! 

Supa Nova is a cute, sciencey, and cheery graphic novel about creative genius, making mistakes, and the environment. The art is bright and bubbly, creating a kid-friendly energy that’s never boring. Nova herself is an enthusiastic problem-solver who sometimes gets in over her head but learns when to ask for help. The plot is simple and fun, but tackles the real environmental issue of trash pollution; Timothy also provides a short nonfiction comic in the back of the book that explains the real science behind Nova’s experiments. Overall, a fun science read that showcases Black genius, environmental problem-solving, and creativity. Link to complete review: https://ysbookreviews.wordpress.com/2...
90 reviews2 followers
March 28, 2025
This graphic novel effectively delivers a powerful message about the pervasive environmental threat of plastic through vibrant visuals and engaging narrative. The animated scenes and colorful graphics enhance the accessibility and appeal of the subject matter, making it easily digestible for a wide readership. The narrative underscores the ubiquity of plastic and empowers readers to take action within their daily lives.

Not only does the novel raise awareness, but goes further by showing that we can experiment with solutions in our own unique ways. Even when Nova's initial solution failed, and even when her subsequent attempt spiraled slightly out of control, she persisted, sending an important message about resilience and continuous effort.

My favorite moment was when the parents asked Nova to help restore the town to safety, a clear call for us all to take responsibility for cleaning up our own messes, even if they were created with good intentions. Overall, this is an exceptionally well-written graphic novel, and I highly recommend it. I eagerly look forward to future installments in this series.
Profile Image for Michelle Reads Books.
165 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2025
This is one of the most fun graphic novels I have read in ages! Huge kudos to Chanté Timothy for creating such an adorable, loveably, and nostalgic yet fresh character! I say nostalgic because many times while reading this I thought to myself how much it reminded me of Dexter's Lab or the Powerpuff Girls, but make no mistake this is uniquely different. First off, I want to just comment on how bright and fun the illustrations are, they really brought a lot of energy and entertainment to the story!

We follow Nova, a very smart young female scientist trying to find solutions but things get a bit out of hand. Nova has a great adventure requiring a science lab and has to address different creatures that come along. Loved how the goal is to reduce plastics, and every reader can learn something along the way from Nova and this graphic novel. This is an entertaining graphic novel for younger readers.

Thank you to NetGalley and Nosy Crow for providing a copy of this work for review, scheduled for a release on June 3rd, 2025.
Profile Image for Sacha.
1,962 reviews
April 5, 2025
4 stars

Young Nova comes from a family of scientists, which is even reflected in her sister's and her names. When she learns that there are islands of plastic and that no one has come up with a viable solution to correct this horror, Nova takes matters into her own hands and labaratory and forms a truly creative solution to the problem. As many first attempts go, this one comes with its own challenges and pitfalls, but fortunately for readers, (1) Nova is not a quitter and (2) these barriers are pretty amusing to witness.

It's clear that this book is intended to be the first in a series, and I'm thrilled to know that I'll get to spend more time with Nova and her family. While this is a children's graphic novel, I did hope for a bit more character development, so I'm anticipating I'll get that as the series continues.

This is a fun and informative read, and Nova is a truly excellent character. I'll recommend this to students.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and Nosy Crow Inc. for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Martha Meyer.
744 reviews15 followers
October 20, 2025
This book was so much fun! A crazy, fast paced graphic about a young girl scientist who is concerned about plastic pollution so she invents a plastic eating monster and just like Frankenstein's, it gets out of control and needs to be reigned in. Only her older sister with whom she's been fighting can help! This book also highlights that scientists have found plastic eating microbes in some mushrooms and also in the stomachs of mealworms -- the author shares this in the author's note, which is also in graphics.

Ms. Timothy also puts in a good pitch for not using new plastic, reusing some of our existing plastic and recycling. The reality is so much more complex (and this audience could have handled it age wise), but it would have meant the backmatter was longer than the story. For example, since only 9% of plastic is recycled from our bins, not sure that is the best solution. Glad to have a fun approach to this topic, though, that centers scientists.
Profile Image for Claire Smith-Simmons.
176 reviews9 followers
December 19, 2025
This was a great thought provoking read that I enjoyed with my little boy. He is fascinated by science so was gripped from the very start and loved Nova’s secret lab and all her experiments. He enjoyed the illustrations and comic style of the book, he's gone back to reread this several times already and can't wait for the next installment to come out.

Nova watches a programme about plastic islands that have gathered in the ocean and sets about creating something to eat them but things don't quite go to plan. The character of Nova is fantastic, she's clever and thoughtful, caring of the environment and determined to do something to positively help. She is resilient and tries to fix her mistakes but is able to see when she needs to ask for help. She is a really great role model for kids so I'm thrilled to read this and see it inspire my little one. Can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Roxana Rathbun.
Author 1 book12 followers
February 7, 2025
This was a great graphic novel! I learned a lot of things about plastic, such as the fact that there are mushrooms and worms in the world that consume and digest plastic! This is an incredible discovery. This book is fun, colorful, and humorous, depicting a main character who has a natural sibling rivalry with her sister but who is also an individual and a genius in her own right. After learning about the creatures that digest plastic, she goes to her secret lab and tries to invent something to help rid the world of plastic waste. In the end, you, as the reader, learn about different problems with plastic as well as other tidbits while rooting for Super Nova's creation.
Profile Image for Katherine.
165 reviews6 followers
March 23, 2025
I really admire the ingenuity of kids. The way they'll get super determined about a topic and won't rest until they've dissected everything about it. This narrative taps right into that notion with a genius kid scientist looking to help solve the plastics pollutions problem. Immediately loved the environmental angle of the narrative, but I do wish that a story centered on someone who admires science so much incorporated the scientific method more. The art is gorgeous and the characters are super engaging. It definitely leaves you wanting more adventures!

Thanks to NetGalley and Nosy Crow for the arc!
Profile Image for Ellon.
4,661 reviews
August 12, 2025
4 stars (I really liked it)

While it's far-fetched, I can't really hold that against the story as many elementary graphic novels are just as far fetched. The story centers on a genius named Nova. When she hears about the islands of plastic in the ocean, she sets out to create a being that will eat all the plastic. I like that there is an environmental message wrapped into the plot. Nova reminds me a lot of the girl from Cat Crusader.
Profile Image for Morgan  Gayles.
127 reviews9 followers
May 11, 2025
ARC Review 📚👩🏾‍🔬🔬

Okay but let’s talk about how cute this read was! Nova is a smart, curious little science-loving baddie who just wants to help the planet. Inspired by her supa genius scientist parents, she creates something big…but when things don’t go as planned, she has to think quick to fix it.

It gave Black girl in STEM meets eco-hero and I was locked in. I love seeing young Black girls take up space in science and tech. Nova’s story reminds you that it’s okay to mess up and still be a problem solver.
Profile Image for Rachel.
179 reviews
September 24, 2025
This story was so great and I'm thrilled about suggesting it to other readers. Nova is a delightful little eager (not mad!) scientist with eyes on big prizes who accidentally creates a monster while trying to solve the world's plastic waste problem. Though she (accidentally) creates a problem, she works even harder to solve it. In my opinion, the Supa Novatron is like the missing transformer! I also love the facts interwoven within the story and the authors blurb about science at the wrap up. This story was so fun and I'm sure Nova has plenty of other adventures in store.
Profile Image for Megan Mann.
1,410 reviews25 followers
July 16, 2025
I enjoyed this for many reasons! I loooooove anything super bright and colorful. I also love ANYTHING that shows not only women in stem, but GIRLS in stem. It really shows young readers they’re capable of anything, which I LOVE. I also really loved that this focuses on the plastic epidemic that we face as a planet and how we need to work on a solution and how we can help.
Profile Image for Katie Greer.
14 reviews
October 12, 2025
Very cute and creative story that kids will enjoy. I appreciate it will teach them about the global plastic waste problem and show how much of the built world around us is made of plastic. I wish it made more of a point about reducing waste to prevent pollution instead of just mentioning it along with recycling as a quick end note.
Profile Image for Jasz Jemison.
198 reviews4 followers
March 10, 2025
This is a great graphic novel for early readers. It promotes science, drawing, and working together. I really enjoyed this cute creative story that also taught along the way.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
Profile Image for Steph.
1,449 reviews87 followers
March 16, 2025
This was loads of science-y fun! A brilliantly vivid graphic novel about a young girl who wants to help with our plastic problem….. that is until her solution becomes a problem! I can’t wait to read more from Nova. She’s just lush!
Profile Image for Veronika.
173 reviews85 followers
Want to read
April 11, 2025
#1. Why haven't I heard about this graphic novel before? I'm always looking for more graphic novels featuring Black main characters and this one sounds so promising!
and
#2. OMFG! WHY IS THE COVER SO CUTE!
It's giving Moon Girl mixed with Dexter's Laboratory and I love it!
Profile Image for Rae Quigley.
373 reviews18 followers
April 18, 2025
As a millennial it was giving me Dexter’s Lab and Powerpuff Girls (in the best way). I loved that it had a how-to draw section and some IRL facts about what the story was inspired by. Kids are gonna love this
Profile Image for Britney.
98 reviews8 followers
June 1, 2025
Such a super cute graphic novel about a young girl who creates a creature to help with pollution problems (who reminds me of Flubber in all the right ways, haha). This was a cute little journey with great illustrations!
Profile Image for D.T..
Author 5 books80 followers
November 13, 2025
Super cute! It's more fantasy science here, but the author ties it in well. There is also a subtle environmental message since plastic waste is a major theme.

I'd read another of Supa Nova's adventures.

3.5
Profile Image for Melanie Nord.
50 reviews
September 29, 2025
My daughter struggles to find books she enjoys, and LOVED this one! Great message and easy to read! We hope there is another Supa Nova book soon!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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