Astronaut Academy: Re-entry (Astronaut Academy, 2) - Softcover

Roman reenrolls his readers in Astronaut Academy, where the favorite equation is shojo plus Harry Potter equals clever, postmodern humor and surprisingly affecting romance. While the likes of Maribelle Mellonbelly, Tak Offsky, and Miyumi San can play MonChiChiMon cards with a rabbit space-ninja and a Spanish-speaking panda bear, the lovelorn Hakata Soy is recruited onto the academy’s Fireball team as they strive to finally win the championship. At the same time, however, a shape-shifting monster has stowed away and is eating everyone’s hearts, which proves pretty easy with everyone showing their affection by giving away one of their nine possible hearts left and right. Gags are packed into just about every panel, which makes for a fast-paced read. The zany tone works so well that the undercurrent of sincere longing and occasional romantic tragedy can sneak up on you. Roman’s art, meanwhile, has an undeniable manga style but with the soft lines and easy charm of old-fashioned comic strips. Sure to delight returning readers, though newcomers can come aboard with no trouble. Grades 4-6. --Jesse Karp