AKU

Three best friends go on an interplanetary adventure to rescue a beloved grandpa and maybe save a planet from destruction.

Arthur Keaton Underwood, aka Aku, especially loves four things: video games, baseball, outer space, and his grandpa, who disappeared last year during one of his “classified work trips.” Ever since, Aku’s dad has become stiflingly overprotective, but Aku manages thanks to his supportive best friends, Trae and Benji. One day, he finds an astronaut’s helmet in a box that’s addressed to him. Putting it on activates the helmet, and a voice tells Aku that Grandpa is alive on planet Ibra in the Void Galaxy. He’s sent Aku his helmet as an invitation to join him on a mission. After being transported to Ibra, which is under threat, Aku meets the Avalunas, small creatures who protect the endangered lunaberry trees. A sudden attack sends Aku back to Indiana, where his dad confiscates the helmet, saying it’s too dangerous for a 12-year-old. Trae and Benji are skeptical about Aku’s intergalactic adventure—until the three kids find the hidden helmet and are accidentally transported to Ibra, where things quickly go awry. Debut author Johnson’s straightforward, easy-to-follow storytelling includes some satisfying twists for the intrepid explorers, who are Black (Trae is also mixed race). Black-and-white illustrations by van der Meer bring added life to the action and creative worldbuilding.

A dynamic series opener ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced, high-stakes adventure.