LAIKA

Following the story of plucky Laika—the first dog in space—the reader experiences her entire life from a mongrel living in the streets to the tragic loss of her canine companion, her captivity in the government lab, her endearing relationship with the unwavering caretaker Yelena and her tragic fatal mission. The strong ties between Laika (renamed after her breed type) are exceptionally well defined; in fact, Laika has the ability to touch every character’s life, even the most emotionally indifferent social-climbing Russian politicians. Evincing the cruelty and sadness of her life, Laika’s striving to be loved echoes, and the strong bond between man—or woman—and his best friend resound off every page of her journey. The striking palette of earth tones works in concert with the compelling historically fictive prose. The striking palette of earth tones works in concert with the compelling historically fictive prose—a luminous masterpiece filled with pathos and poignancy. (afterword, bibliography, author's note) (Graphic novel. YA)