Project Middle School (Hope #1)

As this series by actor and activist Milano and author Rigaud (Truly Madly Royally) lifts off, biracial, self-described “future scientist” Hope Roberts, whose father is a rocket scientist with NASA, begins the sixth grade with considerable angst. She has been accepted into an accelerated school program and, for the first time ever, will be in a different class than her best friend, Sam. The author introduces her manifest STEM/girl-power message straight away, noting that Hope’s bookcase displays multiple science awards alongside her collection of comics starring science powerhouse Galaxy Girl, who shares Hope’s conviction that “girls can do little and big things that can change the world.” As Sam tries out for the school play and gains a posse of new pals, Hope immerses herself in a science club competition. Frustrated at her male teammates’ reluctance to listen to their female counterparts, Hope takes it upon herself to push against the status quo. Animator Keyes’s simple cartoons underline moments of social awkwardness and triumph throughout the novel, which delivers a worthy, if overstated, message about teamwork, friendship, finding a way to use one’s voice effectively, and learning from mistakes. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 8–12. [em](Oct.) [/em]