About the Book

"A boy discovers an astronaut helmet that takes him to the planet Ibra where he must save the universe"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Blast off into a sci-fi adventure in this electrifying middle grade debut starring Aku--the groundbreaking 3D character who graced the cover of TIME Magazine.

This special paperback edition features cosmic sprayed edges as well as interior covers displaying a curated selection of the same Aku fan art as the hardcover.

Aku has always dreamed of becoming an astronaut. It's easier to picture life among the stars than deal with the bully at school--or the pain of his grandfather's mysterious disappearance. But when a strange space helmet shows up in his basement, Aku is pulled into something far bigger than he ever imagined.

The space helmet doesn't just look cool--it teleports him to Ibra, a distant planet under siege. There, precious Lunaberries are being stolen by a ruthless space militia, and Aku's grandfather may be the key to stopping them. With the help of his best friends and a few unlikely allies, Aku must dream bigger than ever before, find the courage to lead, and discover that bravery isn't about having no fear--it's about rising above it.

This thrilling first installment in the Aku series is a cosmic coming-of-age story perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers and Tristan Strong.

Review Quotes

"The plot is compelling and fast paced, with nonstop adventure....An entertaining sci-fi romp with grounded, real-world tween struggles." --School Library Journal

"Debut author Johnson's straightforward, easy-to-follow storytelling includes some satisfying twists for the intrepid explorers....A dynamic series opener ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced, high-stakes adventure." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Micah Johnson, a former Major League Baseball player turned artist, is the creator of the phenomenon that is Aku. After overhearing a young boy ask his mom if astronauts could be Black, Micah was inspired to create Aku, a 3D animated boy wearing an oversized astronaut helmet. That same year, Micah created a fine art piece that catapulted him from retired athlete to creator of the "2020 NFT of the Year." Aku: Journey to Ibra is Aku's origin story and Micah's first book. He lives in Maine with his wife and daughter.