Zita the Spacegirl
Part of the collectionZita the Spacegirl→Best for children ready for proper graphic novel adventure with aliens, robots, portals, danger and a very likeable heroine.
- Books3 / 3
- Arcs1
- Span2011–2014
- StatusComplete
The series
At a glance.
Zita the Spacegirl is a three-book graphic novel series written and illustrated by Ben Hatke. Zita the Spacegirl begins when Zita presses a mysterious device and her friend Joseph is taken through a portal, sending her into an alien world on a rescue mission. Legends of Zita the Spacegirl and The Return of Zita the Spacegirl deepen her reputation, friendships and responsibilities across stranger and bigger sci-fi settings. The trilogy has a classic adventure feel: accessible panels, lively creatures, real peril, funny side characters and a heroine whose courage grows from loyalty rather than fearlessness.
Best for children ready for proper graphic novel adventure with aliens, robots, portals, danger and a very likeable heroine.
Primary themes
Overall tone
- Adventurous
- Exciting
- Funny
- Heartwarming
Read in publication order: Zita the Spacegirl, Legends of Zita the Spacegirl, then The Return of Zita the Spacegirl.
One arc
The shape of the series.
- INarrative arcBooks 1–3 · 2011–2014Moderate sensitivity
Zita becomes a space hero
Three graphic novels following Zita from accidental portal traveller to legendary space hero.
Zita the Spacegirl works as one complete adventure arc. The first book gives Zita a clear rescue mission and introduces the alien world, robots and strange allies. Legends of Zita the Spacegirl tests what happens when her hero status grows beyond her control, while The Return of Zita the Spacegirl brings the trilogy to a bigger emotional and action conclusion. The series is moderate sensitivity because peril, fighting and scary alien threats matter, but Hatke's warmth, humour and expressive art keep the experience firmly middle-grade and hopeful.
Fit check
Right for your reader?
Where the series lands by age
- 1
- 3
- 5
- 7
- 9
- 11
- 13
- 15
- 17
- 19
- Best fit · 7–11
- Read aloud · 7–10
- Independent · 7–11
Reluctant-reader friendliness
High
Read-aloud quality
Workable
Adult crossover
High
Grows with the reader
Designed to
Sensitivity envelope
Moderate overall, and consistent.
Content notes
- Violence
- Scary imagery
Where it sits
In conversation with other series.
About the author