Families who loved Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child feels overwhelmed by new responsibilities or is struggling to find their voice in a group. It is an ideal pick for children who are transitioning from early readers to more complex stories and need a protagonist who models how to be brave even when scared. The story follows Zita, a young girl who accidentally triggers a portal to another dimension while trying to save her friend from an alien cult. While the setting is fantastical, the heart of the book is about loyalty and the weight of choices. It introduces themes of self-sacrifice and discernment, as Zita must decide which of the strange creatures she meets are true allies and which are looking to exploit her. It is a visually stunning, gentle entry into the world of science fiction that emphasizes that a hero is simply someone who keeps trying.