Blake Laser is a fun story for the lover of science-fiction, love of a little fantasy, of course aliens and just the right amount of humor. Everything is a bit face paced, but is not crowded with text, too many images or action. This story by Keith Marantz has a biracial family of four, that are heading where no human has gone before! No, not space (it is the 24th century after all, been there done that!) but a particular place in space. The family is going to have a much needed vacation. But like all plans in story books, things don’t go as planned and the family must deal with what (or who) is draining the Earth’s Sun of its energy!
The Larissa Brown illustrations are simple, colorful, bold and support the quick pace. Things are not rushed, but you can tell there is action. They support the story, which could range for most ages up to around 10 or 11. It looks younger, but has middle school characters and themes that most people probably deal with or can relate too. Such as dealing with siblings (Blake and her older brother have actually a good, if not typical, relationship but one that could have some work done on it), having busy parents (who also don’t realize how much Blake could do if allowed), wanting more responsibility (because what Blake is working on are not “toys”), having confidence in yourself, willing to make a few mistakes, working together, fighting aliens, and homework.
I see a series in the future (one of the characters seems to have a few nefarious ideas for our young heroine, Blake), but I might not continue as I like how things have ended. With that said, kids are going to want as much Blake as they can find!
Due December 2024, read via an online reader copy.