A rollicking sequel to Zita the Spacegirl finds Zita's exploits rendering her an intergalactic megastar and struggling to hold fast to her true self while also dealing with a havoc-wreaking doppelganger and band of alien invaders. Simultaneous. - (Baker & Taylor)

Zita is determined to find her way home to Earth, but her exploits have made her an intergallactic megastar, and as her true self is eclipsed by her public persona, she faces a robot doppelganger, unsure of who she can trust. - (Baker & Taylor)

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Ben Hatke brings back our intrepid space heroine for another delightful sci-fi/fantasy adventure. Zita is determined to find her way home to earth, following the events of the first book. But things are never simple, and certainly never easy, in space.

Zita's exploits from her first adventure have made her an intergalactic megastar! But she's about to find out that fame doesn't come without a price. And who can you trust when your true self is being eclipsed by your public persona, and you've got a robot doppelganger wreaking havoc . . . while wearing your face?

Still, if anyone can find their way through this intractible mess of mistaken identity and alien invaders, it's the indomitable Zita, in Legends of Zita the Spacegirl.

Legends of Zita the Spacegirl is one of Kirkus Reviews' Best Children's Books of 2012.

Adoring fans and a robot doppelganger wreaking havoc: Zita's got her hands full in this rollicking sequel to the critically acclaimed Zita the Spacegirl. - (McMillan Palgrave)

Ben Hatke's first graphic novel was Zita the Spacegirl. He has published comics stories in the Flight series as well as Flight Explorer. In addition to writing and drawing comics, he also paints in the naturalist tradition and, occasionally, performs one-man fire shows.

Hatke lives and works in the Shenandoah Valley with his wife and their boisterous pack of daughters.

Booklist Reviews

*Starred Review* First things first: Hatke draws awesome aliens. Lots and lots of them. Wee hairy ones and giant blobby ones, many-eyed ones and multiple-limbed ones, giant cat ones and head-inside-another-head ones. They're all over the place in this smart and sassy interstellar adventure that picks up where Zita the Spacegirl (2011) left off. How do you follow up saving an entire planet from destruction by asteroid? For Zita, you go on a cosmic victory tour, somewhat reluctantly, to meet your adoring throngs of new fans. For Hatke, you whip up a story that digs into the high price of fame without sacrificing a drop of the fun, funny, and far-out charm that made his first graphic novel such a smash. After a robotic imposter takes Zita's place and promises to save another planet from doom, Zita hijacks a spaceship (and quickly gets libeled as Crimegirl by hysterical galactic media) and eludes the authorities while making a new friend and mentor en route to a cosmic clash between a titanic planetary guardian and vicious heart-shaped space meanies. Zita is still looking for a way home, but it looks like she has got plenty more adventuring to plow through before she finds one. Top-flight space capering brimming with heart and heroism. Copyright 2012 Booklist Reviews.

School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 3–6—Hatke has again conjured up a rich and satisfying story with enchanting characters and delightful humor. Lumponians are seeking Zita's help to save their planet from the dangerous invasion of star hearts that will strip a planet to its bedrock. Convinced that she is their only hope, they offer as payment the remaining jump crystal that will allow her to return home. They happen upon a robot masquerading as Zita and employ this counterfeit hero to save them. While Zita does save the Lumponians and her rivalry with robot Zita is nicely resolved, the story is obviously a setup for further adventures as she must rescue her companion mouse. Hatke's humor is in top form, including the creation of dialects with unique spellings and language that perfectly capture the each character's personality. Even robots have a language. Wordplay is omnipresent, such as names based on musical terms, and the star-hearts invasion being described as a "heart attack." Inventive sound effects such as "scootch" and "snuffle" and the gift of a "slap in a box" are among the many bon mots youngsters will savor. The characters' expressive faces are given a charm and attention to detail that will captivate readers of all ages, and the beautifully illuminated images of space inspire awe. Legends offers a parody of celebrity status and gently explores the question of notoriety versus heroism. Fans of Zita's adventures will relish this installment.—Babara M. Moon, Suffolk Cooperative Library System, NY