Aku: Battle for Pyra // Book 02
Three trials. Two teams. One gem.
Launch date // January 12, 2027
After saving Ibra from a ruthless space militia, Aku wants a break. Instead, Grandpa announces an urgent mission to Pyra, a world forged in lava and legend, where ancient beings guard the Gem: a radiant core said to control the light of the universe. To reach it, Aku and his crew must survive three deadly trials and face his greatest enemy, and the truth about his family's past.
A heart-pounding space odyssey about finding the team you want to save the world with.
“The reveals are interesting and will keep pages turning…. Another fun intergalactic adventure.”
Educators request class sets on DonorsChoose. Aku readers fund them. Every gift goes straight to the teacher’s project.
Book 01 // Out now
A beeping box in the basement. A missing grandfather. A planet that needs saving.
“An entertaining sci-fi romp with grounded, real-world tween struggles.”School Library Journal
Book 02 // January 12, 2027
As two sides battle for the greatest source of power in the universe, three generations must unite. And only one boy knows the key: dream without limits.
Micah shares his path from the Major Leagues to the New York Times bestseller list, takes kids inside the world of Aku, and leaves every student ready to chase their own dream. Virtual visits are built around both books.
“Several of the teachers said it was the best author visit we have ever had here.”
It is Book 2 of the Aku series. After saving Ibra, Aku's grandfather announces an urgent mission to Pyra, a fiery, lava-filled planet where ancient beings guard the Gem, a radiant core said to control the light of the universe. Aku and his crew must survive three deadly trials and face his greatest enemy, and the truth about his family's past.
Aku is a middle grade science fiction series for ages 8 to 12, grades 3 to 7. Battle for Pyra has a 650L Lexile level and a Fountas & Pinnell level of U.
Yes. Aku is a space adventure about a 12-year-old who dreams of becoming an astronaut, with teleporting helmets, alien planets, glowing forests and a famous astronaut who turns out to be the villain.
Yes. Some of the strongest characters are girls. Benji is the fearless one on Aku’s crew, always first into danger. Bizzy is the brilliant inventor who built the teleport helmets. Queen Orax leads the Avalunas and fights to protect her planet.
Yes. Start with Aku: Journey to Ibra, the instant New York Times bestseller. Battle for Pyra picks up days after it ends.
January 12, 2027, from Random House Books for Young Readers, in hardcover, paperback, ebook and audiobook. Pre-order now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Target, Walmart, Bookshop.org, Powell’s or Hudson Booksellers.
Micah Johnson, a former Major League Baseball player for the Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers who became an artist and New York Times bestselling author. Durk van der Meer illustrated the books.
Yes. Both books are Junior Library Guild Selections, there are 74 free printable activity sheets, and Micah offers free virtual school visits in English or Spanish.
We’ll email you when Battle for Pyra lands on January 12, plus new free activities and school visit news. No spam.
Pre-order the hardcover today and be first through the portal on January 12, 2027.
A 3D adventure that turns finishing the book into the mission.
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