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The Aku books
An illustrated science-fiction series for readers 8 to 12, written by New York Times bestselling author Micah Johnson and illustrated by Durk van der Meer. Two books so far, best read in order.
Book 1 · Start here
Twelve-year-old Aku finds a beeping box in his basement with his name on it. Inside is a space helmet that belonged to his grandfather, who vanished a year ago. The helmet knows where he went.
Instant New York Times bestseller. Junior Library Guild Selection.
Kirkus Reviews“A dynamic series opener ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced, high-stakes adventure.”
Book 2 · On sale January 12, 2027
After saving Ibra, Aku wants a break. Instead, Grandpa sends him and his crew to Pyra, a world forged in lava and legend, where three deadly trials stand between them and the Gem.
Ages 8 to 12, grades 3 to 7. The chapters move fast, there are black-and-white illustrations throughout, and for a story with this much danger in it, there are a lot of jokes.
Aku
Trae
Benji
Bizzy
RubeAku is an illustrated science-fiction adventure series for readers 8 to 12, written by New York Times bestselling author Micah Johnson. It follows a twelve-year-old from Indiana who finds a space helmet in his basement.
Ages 8 to 12, grades 3 to 7. Battle for Pyra has a Lexile level of 650L and a Fountas & Pinnell level of U.
Aku: Journey to Ibra is Book 1. Aku: Battle for Pyra is Book 2 and picks up where Book 1 leaves off, so read them in order.
There is danger, a villain and some close calls, the way there is in most adventure stories for this age. There is also a lot of humor, and the three friends look out for each other the whole way.
It is a good one to try. The story moves quickly, there are illustrations throughout, and it is funny.
Yes. Aku dreams of becoming an astronaut, and the series has a helmet that talks, a forest that glows in the dark and more than one planet.
Yes. Benji is the fearless one on Aku’s crew and always first into danger. Bizzy is a brilliant inventor. Queen Orax leads her people.
January 12, 2027, in hardcover, paperback, ebook and audiobook, from Random House Books for Young Readers. You can pre-order it now wherever you buy books.
Micah Johnson writes them. He played Major League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers before becoming an artist and author. Durk van der Meer illustrates them.
Yes. There are 74 free printable activity sheets and a free reading game set on Ibra. Teachers and librarians can also request a free virtual visit with Micah.