Children of Stardust

October 24, 2022
Zero Adedji lives solo on his home planet of Anasi 12, working as a guide for lost travelers. Secretly, though, he wants nothing more than to join one of the Saba guilds, licensed teams of intergalactic adventurers equipped with adhesive Kobastickers, which offer the wearer magical abilities. When he inadvertently becomes host to the Jupiter Kobasticker, a desperately sought-after object that offers the power to conduct electricity, Zero is recruited to the exclusive Shango Heart Guild to learn how to use it. Zero becomes fast friends with rising Saba stars Camih Sitso and Ladi Hyung, and the trio soon faces their first major challenge: recovering the Mask of the Shaman King, an ancient artifact whose reality-distorting power could unleash a fiend imprisoned in the Oblong Dimension. The friends embark on a thrilling adventure, facing a medley of enemies who seek the mask for their own nefarious ends. Through it all, Zero must both learn to wield the Jupiter’s power and maintain secrecy around hosting it; the mystical object is rumored to grant immortality to its 26th host—and Zero is the 25th. Inspired by Adodo’s love for African mythology and science fiction, this fast-paced debut is a fun-filled space opera with strong themes of friendship and courage. Final art not seen by PW. Ages 9–12.

Starred review from October 1, 2022
Grades 4-7 *Starred Review* This vibrant middle-grade debut follows Zero Adedji, owner of the Zero Worries business, which helps stranded space travelers who crash-land on his home planet of Anansi 12. But Zero's heart is far from being planet bound; his lifelong dream has been to join the Saba guild, a group of adventurers who explore outer space, hunt for artifacts and treasure, and chase down dangerous rogues. Zero is a likable protagonist who becomes an unlikely hero after an encounter with a strange creature and its artifact result in him gaining unexpected powers and being recruited by a Saba guild for the mission of a lifetime. As Zero and his companions embark on their adventure, searching across the galaxy for the mysterious Mask of the Shaman King, his story is charged with humor, a vibrant cast of characters from all corners of the galaxy, and a thrilling plot that keeps readers guessing. Adodo's text is accompanied by lively illustrations of characters and space tech as this spectacular sf adventure brings a fresh take to the genre with elements of African mythology, high stakes, and an otherworldly sense of adventure.

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Starred review from August 15, 2022
An orphan is chosen for an intergalactic mission beyond his wildest dreams. Zero Adedji always dreamed of becoming a Saba, or licensed adventurer who harnesses Koba magic using Kobastickers. Zero lives alone in C�golim, the City of Children, helping stranded travelers through his company, Zero Worries. When he touches a mysterious object one day, it turns out to be the sought-after Jupiter Kobasticker--and it chooses him to possess it. When bounty hunters try to kill him to get it, he's saved by members of the Shango Heart Guild and invited to join them. Zero works hard to master the Jupiter, which is rumored to grant immortality to every 13th user--and he's the 25th. Zoe Sitso, Zero's mentor, asks him, along with guild members Camih and Ladi Hyung, to retrieve the Mask of the Shaman King so its rightful owner can destroy it. The mask grants wishes--but at a steep price, and it could release powerful villain Zomon the Dark King from the Oblong Dimension. The trio fights alongside unlikely allies to retrieve it. Unfortunately, the Space Mafia, who wouldn't flinch at sacrificing others for their own gain, are also out to possess the mask. Togolese debut author Adodo's debut bursts forth with wonderful worldbuilding drawing from African mythology and culture. Nail-biting scenes are balanced by comedic moments. In a fantasy-diverse galaxy, Zero and Camih read Black; their relationship is founded on respect, avoiding common sexist tropes. Brimming with adventure, tenacity, and magic. (character sketches) (Science fiction. 9-12)

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