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The Return of Zita the Spacegirl

 Genre: Science Fiction

Title: The Return of Zita the Spacegirl

Author: Ben Hatke

Awards: N/A

Age Range: 8-12 Years Old


Summary: Zita is found guilty of actions she has committed, so she is thrown into the dungeon. She tries to escape but fails. Then, she is sent to work in the mines as further punishment. There she finds out that the Dungeon Lord is using prisoners to look for a crystal that will help him take over Earth. Zita tries a second time to escape and this time she manages to escape with the help of a stranger who she discovers is Joseph. Somehow Zita ends up with the crystal in her pocket and she wants to use it as bait against the Dungeon Lord, so she can try to save her friends. Joseph does not like this idea because he just wants to save Earth. Therefore, he betrays Zita and gives the crystal to the Dungeon Lord who he thought would bargain with him. Unfortunately, the Dungeon Lord did not listen to Joseph's request instead he chose to invade earth immediately. All the prisoners joined Zita and her friends to help them fight to save Earth. They were able to stop the Dungeon Lord, but as they were fleeing the planet because it was about to blow up the Dungeon Lord capture Zita and Joseph. A robot was able to save them, but when they woke up they were back home on earth. 


Evaluation: Though I really enjoyed this book, I do not think I would use it in my class with a specific unit or lesson. I think this is a great book for students to read in their free time for enjoyment. One way that I would use the book is for a book club in which I would put students in groups to talk about the book. I think this would be most appropriate for grades 4th through 6th. I think they would enjoy this book and have a lot to discuss about it. Also, I like how this book is part of a series, so if students really enjoy the book, then they may be interested in reading more of the series. 


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