Laika

"Laika" is a powerful graphic novel for young adults, ages 12-18, that delves into the true story of Laika, the Soviet space dog, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding her mission. Author Nick Abadzis weaves together the perspectives of Laika, the chief engineer Korolev, and technician Yelena, creating a deeply emotional narrative. While celebrating human ingenuity and the dawn of the space age, the book unflinchingly portrays Laika's sacrifice and the moral cost of scientific advancement. Parents should be aware of the inherent sadness and the themes of animal testing and death, which are handled with sensitivity but without sugarcoating. It's an excellent book for sparking discussions on ethics, history, and empathy.

Eisner Award Winner: Best Publication for Teens Eisner Award Nominee: Best Reality-Based Work Laika was the abandoned puppy destined to become Earth's first space traveler. This graphic novel follows her journey. Nick Abadzis masterfully blends fiction and fact in the intertwined stories of three compelling lives. Along with Laika, there is Korolev, once a political prisoner, now a driven engineer at the top of the Soviet Union's space program, and Yelena, the lab technician responsible for Laika's health and life. This intense triangle is rendered with the pitch-perfect emotionality of classics like Because of Winn Dixie, Shiloh, and Old Yeller. Abadzis gives life to a pivotal moment in modern history, casting light on the hidden moments of deep humanity behind history.