Out There
by Seaerra Miller; illus. by the author
Middle School    Little, Brown    232 pp.
6/23    9780316591867    $24.99
Paper ed.  9780316591874    $12.99
e-book ed.  9780316591850    $9.99

In a graphic novel set during the seventy-fifth anniversary of the alleged alien crash landing in Roswell, New Mexico, Julia searches for extraterrestrial life on a road trip with her dad while unexpectedly examining her Earth-bound relationships. Her father hasn’t been the same since his supposed alien abduction, resulting in her parents’ separation. Julia wants to support her dad but wrestles with her own doubt and disappointment. Her frustration is heightened once arriving in Roswell, thanks to the corny nature of the festivities and the cynicism of peers. Josh is also a child of self-proclaimed alien abductees, yet to Julia’s surprise he vehemently opposes his parents’ beliefs. (“Trust me, all these people are full of it.”) After a series of mishaps—including a miscalculated prank, a car breakdown, and their failure to contact aliens—Julia reaches a hard-earned understanding of her father, shaped by acceptance and empathy. Miller’s skillful cartooning enhances the storytelling throughout. Shifts in color effectively signal transitions between the present and the past. The sharp dialogue is believable, while wordless scenes are equally revealing. A consistent three-tiered page layout establishes a steady reading pace; however, Miller frequently shifts panel size, shape, and quantity for narrative impact—from rows of numerous panels during fast-paced discussions to bold double-page spreads at emotional crescendos. A satisfying and nuanced encounter.

From the July/August 2023 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.