Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Warmhearted ending for popular comic series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In BIG NATE BLASTS OFF, Nate has a crush on Ruby, a new girl in school -- but so does bully Randy, who seems bent on humiliating Nate and winning Ruby's affection. Meanwhile, Nate's worried about the upcoming Mud Bowl ultimate Frisbee game against rival Jefferson High, and he lands in hot water over his comics in the school paper. As if that's not enough, Nate is worried his family might move away so his dad can take a new job. Getting forced to go through peer counseling with Randy under smug Gina's supervision seems unbearable -- but it might just lead to a breakthrough.
Is It Any Good?
Lincoln Peirce says this will be his final book featuring cartoonist Nate Wright -- but what a terrific finish it is for fans of the wise-cracking 11-year-old with a knack for getting into trouble. By the end of Big Nate Blasts Off, it's clear Nate is ready to move on: He's wiser now and more mature. Not only does Nate take tentative steps toward a hoped-for romance using lessons learned from a long, unrequited infatuation, but he also makes peace with his longtime enemy and learns to use more discretion with his satirical cartoons.
Good-byes are never easy, but fans will be happy to see Nate confident, happy, and as cheeky as ever. Author Lincoln Peirce promises this won't be the end for Nate, however: Fans will be able to read new Big Nate comic strips online.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about empathy in Big Nate Blasts Off. How does Nate's insight into Randy's home life change how he views Randy's behavior? Have you ever softened your view of someone you didn't like after learning more about them?
What's the difference between harmlessly sharing information and gossiping?
Have you ever accidentally blabbed a secret or had one of your secrets revealed?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Lincoln Peirce
- Genre : Graphic Novel
- Topics : Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Balzer + Bray
- Publication date : February 16, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 224
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate