Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie R. Wheadon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Whimsical, magic-filled sibling space adventure sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In WHICH WAY AROUND THE GALAXY, the O'Hero-Smith kids out on a bike ride encounter a strange fluffy creature running for its life. As secret government agents and their German shepherds gain on it, the kids scoop it up in a field and ride away, using some magic flying powder on their bikes when the dogs get too close. As they race home, the magic alarms blare. It's an ominous sign, and a surprising one considering all the Ways into the universe have been closed off for the kids' protection, especially the protection of K2 who has the coveted Gift of drawing atlases that mark all the Ways travelers can move swiftly through space. And then the knocking starts. Horizabel the Grimm, space bounty hunter, knows the kids have something to do with the disappearance of her Flymaster, and she wants it back immediately. Of course they don't let Horizabel in. They need the Flymaster to return their fluffy little alien friend to its home planet. Unfortunately for them, the supervillain Vorcxix is waiting for the kids when they get there.
Is It Any Good?
This sibling space adventure gets a bit too caught up in its whimsical world-building details, but is still a lot of exciting fun. The narration by the bounty hunter Horizabel the Grimm helps keep the proceedings mostly rolling along. She reminds readers of the imminent danger the O'Hero-Smith kids are in. We know, for instance, that the supervillain Vorcxix and his robot army are lying in wait on an ice planet from the start of the story, long before the kids think of leaving Earth on Horizabel's Flymaster. We also know of the danger the toddler Annipeck is in at home. Annipeck's heroism is by far the most entertaining thanks to her magical way with plastic toys.
Amidst the adventure there are many details about venomous creatures, the Universal Government, and various robots that will appeal to the kids who will go on to read many more fantasies, and won't appeal to the kids who are focused on the action. It's worth checking with kids to see which way they lean in Which Way Around the Galaxy. It'll help steer them toward more stories they'll love.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about family communication in Which Way Around the Galaxy. Who's keeping secrets? How do they learn the hard way to confide in each other?
Why is the O'Hero-Smith kids' curiosity about Bug so important? What do they learn about the alien creature? How does that help them decide how to help it?
What do you think is next for the O'Hero-Smith family? What do you think Izzabird's Gift will be?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Cressida Cowell
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Robots
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : October 22, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 432
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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