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Cover of Zita the Spacegirl

Age rating and parents' guide:Zita the Spacegirl

by Ben Hatke

Ages 9–11

Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke is best for children aged 9–11. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language.

When her best friend is suddenly pulled through a mysterious portal, Zita doesn't hesitate to jump in after him. She lands on an alien planet facing total destruction and must navigate a strange new world full of quirky creatures, friendly monsters, and neurotic robots. Along the way, she takes on the mantle of an unlikely hero to save her friend and help those in need. It is an energetic, fast-paced graphic novel with charming art, humor, and a strong, courageous heroine who learns the true meaning of friendship and sacrifice.

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Content ratings

How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.

Violence
Mild
Scary moments
Mild
Romance
None
Bad language
None
Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Graphic novel
  • ★Part of the Zita series
  • ★Easy to get into from the first page
  • ★Pictures on almost every page
  • ★Emotionally light
  • ★A good pick for reluctant readers

Great for kids who like

  • Science Fiction & Space
  • Action & Adventure
  • Space

Reading mood

  • Adventurous

Good to talk about

  • Friendship
  • Science Fiction & Space

Books like Zita the Spacegirl

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On these book lists

  • Science and space books for kids
  • Graphic novels for kids

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is Zita the Spacegirl for?
Zita the Spacegirl suits children aged 9–11. It is a graphic novel: easy to get into from the first page, pictures on almost every page.
Q: Is Zita the Spacegirl appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–11. It has mild violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language.
Q: Is Zita the Spacegirl part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to the Zita series. If your child enjoys it, the other Zita books are the easiest next step.
Q: What should my child read after Zita the Spacegirl?
Try Hidden Figures (Young Readers' Edition), Max and the Midknights and George's Secret Key to the Universe. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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