Levine Querido – Mom Read It

Ami and the Galactic Peacekeepers: Book One, by Frances Lee, (Feb. 2026, Levine Querido), $15.99, ISBN: 9781646145799

Ages 8-12

Welcome to the Galactic Peacekeepers! This first book in a new sci-fi trilogy for middle grade introduces readers to a trio of Galactic Peacekeepers: Ami, a human girl trying to get back to her mother and dog on Earth, and her friends Sumo, a sensitive alien who resembles a giant bunny, and Rosa, a slightly caustic, sharklike alien. Together with an AI called M.O.M., the Peacekeepers travel throughout the galaxy helping their galactic neighbors: delivering birthday gift s (and teaching lessons about gratitude), escorting the planet Saturn to a shooting star show, helping displaced aliens; that sort of thing. Ami also acts as a go-between for Sumo and Rosa, who need help regulating their emotions and behavior from time to time. At the heart of Ami’s story, though, is a desire to get back home; to do that, she needs to learn which galaxy houses Earth, so she can find a way there. Ami is protective, caring and defending both of her friends and anyone else who needs her help. Lee’s illustration is bright, bold, and eye-catching, with loads of adorable new aliens to discover. Endpapers feature The Galactic News, a newspaper reporting on stories that give readers some extra context on Ami’s universe. A fun first entry; graphic novel fans will enjoy this one.

Armaveni: A Graphic Novel of the Armenian Genocide, by Nadine Takvorian, (March 2026, Levine Querido), $18.99, ISBN: 9781646146536

Ages 12-18

Nadine Takvorian’s semi-autobiographical graphic novel, Armaveni, is a powerful story of the Armenian genocide of 1915 and its reverberations to this day. High schooler Nadine wants to know more about her family’s Armenian and Turkish history, but it’s too painful a subject for her parents, whose families were directly affected, to talk about. When her parents finally decide it’s time to tell their families’ stories, Nadine and her brother, Sayat, want to know more. They join a church group visit to Armenia and book a side trip to visit family in Istanbul, where they learn the true horror of the genocide. Fundamentally changed, Nadine returns home and confronts her teacher’s prejudice. Takvorian tells her family’s story in a strong voice that moves between history and contemporary – the novel is set in 2001 – to give readers a full historical document. The mythical phoenix is a symbol running through the story that describes for both Nadine’s awakening to herself as an Armenian-American with a full understanding of her history and the history of the Armenian people. As put by Nadine herself, “Armenians exist.Welcome home.” Back matter includes photos, an author’s note, a glossary, and resources for further reading. Armaveni deserves a place on graphic novel memoirs including Persepolis, Maus, and March. A recommended first purchase.

Tag: Levine Querido

Welcome to the Galactic Peacekeepers Society!

A powerful history of the Armenian genocide: Armaveni by Nadine Takvorian