Meet Rocket—an aspiring astronaut intent on getting her community to LOOK UP! from what they're doing and reach for the stars. This Chicago Public Library 2019 Best of the Best Book is now available in paperback!

Space-loving Rocket is on a mission: to see the incredible meteor shower that will zoom across the sky over her town. And she wants everyone to see it with her—even her big brother, Jamal, who spends most of his time looking down at his phone. Rocket's enthusiasm brings neighbors and family together to witness a once-in-a-lifetime sighting.

Perfect for fans of Ada Twist, Scientist, Rocket Says Look Up! will inspire readers of all ages to dream BIG. Award-winning author and illustrator Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola have created an irresistible main character with a passion for science and infectious curiosity. 

For more inspiring picture books featuring Rocket, look for Rocket Says Clean Up! and Rocket Says Speak Up!
Dapo Adeola is an award-winning illustrator and designer who creates characters and images that challenge expectations around race and gender in a fun and upbeat way. He is the co-creator and illustrator of bestselling picture book Look Up!--winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the UK's number-one debut picture book of 2019. London born and bred but of Nigerian heritage, when he's not busy cooking up new characters and adventures you can find Dapo running illustration and character design workshops with children or organizing events to help highlight the possibilities of a career in illustration to underrepresented members of the Black diaspora.

Illustrators: Dapo Adeola, Alyissa Johnson, Sharee Miller, Jade Orlando, Diane Ewen, Reggie Brown, Onyinye Iwu, Chanté Timothy, Gladys Jose, Bex Glendining, Joelle Avelino, Dunni Mustapha, Nicole Miles, Charlot Kristensen, Kingsley Nebechi, Camilla Sucre, Derick Brooks, Jobe Anderson, and Selom Sunu View titles by Dapo Adeola

Classroom Activities for Rocket Says Look Up!

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

  • RUNNERUP | 2020
    Irma Simonton Black Award
  • SELECTION | 2019
    Chicago Public Library Best Books
"Outstanding—a breath of fresh air, just like Rocket herself."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Ideal for space or science-inclined readers, this book includes brief information about outstanding scientist Jemison and a short list of facts about meteors and comets enclosed in an embrace of family relationships and a child’s joy in the world around her.” —School Library Journal, starred review 

“The sweet, uncomplicated story for young space lovers is peppered with interesting facts about meteors and Mae Jemison, and has bright, colorful, humorous illustrations that subtly but deliberately represent a vibrant, multiethnic, multicultural neighborhood engaging in a community event.” —Booklist

Rocket Says Look Up! - Read Aloud Picture Book | Brightly Storytime

additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo

About

Meet Rocket—an aspiring astronaut intent on getting her community to LOOK UP! from what they're doing and reach for the stars. This Chicago Public Library 2019 Best of the Best Book is now available in paperback!

Space-loving Rocket is on a mission: to see the incredible meteor shower that will zoom across the sky over her town. And she wants everyone to see it with her—even her big brother, Jamal, who spends most of his time looking down at his phone. Rocket's enthusiasm brings neighbors and family together to witness a once-in-a-lifetime sighting.

Perfect for fans of Ada Twist, Scientist, Rocket Says Look Up! will inspire readers of all ages to dream BIG. Award-winning author and illustrator Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola have created an irresistible main character with a passion for science and infectious curiosity. 

For more inspiring picture books featuring Rocket, look for Rocket Says Clean Up! and Rocket Says Speak Up!

Author

Dapo Adeola is an award-winning illustrator and designer who creates characters and images that challenge expectations around race and gender in a fun and upbeat way. He is the co-creator and illustrator of bestselling picture book Look Up!--winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the UK's number-one debut picture book of 2019. London born and bred but of Nigerian heritage, when he's not busy cooking up new characters and adventures you can find Dapo running illustration and character design workshops with children or organizing events to help highlight the possibilities of a career in illustration to underrepresented members of the Black diaspora.

Illustrators: Dapo Adeola, Alyissa Johnson, Sharee Miller, Jade Orlando, Diane Ewen, Reggie Brown, Onyinye Iwu, Chanté Timothy, Gladys Jose, Bex Glendining, Joelle Avelino, Dunni Mustapha, Nicole Miles, Charlot Kristensen, Kingsley Nebechi, Camilla Sucre, Derick Brooks, Jobe Anderson, and Selom Sunu View titles by Dapo Adeola

Guides

Classroom Activities for Rocket Says Look Up!

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Awards

  • RUNNERUP | 2020
    Irma Simonton Black Award
  • SELECTION | 2019
    Chicago Public Library Best Books

Praise

"Outstanding—a breath of fresh air, just like Rocket herself."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“Ideal for space or science-inclined readers, this book includes brief information about outstanding scientist Jemison and a short list of facts about meteors and comets enclosed in an embrace of family relationships and a child’s joy in the world around her.” —School Library Journal, starred review 

“The sweet, uncomplicated story for young space lovers is peppered with interesting facts about meteors and Mae Jemison, and has bright, colorful, humorous illustrations that subtly but deliberately represent a vibrant, multiethnic, multicultural neighborhood engaging in a community event.” —Booklist

Media

Rocket Says Look Up! - Read Aloud Picture Book | Brightly Storytime

Photos

additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo

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