Former NFL wide receiver turned astronaut, Leland Melvin pens a new graphic novel for kids who are “Space Chasers”.

“As an older person who is trying to get the next generation of explorers to see what’s possible, what better way to do that than having a graphic novel that’s reaching middle grade kids” the Virginia native said in a recent interview about the novel.

“Because a lot of kids can’t read or it’s hard for them to read. To have the images and the text helps them with their reading, and it doesn’t leave anyone behind.”

Melvin added, “It’s something that I never imagined doing as a kid because I didn’t see people that look like me doing that.”

The novel is geared towards kids ages 8 – 12. Check out a brief synopsis below according to the publishers website, of what young readers and space aficionados can expect.

When Tia Valor takes a test on a whim for an exclusive NASA program for middle schoolers, she never thought she’d pass. After all, she never really fit in at school. In fact, she’s been skipping school most days to work at her brother’s auto shop instead.

But Leland Melvin, a famed astronaut, sees potential in Tia, and before she knows it, she’s part of a team of other talented kids training to launch to an advanced space station orbiting the earth. But the perils of space are unpredictable and Tia finds herself with only half her crew and no adults around to help. Now she must rely on her instincts and the quick thinking of her fellow kid astronauts to save the space station and their lives!

“Space Chasers” drops today, February 4, 2025, and is the first of a three-part series.

“The biggest thing that parents can do sometimes is get out of the way or their kids’ exploration,” Melvin suggests and “Space Chasers” is definitely a great place to let any kid start.

Photo: Leland Melvin Instagram; Macmillan Publishers