Aku Journey to Ibra, Micah Johnson
Aku Journey to Ibra, Micah Johnson
List: $15.00 | Sale: $10.50
Club: $7.50

Aku: Journey to Ibra

Author: Micah Johnson

Series: Aku #1

Narrator: Miles J. Harvey, Davis Matthews

Unabridged: 4 hr 13 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 03/03/2026


Synopsis

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Blast off into a sci-fi adventure in this electrifying debut novel starring Aku—the groundbreaking 3D character who graced the cover of TIME Magazine.

"The plot is compelling and fast paced, with nonstop adventure....An entertaining sci-fi romp with grounded, real-world tween struggles."—School Library Journal

Aku has always dreamed of becoming an astronaut. It’s easier to picture life among the stars than deal with the bully at school—or the pain of his grandfather’s mysterious disappearance. But when a strange space helmet shows up in his basement, Aku is pulled into something far bigger than he ever imagined.

The space helmet doesn’t just look cool—it teleports him to Ibra, a distant planet under siege. There, precious Lunaberries are being stolen by a ruthless space militia, and Aku’s grandfather may be the key to stopping them. With the help of his best friends and a few unlikely allies, Aku must dream bigger than ever before, find the courage to lead, and discover that bravery isn’t about having no fear—it’s about rising above it.

About The Author

Micah Johnson, a former Major League Baseball player turned artist, is the creator of the phenomenon that is Aku. After overhearing a young boy ask his mom if astronauts could be Black, Micah was inspired to create Aku, a 3D animated boy wearing an oversized astronaut helmet. That same year, Micah created a fine art piece that catapulted him from retired athlete to creator of the “2020 NFT of the Year." Aku: Journey to Ibra is Aku's origin story and Micah's first book. He lives in Maine with his wife and daughter.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Tanya on March 08, 2026

I am using this book in my classroom and the students are very engaged. It has been quite easy creating activities to go along with each of the chapters, giving students various ways to interact with the book. We are all enjoying our literature circle time with Aku!......more

Goodreads review by Cathy on August 24, 2025

Wow, I enjoyed this book so much! This book is perfect for upper-elementary and middle-grades fans of science fiction and other-worldly adventure. I didn't really know what to expect going into this book, but I was pleasantly surprised to read quite a unique story, similar in vibe to some other midd......more

Goodreads review by Katie on March 04, 2026

From the very first page, the descriptive language pulls you into a world that feels expansive, hopeful, and alive. The imagery is so vivid you can see, feel, and step inside the story. The landscapes, the emotions, the wonder. Every word is intentional and beautifully crafted. What moved me most is......more

Goodreads review by Dave on March 13, 2026

Fantastic middle grade book!! From the very first page, Aku: Journey to Ibra grabs you with a fun, engaging story that feels immediately relatable to readers of all ages. What makes this book shine is the adventure, vivid world and dynamic between Aku and his friends, who feel real and interact with......more

Goodreads review by Danny Gonzalez on March 07, 2026

While Aku: Journey to Ibra is written with younger readers in mind, it’s the kind of story that reminds adults what it feels like to dream like a kid again. The book moves with great energy and adventure, making it a fun page turner from beginning to end. Beyond the adventure, the heart of the story......more


Quotes

"The plot is compelling and fast paced, with nonstop adventure....An entertaining sci-fi romp with grounded, real-world tween struggles." —School Library Journal

"Debut author Johnson’s straightforward, easy-to-follow storytelling includes some satisfying twists for the intrepid explorers....A dynamic series opener ideal for those who enjoy fast-paced, high-stakes adventure." —Kirkus Reviews