by A I Newton (Author) Anjan Sarkar (Illustrator)
In the first book of the brand-new early chapter book series, the Alien Next Door, an alien boy named Zeke tries to fit in and adjust to life on Earth, while a classmate,
Harris, suspects that Zeke might not be quite what he claims to be. Zeke the alien is on his way to his first day of school, feeling down because he has to start over again on a new planet, as his scientist parents constantly move to wherever their research takes them.
When he gets to school, no one seems to notice anything strange or different about him except Harris, a kid obsessed with science fiction and aliens. Harris sees Zeke doing extraordinary things but can't convince anyone, least of all his best friend, Roxy, that Zeke might be an alien. Roxy just thinks Harris is jealous that she's becoming friends with Zeke. But when Roxy invites Zeke over to Harris's house, will Harris find a way to prove that he's right?
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Gr 1-3--Zeke just moved to Earth from Targas with his life-form researcher parents. No one wonders about the long purple Gardash strands Zeke eats for lunch, his origins on Targas, or his special powers, which are displayed at school on more than one occasion--except for his next-door neighbor, Harris. Harris is highly suspicious and decides to spend a day with Zeke to determine if the new kid is an alien. By the end of this first series entry, Zeke and Harris are well on their way to becoming friends. Harris's suspicions may be confirmed, and readers are set up for the next installment. Black-and-white illustrations on each page may make this appealing to newly independent or reluctant readers. VERDICT The formulaic writing and predictable plotting make this ideal for kids venturing beyond easy readers and ready to try their hand at a longer chapter book.--Lindsay Persohn, University of South Florida, Tampa and Polk County Public Schools.
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