by Charise Mericle Harper I'm way behind on book reviews, so this is going to be short and sweet. This is one of the books on this year's Nene Award nominee list that I had not read yet, and it's a great pick! First of all, this book is supremely funny. I woke my husband up in bed with my giggling. However, the best part about Alien Encouner is that it's so much more than just a funny story. The biggest strength is the characterization. Morgan and Lewis have unique backgrounds and qualities, but they are, essentially, just regular 11-year-boys. They're not very mature and they don't have special powers, but they are incredibly likable. Harper shares Morgan's inner thoughts to reveal his personality, and his viewpoint provides most of the humor. The humor is illustrated with Harper's simple line drawings that feel authentically young. The illustrations often reveal Morgan's inner thoughts, and even Morgan's acrostic poems, that always raise a question or bring a giggle. The story is also accessible to young readers with it's simple but engaging and entertaining storyline. When Morgan goes looking for the perfect stick to make a triple slingshot, he finds Lewis stuck in a tree by his underpants. Isn't that the making for a beautiful friendship? Together, the boys go on adventures without even leaving their neighborhood, and I certainly had the same experience growing up, which is one reason I loved this. I know that kids will love following Morgan and Lewis's adventures, too! Overall rating: 5 stars. It won't win a Newbery, but it's just perfect example of humorous realistic fiction.
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Debby VandersandeDebby Vandersande is an elementary library school media specialist in Honolulu, Hawaii. ArchivesCategories |