Spaceheadz

Spaceheadz by Jon Scieszka

All Michael K. wants is to fit in at his new school – to fit in and make some new friends. But when he’s roped into showing weirdo Bob and pencil eating Jennifer the ins and outs of his new classroom, he realizes that Bob and Jennifer are not the kinds of kids he wants to be friends with. Michael K. isn’t mean, not at all.

There’s something strange about Bob and Jennifer.  It’s not how they look, it’s how they act. They don’t understand the concept of lining up, they’re speak as if they’re walking television ads, and oddly they can communicate with the class hamster, Fluffy – who seems to understand them. It’s as if they are … aliens. But that’s impossible. Or is it?

Bob and Jennifer are grade A aliens, sent to earth on a very specific mission. They’re sent to recruit  3, 400, 001 earthlings to become SPHDZ (Spaceheadz, that is). If they don’t, the earth will be turned off…completely. What does this mean? Michael K. really doesn’t know, and the more he tries to dodge and dismiss his new-found alien friends the more he is thrust into their recruiting plans. With the help of Michael K., the boy they think could do anything, will these Spaceheadz fulfill their mission? Or will it be too late .. for them and for earth?

Jon Scieszka has written a laugh out loud funny sci-fi adventure that isn’t only written for children, but for children of all ages. Finding something for everyone this book will keep readers engaged and entertained from the first page to the last. Smart, quirky, and written in true Scieszka style, SPHDZ reveals the trials and tribulations of being a fifth grader. Facing problems like fitting in, finding ones place within the world, and understanding different people with different personalities are among the challenges that SPHDZ relatable characters are faced with.

 

Besides the writing and the comedic illustrations, SPHDZ is a book that is breaking boundaries. How? Scieszka and company have intertwined a variety of websites/links into the text allowing readers move smoothly between two different worlds. Readers will flock to these sites just as quickly as they will flock to the remaining books in this new series.

     

SPHDZ is short, sweet, and gets right to the heart of the action. It’s the perfect book for both boys and girls, for advanced readers and for reluctant readers. It’s sure to please whatever need is looking to be filled.  

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Zero Days of Ruby Oliver (Bonus Giveaway!)

December 28th, 2010

0. REAL LIVE BOYFRIENDS by E. Lockhart is out TODAY!!!!!

In honor of this release, I will be giving away a (used) copy of  the first book in the Ruby Oliver series The Boyfriend List.

Details: Contest is open to all U.S. residents only (sorry!) from December 28th and will run for a full week, closing at midnight on January 4th, 2011. To enter, simply  post a comment sharing what your favorite series of books is, and one reason why. Winner will be selected, contacted, and announced on January 5th, 2011, after which they will have two (full) days to respond. If no response is returned a new winner will be selected.

One Day of Ruby Oliver

December 27th, 2010

1. I love how Ruby has a job at the zoo and she writes love notes to all her favorite animals. It’s something I would do (if I worked at a zoo, and if I weren’t allergic to animals)

Two Days of Ruby Oliver

December 26th, 2010

2.  I have to say it: I’m extremely happy that Real Live Boyfriends comes out AFTER Christmas? Why? Not only will there be those awesome after christmas sales, but there’s all those gift cards to put to good use!

Three Days of Ruby Oliver

December 25th, 2010 (MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!)

3.  I love how, even though the series deals with some weighty teen issues, they are handled in not only a positive way, but they are also handled with a sense of humor – on Ruby’s part and on part of (obviously) E. Lockhart’s. I feel like this book is a great example to show teenaged girls that even though you’ll have to deal with tough situations, it isn’t the end of the world – and in fact, those same situations may make you a better person.

Four Days of Ruby Oliver

December 24th, 2010

4. I love the appeal in living on a  houseboat. It seems so adventurous! But if you are me and suffer from horrific motion sickness living on a boat wouldn’t be the greatest of all the adventurous ideas you’ve had.  (this kind of saddens me.)

Five Days of Ruby Oliver

December 23rd, 2010

5. In most series I’ve read (and actually completed) there’s always one that stands out more than the rest. But in this case, I can’t pick a favorite. I love them all equally.