A kid who just wanted a cell phone ends up being responsible for saving the world from an alien invasion in this hilarious, action-packed new middle grade novel that’s perfect for fans of Sal and Gabi Break the Universe and Gordon Korman.
Ten-year-old Matt really wants a phone, but his parents won’t let him have one. When he finds one just lying on the sidewalk, he naturally picks it up and claims it for himself. But when Matt uses his new phone to take pictures, they show the crossing guard in front of his school as a monster. But that can’t be right…can it?
Matt soon learns that: a) his lunch lady is also a monster (actually, an alien); b) an invasion of Earth is due to take place within the next few days; and c) the lunch lady is having cold feet (well, tentacles) about the whole thing and wants his help. Matt and his friend Marcela join forces with her to save the planet.
Battles in their school cafeteria and high above the Earth’s atmosphere place them in very close encounters with alien pets and the business end of a gigantic oven. As the danger mounts, Matt and Marcela must ask themselves what they’re willing to risk to save their friends, their family, and their world.
"Whether you believe in aliens or think the whole idea is a little out there, this read is the perfect adventure to escape the realities of homework, chores, and responsibilities."
"A perfect book for reluctant readers. It delivers on the humor front, and that combined with the impending alien invasion theme and icky, creepy monsters with tentacles (and icky, creepy monsters with tentacles who make out with each other!) makes this a slam-dunk for emerging readers looking for fun, fresh reads and who are not yet ready to tackle the heavier stuff.
"This humorous, fast-paced story has a light tone and plenty of action to keep readers hooked. Twists and turns and lots of silliness make this an appealing choice."
"Laugh out loud adventure ... A great choice for a read-aloud. I’d also welcome a sequel. Bravo to the author for a perfectly entertaining middle grade debut."
“It’s action packed, it’s a lot of fun, it’ll likely have you looking at your school staff and your co-workers in a whole new light. Middle grade readers are going to love this book, I love this book!”
"A fun blend of humor and adventure."
"School life mixes with a quirky but exciting adventure in a read, which lets the imagination fly and builds fun tension the entire way through … While this is a fast-paced read with dangerous predicaments, evil aliens, and high stakes, it carries quite a bit of humor to make it a fun tale with plenty of action and tension … Fans of silly adventures with unexpected heroes and evil plots are sure to enjoy this one."