The New Kid
(Alien Next Door #1)

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.

Gr 2-4--An enjoyable new early chapter book series. Harris has a new neighbor and he just knows there is something different about him. Zeke eats strange foods and doesn't use his hands to type on his tablet. No one else, especially Harris' best friend Roxy, notices anything weird about Zeke. Readers know, however, that Zeke is actually an alien from the planet Tragas. He has come to Earth with his parents who are research scientists studying the planet. They are supposed to keep their alien identities a secret, but Zeke doesn't do a good job keeping his alien ways under wraps. A humorous and charming start to a new series. VERDICT A solid purchase for most collections in need of heavily illustrated chapter books.--V. Lynn Christiansen, Wiley International Studies Magnet Elementary School, Raleigh, NC