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.