Jordie and Joey Fell from the Sky

Gr 4-6--Jordie and Joey are twin brothers who have been through a lot together, including being left in the middle of a crop circle as babies, and then going through 19 foster homes that didn't always provide the most loving care. They both have mysterious marks on their backs that Jordie is convinced are the same marks seen in crop circles; he believes they are descendants of aliens that landed in 1947. Joey is less convinced, but follows his brother as they run away to find answers about their past. A new friend joins them on their impulsive adventure where they get into plenty of trouble, some of which strains credibility. Joey starts to wonder whether his brother is using the idea of aliens to distract himself from the truth of their abused and neglected childhood. Joey is also trying to sort out his identity as he grapples with his feelings towards another boy. The formatting and short chapters help keep the pacing quick; interspersed throughout are excerpts from online blogs like "Calum's Guide to Extraterrestrials." However, the close brotherly bond is what will really stick with young readers. VERDICT This fast-paced story of twin brothers on an adventure to find aliens has plenty of emotional resonance.--Carrie Shaurette