Chicken House (www.chickenhousebooks.com) ISBN 9781911490821 £6.99
It is New Mexico in 1947 and rumours abound that a UFO has crash landed in the vicinity. Despite assurances from the military that there is nothing to see, Milo, Dibs and their friends can’t resist investigating for themselves. Milo is spurred on further by hearing a voice apparently calling for help. The friends are amazed when they find not only a space ship but also a young female ‘Moontian’ from Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons. Will they be able to keep her hidden, help rescue her sick brother who has been captured and return them both safely to their mother ship?
Based partially on accounts of suspected UFO landings, this is an exciting multi-layered adventure story which would provide plenty to enjoy and think about as a class read aloud for upper KS2. The reader gets to know the two main characters really well; Milo is emerging from deep grief at the recent loss of his brother and Dibs is coping with physical abuse and neglect from his depressed and alcoholic father. Despite these traumas there is tremendous warmth and humour in the story, for example Moon Shine the alien’s first word is ‘Kapow!’ learnt from Milo’s collection of Superhero comics. A gripping read.
Sue McGonigle