(2) K-3 Illustrated by Benjamin Chaud. "Old MacDonald had a farm" until a spaceship arrives and beams up his animals: "With a ZERP ZAP here, / and a ZERP ZAP there." Now space alien Old MacMartian and his doglike pet have all those animals on their ship—with humorous results. Initially perplexed, the cow, pig, cat, and sheep proceed to wreak havoc in close quarters ("With a GLOOP GLOOP here / and a GLOOP GLOOP there / ...Old MacMartian needs a bath"). After failed attempts at corralling the creatures, the exhausted would-be extraterrestrial farmer tries for sleep—but these sheep aren't the counting type. Old MacMartian proceeds to expel this onboard barnyard back down to Earth, to both farmers' relief. The humorous pencil and digital illustrations center goggle-eyed characters—earthlings with two eyes, extraterrestrials with three—with funny facial expressions recalling Sandra Boynton's menagerie. Details on the spaceship, among all the cheerful chaos, will have listeners looking closely to track the destruction. "But they CLEANED UP here / and they CLEANED UP there," and by the end, the Martian protagonist concludes, "IT'S NICE TO BE ALONE" with a loyal doglike sidekick and a lesson learned about alien abduction.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2025

(2) K-3 The cover of this back-to-school picture book appears to show an ordinary class photo, with some kids smiling, others posing, still others jostling, a frazzled teacher...and one space alien. The front endpapers and title-page spread whoosh readers far into outer space, then (on the copyright and dedication pages) back toward our upper atmosphere, then down to Earth to hover above an elementary school. "This is the first day of the first week of school," begins the text, as a line of cars at drop-off snakes around a pleasant-looking building. Once inside, and all day Monday, we get to know a class of students by their interests and peculiarities: the Inventor, the Artist, the Sport Kings, plus the Teacher and Pat, the class-pet bearded dragon. Then on Tuesday a spaceship appears, and a new classmate -- Nobody -- joins the group. The story takes us through the days of the week, along with key activities (show-and-tell, recess), with readers following the characters' simultaneous actions, which continue and build with every page-turn. The cheerfully busy crayon illustrations offer many satisfying details to notice and track. There's lots of humor -- Pat, at first alarmed, grows attached to the alien -- and moments of poignancy: the Artist suffers a creative crisis that's resolved by Nobody; a social studies lesson by the Teacher about her family's immigrant experience makes the alien miss "his own gelatinous family" and then beam back up. It's a quirky story with way-out details that are ultimately grounded in home.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2024

(2) YA As Sam Kepler Greyson heads back to school for the first time after going through chemo, he's still worried about his illness -- now in remission -- and processing the loss of his best friend, Oscar, who died from brain cancer. He doesn't expect things to get better when he's paired with Cat Pellegrini for their eighth-grade California history project, especially when Cat's friends start speculating that he lied about being sick for attention. Sam becomes even more determined not to talk about his cancer -- to anyone, including his moms -- even when he starts having concerning symptoms. But Cat turns out to be the same kind of nerdy as Sam, and they connect over a favorite TV show and a passion for UFOs. With Cat's help, Sam continues the work he'd begun studying extraterrestrials with Oscar, and together they follow clues to locate the author of a mysterious article on the subject. When a health crisis puts his friendship with Cat at risk, Sam has to deal with things he'd rather avoid. The book deals honestly with conflicting emotions of some cancer survivors (including Bury, as an author's note explains) without becoming maudlin, with Sam's wry sense of humor at the core. The cancer and UFO plot threads interweave elegantly, and the book offers possibilities but no easy answers.

Reviewer: Sarah Rettger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2025

(2) K-3 The "dalmartians," depicted as canine-esque creatures with green spots who walk on hind legs, arrive in Stephen's backyard via spaceship one night. Upon being spotted by him, they make a rushed getaway, leaving one of their number behind. "Stephen invited the guest into his home. The guest graciously accepted." The clever narrative works together with humorous, detailed ink and charcoal illustrations to develop a comedy of manners. The two learn how to cohabitate, with Stephen happily making most of the concessions. The guest might look like a dog, but his sensibilities are all human. Bacon ranks superior to dog food, as do beds to the floor. The guest finds the sniffing and bathroom behavior of the park dogs appalling, and though he and Stephen are getting to know each other, he misses those who left him behind. The art skillfully conveys pace through lines and composition and emotion through color, with sharp contrasts between light and dark and background hues heightening the mood and the growing relationship between the characters. This buildup creates an especially poignant moment when that spaceship finally returns on a rescue mission and Stephen awakes to find his "guest," now pointedly referred to as "friend," gone. Far away in space, the dalmartian experiences this same sense of loss, and the two reunite to tie up this sharp and appealing friendship story, which also gives the pet angle a new and enjoyable twist.

Reviewer: Julie Roach | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(2) 4-6 In a graphic novel set during the seventy-fifth anniversary of the alleged alien crash landing in Roswell, New Mexico, Julia searches for extraterrestrial life on a road trip with her dad while unexpectedly examining her Earth-bound relationships. Her father hasn't been the same since his supposed alien abduction, resulting in her parents' separation. Julia wants to support her dad but wrestles with her own doubt and disappointment. Her frustration is heightened once arriving in Roswell, thanks to the corny nature of the festivities and the cynicism of peers. Josh is also a child of self-proclaimed alien abductees, yet to Julia's surprise he vehemently opposes his parents' beliefs. ("Trust me, all these people are full of it.") After a series of mishaps--including a miscalculated prank, a car breakdown, and their failure to contact aliens--Julia reaches a hard-earned understanding of her father, shaped by acceptance and empathy. Miller's skillful cartooning enhances the storytelling throughout. Shifts in color effectively signal transitions between the present and the past. The sharp dialogue is believable, while wordless scenes are equally revealing. A consistent three-tiered page layout establishes a steady reading pace; however, Miller frequently shifts panel size, shape, and quantity for narrative impact--from rows of numerous panels during fast-paced discussions to bold double-page spreads at emotional crescendos. A satisfying and nuanced encounter.

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2023

(2) 4-6 Fleming deftly explores the enigmatic history of UFOs, extraterrestrials, and conspiracy theories related to the infamous events during the summer of 1947 in Roswell, New Mexico. Brisk chapters (with such evocative headings as "What's That in the Sky?" and "Could It Really Be a Flying Saucer?") cogently weave together how the now-ubiquitous story of a UFO crash-landing in the desert came to be. Yes, mysterious debris really was discovered by a sheep rancher near Roswell; however, a growing post-WWII fear of nuclear war combined with a highly publicized "flying saucer" sighting near Mount Rainier caught the public's imagination, spiraling into a convoluted tale of secret alien autopsies and interplanetary spacecraft. With four distinct parts spanning the last seventy years, Fleming documents the willingness of many well-known ufologists to accept unconfirmed evidence and hearsay ("saucer logic") as truth in the face of consistent discreditation. Notably, readers are provided with several "basic principles of critical thinking" to evaluate such extraordinary claims, including the Sagan Standard, burden of proof, and Occam's razor. A variety of visuals, including declassified government documents, photographs, and original illustrations, are effectively incorporated throughout. Fleming concludes with a brief overview of current-day perspectives on UAPs (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena), including the U.S. government's public acknowledgment of documented sightings. Back matter includes an author's note, bibliography, source notes, and an index.

Reviewer: Patrick Gall | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2022

(3) YA Five years after their small Ohio town was devastated by a steel mill explosion, a group of teens united by loss and grief find something new to bond over when they witness strange lights in the sky and decide to investigate. The mystery's paranormal elements combine with narrator Franny's introspection to create a rich and rewarding page-turner fans of Stranger Things will devour.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(3) 4-6 Days after the end of book one, Ken and the EngiNerds are tracking down the final robot from the horde that menaced their town. A girl named Mikaela, who claims she's seen an alien, is a distraction, but Ken refuses to be thrown off his mission. Ample humor, short chapters, and the introduction of a smart, independent girl character make this a worthy successor to EngiNerds.

Reviewer: Janet Dawson

(3) K-3 In Biedrzycki's third tongue-in-cheek Breaking News picture book, local animals are beamed up to a UFO. TV reporter Chad Newsworthy provides live coverage of the event, complete with eyewitness interviews and a news ticker across the bottom of the dramatic digital illustrations. When the animals return to Earth--"with goody bags?!"--readers learn "we are not the only party animals in the universe!"

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) 4-6 Enduring Mysteries series. Karst explores mysteries that linger prominently in our culture. Have humans been abducted by extraterrestrials? What happens after death? These books present balanced discussions that include modern-day scientific inquiry while still leaving room for kids to use their imaginations. The accessible texts are well punctuated with glossy photos and illustrations. Websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Enduring Mysteries titles: Alien Abductions, Near-Death Experiences, and Sea Monsters.

Reviewer: Lisa Catherine Findlay

(3) 1-3 Hilde Cracks the Case series. Illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff. Nine-year-old "serious reporter" Hilde continues "hunting down the news" in her neighborhood. In these capers, Hilde reports on strange damage from a tornado and investigates a supposed UFO landing. Aspiring reporters will enjoy learning journalistic nuts and bolts from this affable kid-newshound. Pen-and-ink illustrations closely follow the texts, increasing accessibility. "Questions and Activities" are appended. Review covers these Hilde Cracks the Case titles: Tornado Hits and UFO Spotted.

Reviewer: Katrina Hedeen

(3) 4-6 In 1947 Roswell, New Mexico, a flying saucer crashes in the woods near Mylo's family's ranch. Still grieving the recent death of his brother, Mylo is irresistibly drawn to the site, where he encounters an alien being whom he and his friends--and some sympathetic adults--work to save. This heartwarming novel features convincing characters and a gripping, fast-moving plot. An author's note provides historical context.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(4) K-3 A spaceship with unknown motives approaches Earth and lands in a neighborhood. Busy, colorful comics-style illustrations depict hysterical adults expecting the worst ("SECURE THE PERIMETER!"; "THE END HAS COME!"), while the voice of reason, ironically, comes from a small boy. The sweet, lighthearted ending teaches a rather heavy-handed (but important) message about not rushing to judgment.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(2) YA Matty meets a "crazy, crazy girl" in the rural-Pennsylvania field where a spaceship purportedly landed in 1965. Priya is from a planet near Gliese 581c, she tells him, and she's waiting to go home. Matty's first-person narrative rings true, and though Priya's real story will likely leave readers in tears, they will be glad to have shared "eight days on planet Earth" with Matty and Priya.

Reviewer: Dean Schneider | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2017

(3) 4-6 Searchlight Books: Fear Fest series. Chilling paranormal tales abound in this series. Each volume focuses on a specific type of paranormal activity and provides accounts from throughout history. The texts wisely ground the series in science by including debunkings and realistic explanations for the stories. Illustrations and photographs accompany the text on each page and help set the spooky mood. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Searchlight Books: Fear Fest titles: Mysterious UFOs and Aliens, Spine-Tingling Urban Legends, Chilling Ancient Curses, Eerie ESP, Spooky Haunted Houses, and Frightful Ghost Ships.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(4) K-3 Bolt: Strange...but True? series. This hi-lo series explores the history behind paranormal phenomena and why some people believe in them and others believe they're fantasy or hoaxes; ultimately, readers are asked to decide for themselves. Each slight discussion is illustrated with a jarring mix of photos and computer renderings and includes a short "Believe It or Not?" quiz. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Bolt: Strange...but True? titles: Area 51, Crop Circles, Loch Ness Monster, Vampires, and Werewolves.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(4) K-3 Bolt: Strange...but True? series. This hi-lo series explores the history behind paranormal phenomena and why some people believe in them and others believe they're fantasy or hoaxes; ultimately, readers are asked to decide for themselves. Each slight discussion is illustrated with a jarring mix of photos and computer renderings and includes a short "Believe It or Not?" quiz. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Bolt: Strange...but True? titles: Area 51, Crop Circles, Loch Ness Monster, Vampires, and Werewolves.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(4) 4-6 Mysteries of History series. Theories surrounding Nevada's Area 51 as well as reports of unexplained phenomena and unconfirmed events (mainly UFO sightings) are laid out for readers in clear, concise text with plenty of images. With frequent inserts (and an appendix) of comprehension activities, publisher's links, and writing prompts, the series is more focused on core standards than general research. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: David Elzey

(4) YA Life gets weird for aspiring magician Benji after he shoots a UFO from the sky. The mystery of what it was, and what its destruction will mean, builds on family history and a folksy, middle-American small-town backdrop. The metaphorical underpinnings are clumsy, as are the interpersonal dynamics among Benji and his friends, but the old-school sci-fi elements (when they surface) are engagingly mysterious.

Reviewer: Claire E. Gross

(4) 4-6 Edge Books: Paranormal Handbooks series. Color photographs, drawings, and "Freaky Fact" sidebars accompany serviceable texts offering historical and recent anecdotes of people encountering two types of paranormal phenomena: UFOs and legendary creatures (Bigfoot, Chupacabra, etc.). The authors repeatedly state there is no scientific evidence to prove the creatures' existence but don't question the credibility of the sightings. Comprehension quiz included. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Edge Books: Paranormal Handbooks titles: Handbook to UFOs, Crop Circles, and Alien Encounters and Handbook to Bigfoot, Nessie, and Other Unexplained Creatures.

Reviewer: Jack Forman