Greg van Eekhout

It's been a really long time since I was forced to stay up past my bedtime because I couldn't put a book down. This one made me do it.

I loved the worldbuilding. Even though the entire book was set in Los Angeles, we get a glimpse of how this alternate world is much like, but unlike our today. Being a Los Angelina, I loved the historical figures that were featured in the book.

And, oh, the magic.... It was as fascinating as it was creepy and made sense.

I hope this was the beginning of a trilogy and/or that we see more of this world. I'm off to see what else Mr. Van Eekhout has written.

Highly recommended read.

EDIT 2/6/15 - Still as good as the 1st time.… (more)

Recommended Ages: Gr. 4-7

Plot Summary: Jake has a big secret. He's not really human. His parents found him in a glob that crashed to earth 12 years ago in their neighborhood. Jake's parents want him to be happy and healthy and they're not sure he can stay safe in a real school now that he's started to shapeshift. They allow him after Jake promises to be careful. With cell phones capturing video, no one wants Jake to shapeshift in front of others because his secret will be out there and "they" will find him, maybe to run tests on him. When Jake and his new friend Agnes explore a sink hole in their town and Jake sees some of the same goo that his parents found him in, he's worried. The hum that he feels in his belly before he shapeshifts is also stronger more often now. And more and more sink holes are appearing. One time, at the mall, he changes into a seal in the privacy of his own stall. But tons of videos were captured and he's mortified. Agnes, on the other hand, thinks Jake being able to shapeshift is the greatest thing ever. Together, they want to solve the mystery of the goo and the sinkholes before others find out about Jake. Can they do it before others?

Setting: Arizona, outside of Phoenix

Characters:
Jake Wind - 12 y/o, homeschooled for most of his life
Mom -
Dad - proctologist, makes lots of butt jokes
Agnes Oakes - new to school, likes the same superhero show Nite Kite as Jake, dad died in a warehouse accident
Dale - Jake's uncle, acts like a airhead except when talking or making music
Growler - Jake's dog

Recurring Themes: alien, space, adventure, friendship, survival, family, adoption, belonging

Controversial Issues: none

Personal Thoughts: Better than I thought for a genre I don't always love. Could be a lot to discuss. Well written.

Genre: science fiction

Pacing: medium
Characters: decent character development
Frame:
Storyline:

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