SPHDZ

by Jon Scieszka, Shane Prigmore (Illustrator)

We're close to 3.14 million SPHDZ, but there is still a lot to be done. Michael K., Venus, TJ, and the SPHDZ are working hard to keep kids signing up to be Spaceheadz. But Agent Umber of the AAA (Anti Alien Agency) is relentless and the unseen leader of Spaceheadz turns out not to be who anyone expected!

Full of twists and turns, the third book in the out of this world series continues. And a bigger mystery is about to be revealed!

Genres: Science Fiction, Humor, Aliens, Childrens, Juvenile, Fantasy

216 pages, Hardcover

Published September 20, 2011

About the author

Jon Scieszka is an American children's writer, best known for picture books created with the illustrator Lane Smith. He is also a nationally recognized reading advocate, and the founder of Guys Read – a web-based literacy program for boys whose mission is "to help boys become self-motivated, lifelong readers."

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This third Spaceheadz was very entertaining to me as a young kid. This book focuses more on Agent Umber, the bumbling anti-alien agent, and his handler, Agent Hot Magenta. I think I actually had a little kid crush on Agent Hot Magenta, because she was hot.

I read this book around the time that I discovered the Spaceheadz website and put a Spaceheadz sign on my window for everyone to see. I totally got brainwashed into a marketing campaign, one that didn’t work because only a hundred people have read this book on Goodreads.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fans of the series will not be disappointed. The Spaceheadz, along with Michel K., Venus, & TJ are looking forward to celebrating 3.14 million plus 1 Spaceheadz and saving the planet when disaster strikes in the form of a sneak thief. Michael K. is furious, the Spaceheadz are baffled, and even Agent Umber is on the case. Agent Umber continues to be the well-meaning and patriotic bumbler who always manages to stumble into saving the day (think Inspector Clouseau from the Pink Panther films), and is still in top form. Meanwhile we learn that Agent Fluffy can understand Baby K's language, and Baby K knows quite a bit about what is going on. This is a quick and funny read, and is very similar to the other two titles (possibly a little too similar? but still enjoyable). The illustrations are still absolutely fabulous, and the adventures appear to be far from over.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the third installment of this series, Michael K. and his friends are close to collecting the needed brain waves to save the earth from destruction. But it turns out that Michael is being used by aliens with perfect, unexpected disguises. Much is revealed, and Dad K. and Mom K. find out that both of them are involved in complicated spying efforts. Agent Umber and Agent Hot Magenta end up working together after Agent Umber almost loses his job. There are many inside jokes and passages that will surely prompt laughter. One of my favorite ones involves Agent Umber trying to escape once the soft drink machine has emptied all of its beverages onto the floor. Early middle graders and late elementary readers will dive into this one with abandon.

[Miss Ryoko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, the third Spaceheadz book isn't as fabulous as the second one, but it isn't bad. Seems like things are taking a turn for the worst for our favorite SPHDZ in this volume. Can Michael K. handle the pressure?

There was a lot of characters we got to see more of in this book - we got to learn much more about Mom K. and Dad K. as well as Agent Umber. We were introduced to Agent Hot Magenta and it seems as if everyone will need to band together to win the battle of the aliens.

I wonder how many more books Scieszka has planned for this series? I'm excited to read the rest.

Memorable quote:
Delta Santa: "The time right now is just-about-too-late o'clock...."
(haha I know that time very well :-p)

[Jan Rue]

Written by Jon Scieszka (2011). Ill. by Shane Prigmore. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Art work is done digitally, black & white. This is not my typical reading material. But I thought since it is something boys like to read I should see what it is all about. I did enjoy it and can see why there is such a following of Scieszka. As this is the thrid book of the series it was a little hard for me to get into, but I stuck with it, enjoying it as I went. I liked the idea of a secret society the kids were making online. It was a different twist to have the parents working against each other at first but then find they were both working for the same thing. I would like to read some more books by Scieszka.

[morninglightmama · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure I liked book 3 as much as the first two, but I'm looking forward to finding out, with my son, what happens to the SPHDZ now that the plot has officially thickened. I appreciate Sciezka's subtle humor in the side pages that speak to themes happening in the story. More crazy silliness, which is what we've come to expect from this series!

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

My son enjoys reading this series to me as much as I enjoy the action and twists Jon Scieszka puts in each volume. This one ends in a cliff-hanger so we will have to wait for the next volume to find out what happens. Be sure to start with Book One!

[Brenda Wharton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book #3 in the spaceheadz series. Michael K, Bob and Jennifer are still working towards the required 3 million spaceheadz to save the planet. Mom K and Dad K are each involved in secret projects that may be working against them

[Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good fun.

[Karen Arendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

It looks like there will be a fourth book in the series. Love the humor and constant action. sure to be a favorite among 3rd graders.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Scieszka knows kids! The third book in the series delivers more wacky scenarios to keep them reading. Grades 2-5.

[WhyNN ~ · Rating 3 out of 5]

it's my fault to jump read to #3 so i didn't get what spaceheadz means....hahaha

if they have introduction page(s), i'm sure it will be helpful...a lot.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Third book was just as good as the first two. Perfect for elementary and middle school students.

[Sevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great and funny book! Perfect for people who don't know what to read!

[QuantiFIRE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome, by far the best in the series!