The Computer Nut

by Betsy Byars

Kate’s new friend is really out of this world—he’s an alien!

When Kate sits down at the computer, nothing seems out of the ordinary. But suddenly a mysterious message flashes up on the screen. Someone who calls himself BB-9 is trying to get through to her. It doesn’t take long for Kate to figure out who BB-9 is—and she’s sure that everyone else will be as excited as she is. But what do you do when you’re about to make headlines . . . and no one believes you?

“Readers . . . will be easily hooked on the fascinating sci-fi premise.”— Booklist

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Novels, Literature

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Betsy Byars was an American author of children's books. She wrote over sixty books for young people. Her first novel was published in 1962. Her novel Summer of the Swans won the 1971 Newbery Medal. She also received a National Book Award for Young People's Literature for The Night Swimmers and an Edgar Award for Wanted ... Mud Blossom!!

Daughters Betsy Duffey and Laurie Myers are also writers.

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bizarre alien/computer book from the 80s. Weird.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 1 out of 5]

Library copy

I can't. I just can't. Kate is working on the computer in her father's office, drawing a picture of herself, when she gets a message. She has to go home, so can't get it until the next day. It turns out to be a space alien who wants to make contact, and tries to arrange to meet Kate and her friends. No! Kate! I don't know how you managed to get online (Prodigy? A university server?), but someone claiming to be alien? Clearly, predator. Run. Tell a trusted adult. Also, since the alien is CONSTANTLY TYPING IN ALL CAPS, it's clearly angry.

I am embarassed that I kept this even for a unit on historical fiction.

[An0ther · Rating 3 out of 5]

The most 80's book I've ever read.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review from when I was a children's librarian. Kate, a lover of computers, received a strange message from a secret admirer. Convinced it is an alien but hoping for her crush Willie Lomax, she enlists the help of her best friend. She concocts a scheme which backfires and she almost makes an enemy of Willie. This is not Byar's best but it will probably keep kids reading. On the positive side, the computer nut/main character is a female.

[Codi Lessner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book. Definitely enjoyed it.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminds me of the song "Deeper Understanding" by Kate Bush!

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the sweetest, most uniquely endearing books I have read in some time.

I don't know how Betsy Byars conjured this wonderfully imaginative story into existence, but I'm glad she did. Surprisingly humorous and touching, I feel that The Computer Nut succeeds in exceptional measure, adding charming dimension to the library of books authored by the one and only Betsy Byars.

The Computer Nut isn't one of Betsy Byars's best-known novels, but it shines with a light that is rare in the world of kid lit. I loved BB-9, Willie, and Kate (but especially BB-9), and to me this book will always be special.

[Elizabeth Gibbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed in the lack of plot. The idea of meeting an alien on a computer was great but the dialog between the kids and the "alien" left a lot to be desired. This was published in 1984, before meeting people online became normal. Of course, even today it would be odd to hear someone claim to be an alien! This book had so much potential and I feel sad that it wasn't better.

Note: Two girls in the book were talking about Klinger from MASH. I thought it was cool that it was written during a time period when kids would know who Klinger was.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this was an okay book. Really an easy read, I read it in about an hour. It's probably a fifth-grade level :P ... or lower, ha ha. This seems more fitting for an episode than a book, you know what I mean? I didn't really think it was fitting enough for a book, maybe something more like, a Wizards of Waverly Place episode or something, ha ha.

[Roberto Scarlato · Rating 5 out of 5]

Corny, but entertaining. This book was a classic. A girl, finishing up homework on a business computer gets contacted by an extraterrestrial life form who suggests that he is visiting earth soon. They keep in communication throughout the whole book. Whether the alien is real or just a prank is really up to the reader to decide.

[L · Rating 3 out of 5]

Betsy Byars was one of my favorite authors as a child. I remember reading and loving every one of her books I could find. This one turned up recently when I was cleaning, and was not one I remembered, but was lots of fun to read, even as an adult.

[Peas · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a great book!and very interesting!i just picked it up and didnt even read the backi didnt no wat would happen!it was really good its my favorite

[Brittney]

i totally love this book its awsewome i
cant believe i finished it

[Theo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an ok book. I kinda liked it but not a lot.

[Pulkit · Rating 5 out of 5]

cool

[Vishu · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very interesting book by Betsy Byars. It is about a girl who talks with an alien.

[Jocelyn Montalvo Cullum]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14138349

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love BB. Reading all her books with my son.

[Catherine Mustread · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Readers Choice 1987 nominee - might seem dated a generation later.

[Readrunlive · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very odd book from the 80s about an alien using a computer. Very strange.