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Ethan Fairmont #2
Too Many Interesting Things Are Happening to Ethan Fairmont
Nick Brooks, award-winning filmmaker and author of Promise Boys, mixes out-of-this-world sci-fi with contemporary themes of friendship, community, and social justice in this hit middle-grade series.
Ferrous City is suddenly a lot more interesting—in fact, a little too interesting for Ethan Fairmont.
Ethan’s beloved neighborhood is full of new faces. Lifelong residents are being priced out of their homes, and new businesses are replacing old favorites. At school, Ethan finds a rival in new-kid Fatima, an inventor who is just as science savvy as him. She even has TWO patents! Then there’s the mysterious real estate agent with way too many questions for Ethan. Not to mention the extraterrestrial-obsessed Jodie and his “Aliens Are Here” club.
It’s all too much for Ethan and he begins to miss Cheese, his adorable six-eyed alien pal, even more. Fortunately for Ethan and his friends Kareem and Juan Carlos, distraction comes in the form of a top-secret project. Cheese left a communication device under Ethan’s bed before exiting the planet. There’s just one they can’t figure out how it works!
As Ferrous City continues to change and eyes are everywhere, will the trio be able to keep their secret and reach Cheese, or is something nefarious brewing right next door?
E.T. meets Stranger Things in the second title of this unforgettable sci-fi adventure series, perfect for readers ages 8 to 12.
Ferrous City is suddenly a lot more interesting—in fact, a little too interesting for Ethan Fairmont.
Ethan’s beloved neighborhood is full of new faces. Lifelong residents are being priced out of their homes, and new businesses are replacing old favorites. At school, Ethan finds a rival in new-kid Fatima, an inventor who is just as science savvy as him. She even has TWO patents! Then there’s the mysterious real estate agent with way too many questions for Ethan. Not to mention the extraterrestrial-obsessed Jodie and his “Aliens Are Here” club.
It’s all too much for Ethan and he begins to miss Cheese, his adorable six-eyed alien pal, even more. Fortunately for Ethan and his friends Kareem and Juan Carlos, distraction comes in the form of a top-secret project. Cheese left a communication device under Ethan’s bed before exiting the planet. There’s just one they can’t figure out how it works!
As Ferrous City continues to change and eyes are everywhere, will the trio be able to keep their secret and reach Cheese, or is something nefarious brewing right next door?
E.T. meets Stranger Things in the second title of this unforgettable sci-fi adventure series, perfect for readers ages 8 to 12.
214 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 29, 2024
Had to round this up, because for much of the time the interesting things are uncomfortable reading (Ethan is worried for most of the book) which made it less fun than the first one. But I did read it in almost a single, enjoyable, sitting.
June 30, 2023
In Too Many Interesting Things are Happening to Ethan Fairmont, the second installment of the Ethan Fairmont series, Nick Brooks takes readers on an exciting journey filled with friendship, adventure, and a touch of sci-fi. Even though I hadn't read the first book, I found this one to be a compelling read that stands well on its own.
The story follows Ethan Fairmont, a young protagonist whose life is brimming with school, friends, and inventions. However, things take an unexpected turn when a wave of intriguing events floods Ferrous City, bringing a group of people with questionable intentions toward Ethan's alien friend, Cheese. As Ethan and his friends strive to find a way to communicate with Cheese while keeping his existence a secret, readers are taken on a thrilling ride filled with suspense and mystery.
One aspect that stood out to me was the relatability of the characters. Brooks masterfully captures the essence of being a middle-grader, allowing readers to connect with Ethan and his friends on a deeper level. The story subtly addresses relevant and sensitive topics such as jealousy, secrets, and teamwork and even introduces historical nuggets about significant figures like Katherine Johnson, the human computer at NASA. One of my favorite quotes came from Di: “My granny always says ‘a what-if never made a sandwich.’ I think it means you have to worry about it when it happens. Waiting for bad stuff to happen means you’re not enjoying when bad stuff isn't happening.” This quote is a perfect middle-grade explanation of living in the moment and I'm here for it. The organic inclusion of representation and kid-friendly resiliency message adds a layer of richness to the narrative and creates a more immersive reading experience.
Moreover, the book excellently tackles themes of friendship, social justice, and community. Brooks weaves these important messages seamlessly into the plot, making the book entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether you're an avid inventor, a science enthusiast, or simply a lover of sci-fi, this book is sure to capture your imagination and keep you engaged from start to finish.
Overall, Too Many Interesting Things are Happening to Ethan Fairmont is an engaging middle-grade sci-fi novel that offers entertainment and a meaningful message. With relatable characters, an intriguing plot, and expertly incorporated themes, this book is a must-read for young readers and adults alike. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in an adventurous and thought-provoking series!
The story follows Ethan Fairmont, a young protagonist whose life is brimming with school, friends, and inventions. However, things take an unexpected turn when a wave of intriguing events floods Ferrous City, bringing a group of people with questionable intentions toward Ethan's alien friend, Cheese. As Ethan and his friends strive to find a way to communicate with Cheese while keeping his existence a secret, readers are taken on a thrilling ride filled with suspense and mystery.
One aspect that stood out to me was the relatability of the characters. Brooks masterfully captures the essence of being a middle-grader, allowing readers to connect with Ethan and his friends on a deeper level. The story subtly addresses relevant and sensitive topics such as jealousy, secrets, and teamwork and even introduces historical nuggets about significant figures like Katherine Johnson, the human computer at NASA. One of my favorite quotes came from Di: “My granny always says ‘a what-if never made a sandwich.’ I think it means you have to worry about it when it happens. Waiting for bad stuff to happen means you’re not enjoying when bad stuff isn't happening.” This quote is a perfect middle-grade explanation of living in the moment and I'm here for it. The organic inclusion of representation and kid-friendly resiliency message adds a layer of richness to the narrative and creates a more immersive reading experience.
Moreover, the book excellently tackles themes of friendship, social justice, and community. Brooks weaves these important messages seamlessly into the plot, making the book entertaining and thought-provoking. Whether you're an avid inventor, a science enthusiast, or simply a lover of sci-fi, this book is sure to capture your imagination and keep you engaged from start to finish.
Overall, Too Many Interesting Things are Happening to Ethan Fairmont is an engaging middle-grade sci-fi novel that offers entertainment and a meaningful message. With relatable characters, an intriguing plot, and expertly incorporated themes, this book is a must-read for young readers and adults alike. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in an adventurous and thought-provoking series!
August 26, 2023
Alien action mixes with friendship and school drama...but it's the goo, which the reader needs to watch out for.
Cheese has returned to space, leaving Ethan a little worried, since he's not sure his friend is truly safe. But then, life in Why has become unsettled as more and more people are moving in from the larger cities to find jobs and houses are being sold. Even his parents are considering putting their house on the market. School doesn't offer any more stability as a new girl causes more than a little competition for Ethan in the inventor category. When she gets placed in his group for a school project, things get sticky because he's hoping to use the assignment to spend more time working on a way to communicate with Cheese. But the stakes are about to shoot up to extremes because signs of goo are popping up, and that means the dangerous aliens are there, too.
I enjoyed this second novel more than the first in the series, and found it to be grabbing from beginning to end. Ethan has now settled into a balance between life, aliens, and his inventions. Him and his friends understand each other well, his family is life as always, and he even has the chance to really sink into his hobby and shine. With the world and character building of the first book settled, this one (while still holding character arc, learning and depth) allows for the adventure to take off. And the author doesn't disappoint on that end, either.
The title on this one is long but oh-so fitting. Ethan's problems mount and mount to form a nice weave of sub-plots...and these do all filter together at the end. The social drama, while present, is just the right amount to make the characters sympathetic and easy to connect with, while not dampening the adventure's quicker pacing. The secrets and hints of danger are well-laid, some more obvious than others. This builds the tension nicely and gives hints without completely giving away the ending, which is great for the audience level.
The science fiction end packs a bit of imagination and some tech-fun. The aliens add a nice touch of fantasy, while the inventions hit on a level which can inspire readers to try to build things on their own. A pile of parts to screw, wire, and alter to form something new is more than exciting, and not just for future engineers and scientists. This is a read with more than a little to enjoy. I received an ARC and enjoyed the tale quite a bit.
Cheese has returned to space, leaving Ethan a little worried, since he's not sure his friend is truly safe. But then, life in Why has become unsettled as more and more people are moving in from the larger cities to find jobs and houses are being sold. Even his parents are considering putting their house on the market. School doesn't offer any more stability as a new girl causes more than a little competition for Ethan in the inventor category. When she gets placed in his group for a school project, things get sticky because he's hoping to use the assignment to spend more time working on a way to communicate with Cheese. But the stakes are about to shoot up to extremes because signs of goo are popping up, and that means the dangerous aliens are there, too.
I enjoyed this second novel more than the first in the series, and found it to be grabbing from beginning to end. Ethan has now settled into a balance between life, aliens, and his inventions. Him and his friends understand each other well, his family is life as always, and he even has the chance to really sink into his hobby and shine. With the world and character building of the first book settled, this one (while still holding character arc, learning and depth) allows for the adventure to take off. And the author doesn't disappoint on that end, either.
The title on this one is long but oh-so fitting. Ethan's problems mount and mount to form a nice weave of sub-plots...and these do all filter together at the end. The social drama, while present, is just the right amount to make the characters sympathetic and easy to connect with, while not dampening the adventure's quicker pacing. The secrets and hints of danger are well-laid, some more obvious than others. This builds the tension nicely and gives hints without completely giving away the ending, which is great for the audience level.
The science fiction end packs a bit of imagination and some tech-fun. The aliens add a nice touch of fantasy, while the inventions hit on a level which can inspire readers to try to build things on their own. A pile of parts to screw, wire, and alter to form something new is more than exciting, and not just for future engineers and scientists. This is a read with more than a little to enjoy. I received an ARC and enjoyed the tale quite a bit.
February 26, 2026
This story is so fun as it continues to progress!! The characters are growing and furthering their understanding of life and chaos keeps surrounding them. I had too much fun reading this and am going right to the next one. This story will pull you and keep you guessing what couldnthese kids be getting into next. Its fun, different, and perfect for a break for heavier books!!
December 18, 2023
NetGalley ARC Educator 550974
A wonderful novel, reminiscent of ET, with social issues and historical figures and historical events combined within. It's main theme is friendship. Any middle age child and higher can read this book. Parents will find it a wonderful bed time story as well.
A wonderful novel, reminiscent of ET, with social issues and historical figures and historical events combined within. It's main theme is friendship. Any middle age child and higher can read this book. Parents will find it a wonderful bed time story as well.
August 15, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Good continuation of the series, but the first book has been slow to circulate.
Good continuation of the series, but the first book has been slow to circulate.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews