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Hyperspace High #1
Crash Landing
John Riley's classmates are aliens, the food is disgusting, and the penalty for failing exams is harsh. Can he show that he deserves a place at Hyperspace High?
288 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2013
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155 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 22, 2020
Tryed. Just couldn't get into it. I usually like ya and sci fi so I thought the 2 combined would be great but this one wasn't for me
March 4, 2020
We saw this book on Prime Reading so borrowed it to read with our 8 year old son. It's rather silly and completely implausible but also lots of fun. We enjoyed it a lot.
June 7, 2015
When John Riley accidentally gets on the wrong school bus, he becomes the first human to enroll at Hyperspace High, an intergalactic school aboard a spaceship. When two school field trips go awry, John and his friends must save their classmates from certain death. This action-packed new series offers relatable, quirky school stories with a sci-fi twist (picture Hogwarts in space). [Review covers these Hyperspace High titles: Crash Landing and Frozen Enemies.] (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
This book also has a great message too. Even though things may seem impossible to do or to much to handle it doesn't mean that challenges cannot be overcome. In a lot of stories the character doesn't have to do much to overcome challenges and gets lucky in the process. Where as in this book, John, has to work hard by studying and practicing more than anybody else to be successful. This book reminds me of Hogwarts in a way with the character going to an unfamiliar place, but the big difference is that Harry was supposed to be their and also able to do the course work with ease. John was not supposed to be their and had to adjust to different the differences in all areas of life.
This book also has a great message too. Even though things may seem impossible to do or to much to handle it doesn't mean that challenges cannot be overcome. In a lot of stories the character doesn't have to do much to overcome challenges and gets lucky in the process. Where as in this book, John, has to work hard by studying and practicing more than anybody else to be successful. This book reminds me of Hogwarts in a way with the character going to an unfamiliar place, but the big difference is that Harry was supposed to be their and also able to do the course work with ease. John was not supposed to be their and had to adjust to different the differences in all areas of life.
April 20, 2020
I gave this audiobook an extra star because I think young listeners would enjoy it, and the general message is a good one, that is, stay true to your friends, push yourself beyond your comfort level, study hard, and be kind to all... especially to those who can give you nothing in return.
The story: John Riley is late for school, a boarding school. His parents expect him to live at the school for the entire term. He barely catches the bus when he realizes that this isn't a bus. He has accidentally boarded a space shuttle headed for Hyperspace High! Obviously, he needs to be returned to Earth, but the high school has already set off through the galaxy. It will be several months before they return to Earth. In the meanwhile, John Riley attends classes, learns how to fly a shuttle, and finds that his courses are actually more interesting when strange-looking aliens are teaching. Then his adventure gets really interesting when the class goes on a field trip to a volcano planet. What could possibly go wrong?
Any problems with this story? It is quite predictable. The author covers this by drawing attention to it. Apparently the headmaster can see into the future. Thus, when he says, "You two are going to become good friends," it is not just a hope. It's a prediction of the future.
There are a number of conflicts with basic science. When talking about hyperspace and communicating across long distances, there are certain agreed upon standards used in science fiction, mostly because of light speed limitations or faster-than-light devices/ships with some explanation as to how that might work. This audiobook does not explain anything. Apparently the reader is supposed to know what hyperspace is. No explanation is given. Faster-than-light communication is usually explained by the use of an ansible. What is an ansible? No one knows, but science fiction authors have generally agreed to use it in their stories for faster-than-light communication. The author doesn't use an ansible. He doesn't explain how it is done much at all.
FYI, for a good story that uses ansibles extensively, I recommend for teenagers, "Trading in Danger" by Elizabeth Moon.
Any modesty issues? None that I recall. John Riley does have to lie to his parents in email and a Skype video call. I don't recall exactly why he must lie, but the galactic authorities think that Earth should not know about the rest of the galactic civilization, and apparently all violations of the rules result in ejection into space. It is to be avoided.
The ending is predictable, and it is handled once again by the headmaster of the school (who can see the future). I found the ending to be rather abrupt and I assume that this book is only the introduction to a larger series of books. (I just looked. As of this writing there are six books in the series. The next book is "Frozen Enemies".)
I might read this book again if the next book in the series is especially good. Otherwise, I'll leave it to my great grand children to enjoy.
The story: John Riley is late for school, a boarding school. His parents expect him to live at the school for the entire term. He barely catches the bus when he realizes that this isn't a bus. He has accidentally boarded a space shuttle headed for Hyperspace High! Obviously, he needs to be returned to Earth, but the high school has already set off through the galaxy. It will be several months before they return to Earth. In the meanwhile, John Riley attends classes, learns how to fly a shuttle, and finds that his courses are actually more interesting when strange-looking aliens are teaching. Then his adventure gets really interesting when the class goes on a field trip to a volcano planet. What could possibly go wrong?
Any problems with this story? It is quite predictable. The author covers this by drawing attention to it. Apparently the headmaster can see into the future. Thus, when he says, "You two are going to become good friends," it is not just a hope. It's a prediction of the future.
There are a number of conflicts with basic science. When talking about hyperspace and communicating across long distances, there are certain agreed upon standards used in science fiction, mostly because of light speed limitations or faster-than-light devices/ships with some explanation as to how that might work. This audiobook does not explain anything. Apparently the reader is supposed to know what hyperspace is. No explanation is given. Faster-than-light communication is usually explained by the use of an ansible. What is an ansible? No one knows, but science fiction authors have generally agreed to use it in their stories for faster-than-light communication. The author doesn't use an ansible. He doesn't explain how it is done much at all.
FYI, for a good story that uses ansibles extensively, I recommend for teenagers, "Trading in Danger" by Elizabeth Moon.
Any modesty issues? None that I recall. John Riley does have to lie to his parents in email and a Skype video call. I don't recall exactly why he must lie, but the galactic authorities think that Earth should not know about the rest of the galactic civilization, and apparently all violations of the rules result in ejection into space. It is to be avoided.
The ending is predictable, and it is handled once again by the headmaster of the school (who can see the future). I found the ending to be rather abrupt and I assume that this book is only the introduction to a larger series of books. (I just looked. As of this writing there are six books in the series. The next book is "Frozen Enemies".)
I might read this book again if the next book in the series is especially good. Otherwise, I'll leave it to my great grand children to enjoy.
July 27, 2020
I stumbled upon this book (and the books that followed it) while looking at stuff on my Kindle. I decided to give it a try. After Crash Landing, I was hooked and wanted to read the rest of the series immediately!
Crash Landing was interesting, exciting, and plain fun to read. Though John doesn't seem to experience any majorly surprising character developments, the things he went through and the experiences he gained at Hyperspace High kept me reading. The whole idea of Hyperspace High sparked my imagination, and I liked how the author went with that concept. Crash Landing is memorable to me because it's well-paced, light, and intriguing all throughout the book.
I noted some similarities to the Harry Potter series while reading this book and the ones that follow it. (Honestly, how can any "kid goes to unique boarding school" book not be compared to Harry Potter even a little nowadays?) However, I think that this series is even better for families because it's more accessible and kid-friendly. I would recommend Crash Landing for any kids who are ready to read Harry Potter but whose parents aren't ready to introduce them to that world. I'd also recommend it for anyone who wants to be involved in space travel and/or get excited about the possibilities that future space missions could open up for us, as well as anyone who has an active imagination.
When talking to John after he first arrives at the school, Headmaster Lorem tells him, "By the way...please don't use the word alien here. That word means something that doesn't belong. No one is an alien on Hyperspace High. We all belong here." I hope that you'll get that sense of belonging if you decide to read this book.
To read my full review of Crash Landing, click here:
https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blo...
Crash Landing was interesting, exciting, and plain fun to read. Though John doesn't seem to experience any majorly surprising character developments, the things he went through and the experiences he gained at Hyperspace High kept me reading. The whole idea of Hyperspace High sparked my imagination, and I liked how the author went with that concept. Crash Landing is memorable to me because it's well-paced, light, and intriguing all throughout the book.
I noted some similarities to the Harry Potter series while reading this book and the ones that follow it. (Honestly, how can any "kid goes to unique boarding school" book not be compared to Harry Potter even a little nowadays?) However, I think that this series is even better for families because it's more accessible and kid-friendly. I would recommend Crash Landing for any kids who are ready to read Harry Potter but whose parents aren't ready to introduce them to that world. I'd also recommend it for anyone who wants to be involved in space travel and/or get excited about the possibilities that future space missions could open up for us, as well as anyone who has an active imagination.
When talking to John after he first arrives at the school, Headmaster Lorem tells him, "By the way...please don't use the word alien here. That word means something that doesn't belong. No one is an alien on Hyperspace High. We all belong here." I hope that you'll get that sense of belonging if you decide to read this book.
To read my full review of Crash Landing, click here:
https://steppingstonesbookreviews.blo...
August 8, 2020
10/10 Best series i ever read. I dont read books at all not my thing however this series was something else. Sadly in Space Plague the author teases a second season of the book As John questions if he will be allowed a second term at the school, Sadly It seems The author (Zac Harrison) hasn't published any other books after Space Plague which is really unfortunate as in Space Plague you really get into the plot and characters, However all good things have to come to an end and Maybe there was some issues making Zac unable to make or publish another season of the books or maybe he only planned on 1 season? It'd be stupid as he teases it a lot in space Plague so i'm really not sure what happened i cant find anything at all about Mr Zac and about any possible Sequel which is really sad as this was the only book series i really got into other than Alex rider, Maybe we'll see something 6 years later but if you're reading this just know there isnt another series sadly however please go and read this its amazing 10/10.
June 30, 2020
I didn't know anything about hyperspace high. Thank you audible for allowing us to stream for free during the pandemic.
I love that we get to try these books we may have not picked up otherwise because this is definitely an enjoyable one that I would recommend to any young reader. It certainly is science fiction, but it's done in a very fun way that makes it enjoyable. A cute story that discusses the new kid who doesn't belong and trying to figure out how to fit in. Also the bully I am always right type of personality. Though these might be actors from other planets they are all situations our own children may be found in... Except for crash landing on a volcanic planet and needing to escape in a spaceship :-)
I love that we get to try these books we may have not picked up otherwise because this is definitely an enjoyable one that I would recommend to any young reader. It certainly is science fiction, but it's done in a very fun way that makes it enjoyable. A cute story that discusses the new kid who doesn't belong and trying to figure out how to fit in. Also the bully I am always right type of personality. Though these might be actors from other planets they are all situations our own children may be found in... Except for crash landing on a volcanic planet and needing to escape in a spaceship :-)
October 8, 2025
It's definitely for kids. middle of the road space fiction. No real science involved in the story. A quick easy read, trusted and true formula. kid gets accidentally picked up and can't be returned straight away. Hes there long enough to prove he deserves to go to that school. he makes two friends ones a girl, ones a boy and two enemies. ones a male student, ones a teacher and of course the enemies show their true colours as cowards by the end of the book and MC saves the day.
October 22, 2022
Listened to this with the son and he's already asked for the next one. Love the complex and different characters (even if it is hard to keep up with who's who!) The protagonist is relatable, so overall, a good read!
August 3, 2023
I found this novel really episodic. It's a bunch of things that happen to John and I didn't feel like John had any real agency in the story, except for a brief moment during the climax. There was very little conflict and John didn't seem to have a real goal, making the story drag.
February 20, 2018
its a great book, i like the adventure
Read
October 17, 2019I liked the book and yea.
May 25, 2020
I liked this but my 8yo got bored and didn't quite finish. Maybe another time.
July 9, 2020
A really fun science fiction story for kids about a boy going to a high school in space by mistake. It's like Harry Potter in space. 😏
September 22, 2021
Borrowed from school library and read for my first 9 week assignment. Fun book. I wish I could go to Alien school.
November 24, 2021
I loved it !aliens and John
June 3, 2022
Great fun for all ages. Who wouldn’t want to explore life aboard an alien spaceship that’s actually an intergalactic high school? I’m looking forward to book two!
January 5, 2023
Enjoyable! A fun adventure in space, good for kids
March 12, 2024
This is cute: basically simplified Harry Potter but sci-fi instead of fantasy. Some elements of Tom Corbett in there too. I’ll get around to reading the rest of the series.
December 16, 2024
I listen to this book all the time on audible I love it!
November 24, 2025
What a fun read!
December 26, 2025
It was a fun easy read and I enjoy listening to it before going to bed. My one and only main issue with this book is the cover.
December 3, 2023
I love the story, even if it's for a younger audience. My main problem is the following stories in the series are riddled with plot holes big and small. And I mean a ton. Also, something in one book might not carry to the next. Just a heads up.
August 26, 2013
Note: Originally published @ Views From the Tesseract: http://shanshad1.wordpress.com/2013/0...
An advanced reader copy was provided by the publisher.
My first thought when I saw this title was “Hey! I think I watched a cartoon series like this back in the 80s . . .” I admit I didn’t hold out a lot of hope for it. But, given the subject matter is science fiction and it looked like a quick read, I figured I’d give it a go.
John Riley is a bright, but otherwise pretty normal Earth kid who is supposed to be off to a new boarding school. But someone has made a mistake, and he’s picked up by the intergalactic shuttle that’s headed to Hyperspace High, the most well known school in the galaxy. It’s not the sort of place known for letting backwater primitives like humans on campus. But since there’s no way to fix the mix up or get John home before the school term is up, the school principal decides to give him a chance as a student rather than being expelled out the airlock (gulp!). John quickly makes friends, and enemies and gets caught up in trying to prove humans aren’t as primitive as some aliens seem to think. When his first school field trip puts John and all his schoolmates at risk, will he survive to go back home again?
Here we have the school story format with the new kid, only played out in a science fictional environment. The story is pretty formulaic, and the science fiction more along the lines of space opera. For all that it was still an energetic little read that managed to keep me interested in the characters and rooting for them. Given the number of series books and young reader books I’ve come across that are painful to read, this is a cut above that. John is likable enough in a bland way, but he’s our cipher character–giving kids a window into this new school. The protagonist is one likely to attract both male and female readers, and with so many of these recent school series coming onto the shelves, having one that is appealing to boys is a definite plus.
The science fiction elements in this story are wild and wacky, with AI computers, precog principals, and tentacled villains but this remains a school story first and science fiction adventure second. What’s central to the plot is the interactions of students and their day to day classes. The alien teens act much like earthly teens–even if they look liked winged demons, silver haired elven girls, or giant insects. Like Harry Potter, John is going to face unrelenting (and very obvious) enemies as well as duplicitous teachers. It’s how he helps others, pulls the team together and solves problems that will ultimately matter. Readers will cheer John on as he perseveres in his studies and aces his piloting classes. They’ll wish they’d get picked up to go to Hyperspace High with him. At the end of the day, this may not be a contest winner or wind up on a lot of “best of” reading lists, but it’s fun. And really, don’t we want reading to be fun?
This is a great series to entice reluctant readers. Despite the fact that John is off to Hyperspace High, most of the characters feel firmly middle school in maturity, and the this is likely to appeal to readers in third grade and up. Readers ready for more sophisticated fare may find the story too simplistic and the plotting too thin to sustain them, but for those readers just ready to cut their eyeteeth on something science fiction flavored, this is an ideal place to start.
Clearly the first in a multi-book series. I hope the author can maintain the sense of adventure and fun throughout.
Publisher: Stone Arch Books
Expected Publication Date: July 2013
ISBN13: 9781434263148
Recommended for grades 3 and up.
An advanced reader copy was provided by the publisher.
My first thought when I saw this title was “Hey! I think I watched a cartoon series like this back in the 80s . . .” I admit I didn’t hold out a lot of hope for it. But, given the subject matter is science fiction and it looked like a quick read, I figured I’d give it a go.
John Riley is a bright, but otherwise pretty normal Earth kid who is supposed to be off to a new boarding school. But someone has made a mistake, and he’s picked up by the intergalactic shuttle that’s headed to Hyperspace High, the most well known school in the galaxy. It’s not the sort of place known for letting backwater primitives like humans on campus. But since there’s no way to fix the mix up or get John home before the school term is up, the school principal decides to give him a chance as a student rather than being expelled out the airlock (gulp!). John quickly makes friends, and enemies and gets caught up in trying to prove humans aren’t as primitive as some aliens seem to think. When his first school field trip puts John and all his schoolmates at risk, will he survive to go back home again?
Here we have the school story format with the new kid, only played out in a science fictional environment. The story is pretty formulaic, and the science fiction more along the lines of space opera. For all that it was still an energetic little read that managed to keep me interested in the characters and rooting for them. Given the number of series books and young reader books I’ve come across that are painful to read, this is a cut above that. John is likable enough in a bland way, but he’s our cipher character–giving kids a window into this new school. The protagonist is one likely to attract both male and female readers, and with so many of these recent school series coming onto the shelves, having one that is appealing to boys is a definite plus.
The science fiction elements in this story are wild and wacky, with AI computers, precog principals, and tentacled villains but this remains a school story first and science fiction adventure second. What’s central to the plot is the interactions of students and their day to day classes. The alien teens act much like earthly teens–even if they look liked winged demons, silver haired elven girls, or giant insects. Like Harry Potter, John is going to face unrelenting (and very obvious) enemies as well as duplicitous teachers. It’s how he helps others, pulls the team together and solves problems that will ultimately matter. Readers will cheer John on as he perseveres in his studies and aces his piloting classes. They’ll wish they’d get picked up to go to Hyperspace High with him. At the end of the day, this may not be a contest winner or wind up on a lot of “best of” reading lists, but it’s fun. And really, don’t we want reading to be fun?
This is a great series to entice reluctant readers. Despite the fact that John is off to Hyperspace High, most of the characters feel firmly middle school in maturity, and the this is likely to appeal to readers in third grade and up. Readers ready for more sophisticated fare may find the story too simplistic and the plotting too thin to sustain them, but for those readers just ready to cut their eyeteeth on something science fiction flavored, this is an ideal place to start.
Clearly the first in a multi-book series. I hope the author can maintain the sense of adventure and fun throughout.
Publisher: Stone Arch Books
Expected Publication Date: July 2013
ISBN13: 9781434263148
Recommended for grades 3 and up.
October 8, 2016
Also posted on my blog Got My Book.
A quick, fun SF adventure that's perfect for MG boys (and girls).
Source: I received this book free in return for an honest review, courtesy of Audible Studios.
BOOK DETAILS:
Crash Landing by Zac Harrison, read by Michael Fenton Stevens, published by Audible Studios (2013) / Length: 3 hrs 55 min
SERIES INFO:
This is Book #1 of 6 in the "Hyperspace High" series. All are available on audio.
SUMMARY:
This is a fun story that both I and my young nieces & nephews enjoyed.
There are a few over used elements here: 3 friends (2 boys & 1 girl), 1 snooty nemesis boy, and a wise headmaster at a boarding school. But it is very different in many ways as well. First of all, this is SF. And second, the series is a set of independent adventures that take place over a single semester, rather than a larger tale divided up into years.
I like that they didn't try and Americanize this. That means younger readers may need to find out what things such "trainers" are (sneakers).
CHARACTERS:
John: A fairly regular boy, who is nevertheless good enough at maths to qualify for a scholarship to a fancy British boarding school, too bad he got on the wrong bus.
His roommate is very large, and has wings. His female friend seriously struggles in her classes, but is an ace pilot. I really could have done without the Draco clone (although here he has a robotic sycophant rather than bully sidekicks).
WORLDBUILDING:
My favorite bit of "tech" is ZEPP, the computer's AI, who's "almost like a person" but with a much bigger brain.
Each book is very short, I am hoping that we get more information about the various species in later books (especially those of his best friends & the headmaster).
PLOT:
This is a very fast moving book without a lot of filler. We start with John waking up late the morning of he's supposed to leave for boarding school. I'm glad the author took some time there to establish his family though. We end with the information that John is going to be allowed to stay on Hyperspace High (not a spoiler, as there are 5 more books of his adventures there). Since this is the first book, we do get some stuff in the middle about him having to cram hard to catch up.
HIGHLIGHTS:
--John's interactions with his parents. They seem really great, and as involved as they can be with their son in boarding school.
--Sound cancelling bed alcoves - good for John, since his roommate snores. One year, my dorm room was ground floor facing a very busy street; I really could have used one of these.
NARRATION:
Character voices differentiated = Yes. / Opposite sex voices acceptable = Yes. His voice is very deep, especially for a MG series, so they don't sound feminine but it's OK / Accents = Sounded good to me. Very lightly British (probably what is known as mid-Atlantic) / Phrasing, Pacing & Pronunciation = Good / Emoting = Good / Speed = Good my usual 1.25 might be a tiny bit fast for a first time listen.
I mentioned parallels to a certain very popular MG series above. It continues with a narrator whose voices sometimes reminded me of Jim Dale.
A quick, fun SF adventure that's perfect for MG boys (and girls).
Source: I received this book free in return for an honest review, courtesy of Audible Studios.
BOOK DETAILS:
Crash Landing by Zac Harrison, read by Michael Fenton Stevens, published by Audible Studios (2013) / Length: 3 hrs 55 min
SERIES INFO:
This is Book #1 of 6 in the "Hyperspace High" series. All are available on audio.
SUMMARY:
This is a fun story that both I and my young nieces & nephews enjoyed.
There are a few over used elements here: 3 friends (2 boys & 1 girl), 1 snooty nemesis boy, and a wise headmaster at a boarding school. But it is very different in many ways as well. First of all, this is SF. And second, the series is a set of independent adventures that take place over a single semester, rather than a larger tale divided up into years.
I like that they didn't try and Americanize this. That means younger readers may need to find out what things such "trainers" are (sneakers).
CHARACTERS:
John: A fairly regular boy, who is nevertheless good enough at maths to qualify for a scholarship to a fancy British boarding school, too bad he got on the wrong bus.
His roommate is very large, and has wings. His female friend seriously struggles in her classes, but is an ace pilot. I really could have done without the Draco clone (although here he has a robotic sycophant rather than bully sidekicks).
WORLDBUILDING:
My favorite bit of "tech" is ZEPP, the computer's AI, who's "almost like a person" but with a much bigger brain.
Each book is very short, I am hoping that we get more information about the various species in later books (especially those of his best friends & the headmaster).
PLOT:
This is a very fast moving book without a lot of filler. We start with John waking up late the morning of he's supposed to leave for boarding school. I'm glad the author took some time there to establish his family though. We end with the information that John is going to be allowed to stay on Hyperspace High (not a spoiler, as there are 5 more books of his adventures there). Since this is the first book, we do get some stuff in the middle about him having to cram hard to catch up.
HIGHLIGHTS:
--John's interactions with his parents. They seem really great, and as involved as they can be with their son in boarding school.
--Sound cancelling bed alcoves - good for John, since his roommate snores. One year, my dorm room was ground floor facing a very busy street; I really could have used one of these.
NARRATION:
Character voices differentiated = Yes. / Opposite sex voices acceptable = Yes. His voice is very deep, especially for a MG series, so they don't sound feminine but it's OK / Accents = Sounded good to me. Very lightly British (probably what is known as mid-Atlantic) / Phrasing, Pacing & Pronunciation = Good / Emoting = Good / Speed = Good my usual 1.25 might be a tiny bit fast for a first time listen.
I mentioned parallels to a certain very popular MG series above. It continues with a narrator whose voices sometimes reminded me of Jim Dale.
April 2, 2014
Hyperspace High- Crash Landing by Zac Harrison
John Riley is smart kid from Earth but when he gets on the wrong bus to go to boarding school he ends up on an intergalactic space shuttle that takes him and other high school aliens to Hyperspace High School. When the school principal discovers the mix-up he has to decide whether to have him expelled out into space for good or to let him stay for the whole term. Luckily for John he gets to stay and experience a chance of a lifetime. Hyperspace High made Star Trek’s USSS Enterprise look like a plastic toy spaceship.
John rooms in dorm 16 with Kael an alien from the planet Derri, who is8 feet tall, with bright green skin, red eyes and leathery wings. John also befriends an almost human-like girl; Emmie with navy eyes, elfin ears and flowing white hair. The three of them bond right away and share many classes. Emmie has been very successful in her space shuttle classes as a pilot and John finds out quickly that he likes flying the shuttle just as much. But one day on a field trip to see a mego-erpution on Zirion Beta, a highly volcanic planet, something goes wrong with their school shuttle and it’s up to John and Emmie to save the lives of all of their fellow students.
As I read the story I felt like I was at Hogwarts school only in Outer Space, so if you’re a fan of the Harry Potter books you might want to try this series
August 21, 2018
3.5
This was actually an accidental read, I got this from Amazon's Prime lending library thinking it was a graphic novel or comic (and it's not the first time, sort your categories out Amazon!)
Initially I thought of just scrapping it and picking up something else, because I just wanted something easy to read on my Kindle while out, but the first page had me intrigued.
This book follows John, a kid thinking he's going off to a posh boarding school in England, who accidentally gets on the wrong bus and ends up on Hyperspace High - a spaceship full of beings from across the universe (a place that is faaaar too advanced for such a primitive race as a human being!)
This was a super fun, quick read. The pacing was great, never a dull moment. I liked all the characters who were introduced, the mysterious principal who knows the future, the seven foot green winged roommate who is super friendly, the girl-slash-future-love-interest-friend who sucks at school but is an awesome pilot, and of course lets not forget the ships super computer, who wants people to treat him like an intelligent being, rather than just a knowledge source.
When I originally picked this up the rest of the books were also there to borrow, so I hope they're still available!
This was actually an accidental read, I got this from Amazon's Prime lending library thinking it was a graphic novel or comic (and it's not the first time, sort your categories out Amazon!)
Initially I thought of just scrapping it and picking up something else, because I just wanted something easy to read on my Kindle while out, but the first page had me intrigued.
This book follows John, a kid thinking he's going off to a posh boarding school in England, who accidentally gets on the wrong bus and ends up on Hyperspace High - a spaceship full of beings from across the universe (a place that is faaaar too advanced for such a primitive race as a human being!)
This was a super fun, quick read. The pacing was great, never a dull moment. I liked all the characters who were introduced, the mysterious principal who knows the future, the seven foot green winged roommate who is super friendly, the girl-slash-future-love-interest-friend who sucks at school but is an awesome pilot, and of course lets not forget the ships super computer, who wants people to treat him like an intelligent being, rather than just a knowledge source.
When I originally picked this up the rest of the books were also there to borrow, so I hope they're still available!
July 26, 2016
When John Riley steps on to the bus for boarding school, he's planning to to go Darbyshire, not outer space. But he's gotten onto the wrong bus, and with aliens from around the galaxy, he's headed for the wonders of Hyperspace High. Even though he knows he'll only be there a few months, until he can be returned to Earth, John works hard in all his unusual new classes--he especially loves learning to fly a shuttle. It's hard work, but his new friends--bizarre as they first seem--help out. When a field trip to an erupting planet goes wrong, will John be able to prove he's worthy to stay at Hyperspace High?
This is perfectly fine, predictable, 5th-6th grade science fiction. The world building was fine, the plot could have been recycled from several other books, and the ending was never in any doubt. Kids will enjoy it, though, if they want something light and fluffy about space travel.
This is perfectly fine, predictable, 5th-6th grade science fiction. The world building was fine, the plot could have been recycled from several other books, and the ending was never in any doubt. Kids will enjoy it, though, if they want something light and fluffy about space travel.
May 29, 2016
It is hard to find sci if for ES libraries. This is a great option! The opening chapter is a page turner and draws you in. The main character, John Riley, is engaging (and the use of his full name constantly reminded me of John Carter). You want to know what happens to him and WHY is the book called Crash Landing?!
The reading level is not terribly difficult for a novel of this length and makes for a great suggestion for reluctant readers. I am currently reading it to a 3rd grade class that has more of these kinds of reluctant/transitional readers. When I told them there were no pictures, they said, well that's not a good book; it's going to be boring. By the time I finished the first chapter, they were sitting at the edges of their seats saying, Man, That's a great book! Could we get a better endorsement?
The reading level is not terribly difficult for a novel of this length and makes for a great suggestion for reluctant readers. I am currently reading it to a 3rd grade class that has more of these kinds of reluctant/transitional readers. When I told them there were no pictures, they said, well that's not a good book; it's going to be boring. By the time I finished the first chapter, they were sitting at the edges of their seats saying, Man, That's a great book! Could we get a better endorsement?
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