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Under Their Skin #2
In Over Their Heads
Nick and Eryn must figure out a way to save the world without sacrificing their newly discovered family in this follow-up to Under Their Skin, which Booklist called “crisp, intriguing, and thought-provoking” in a starred review.
In Under Their Skin, twins Nick and Eryn successfully met their new stepsiblings, Ava and Jackson. But in doing so, the twins found themselves on a mission to discover how to prevent humanity from facing certain doom.
Now, their two families are joined together to save not only themselves, but everyone—human and robotic. Can they figure out how before it’s too late?
In Under Their Skin, twins Nick and Eryn successfully met their new stepsiblings, Ava and Jackson. But in doing so, the twins found themselves on a mission to discover how to prevent humanity from facing certain doom.
Now, their two families are joined together to save not only themselves, but everyone—human and robotic. Can they figure out how before it’s too late?
320 pages, Unknown Binding
First published April 11, 2017
57 people are currently reading
795 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Peterson Haddix
132 books6,352 followersMargaret Peterson Haddix grew up on a farm near Washington Court House, Ohio. She graduated from Miami University (of Ohio) with degrees in English/journalism, English/creative writing and history. Before her first book was published, she worked as a newspaper copy editor in Fort Wayne, Indiana; a newspaper reporter in Indianapolis; and a community college instructor and freelance writer in Danville, Illinois.
She has since written more than 25 books for kids and teens, including Running Out of Time; Don’t You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey; Leaving Fishers; Just Ella; Turnabout; Takeoffs and Landings; The Girl with 500 Middle Names; Because of Anya; Escape from Memory; Say What?; The House on the Gulf; Double Identity; Dexter the Tough; Uprising; Palace of Mirrors; Claim to Fame; the Shadow Children series; and the Missing series. She also wrote Into the Gauntlet, the tenth book in the 39 Clues series. Her books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and more than a dozen state reader’s choice awards.
Haddix and her husband, Doug, now live in Columbus, Ohio, with their two children.
She has since written more than 25 books for kids and teens, including Running Out of Time; Don’t You Dare Read This, Mrs. Dunphrey; Leaving Fishers; Just Ella; Turnabout; Takeoffs and Landings; The Girl with 500 Middle Names; Because of Anya; Escape from Memory; Say What?; The House on the Gulf; Double Identity; Dexter the Tough; Uprising; Palace of Mirrors; Claim to Fame; the Shadow Children series; and the Missing series. She also wrote Into the Gauntlet, the tenth book in the 39 Clues series. Her books have been honored with New York Times bestseller status, the International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award; American Library Association Best Book and Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers notations; and more than a dozen state reader’s choice awards.
Haddix and her husband, Doug, now live in Columbus, Ohio, with their two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
September 13, 2018
After the very cliffhanger-y ending of the first book in this duology, I was pretty excited to get my hands on this one. ;) Unfortunately, I found it to be a disappointment, but keep in mind I was on very little sleep and also on-duty as an election’s clerk, so I read this book in little snatches. ;)
Just so we can end on a positive note, I’ll start with what I disliked…
Things I Disliked
1. This story used the same plot twist as the first one.
2. There was an idea that just giving people knowledge of something would change their minds when in reality, information isn’t enough. They have to decide to change. Oh, dear. Now I’m pondering free will… :P
3. The “skeleton family” was downright creepy. But it also brought up a really interesting ethical question, so more on that later.
4. I found the ending disappointing. I guess I was expecting something bigger, epic-er, more compelling, but that’s probably just me. ;)
Things I Liked
1. So the scene on the cover made me happy. :D #nospoilers *is still surprised it happened*
2. I loved how the sibling relationships in this one grew stronger, especially as all four kids embraced siblinghood. ;) The way Nick and Ava got along was especially fun and sweet.
3. Lida Mae’s general mysteriousness and knowledge of certain things was fun.
4. Jackson. He made this book for me. I loved his challenges and character growth in this one. He was so sweet taking care of his dad and SUPER smart. Also, him learning to drive was hilarious. I so relate, kid.
5. The theme of both cultures wanting the same thing, and the tensions that raised. So many secrets.
6. Ralph was a sweetheart.
7. That ethical question I was talking about earlier. It’s a little creepy, but I recognized truth in it.
Dear author, thank you for saying that.
Just a note, this book has about the same level of danger and attitude as the first book. Also, the word cr*p was used once.
Altogether, I did enjoy this sequel, but I was disappointed by the ending. ;)
Just so we can end on a positive note, I’ll start with what I disliked…
Things I Disliked
1. This story used the same plot twist as the first one.
2. There was an idea that just giving people knowledge of something would change their minds when in reality, information isn’t enough. They have to decide to change. Oh, dear. Now I’m pondering free will… :P
3. The “skeleton family” was downright creepy. But it also brought up a really interesting ethical question, so more on that later.
4. I found the ending disappointing. I guess I was expecting something bigger, epic-er, more compelling, but that’s probably just me. ;)
Things I Liked
1. So the scene on the cover made me happy. :D #nospoilers *is still surprised it happened*
2. I loved how the sibling relationships in this one grew stronger, especially as all four kids embraced siblinghood. ;) The way Nick and Ava got along was especially fun and sweet.
3. Lida Mae’s general mysteriousness and knowledge of certain things was fun.
4. Jackson. He made this book for me. I loved his challenges and character growth in this one. He was so sweet taking care of his dad and SUPER smart. Also, him learning to drive was hilarious. I so relate, kid.
5. The theme of both cultures wanting the same thing, and the tensions that raised. So many secrets.
6. Ralph was a sweetheart.
7. That ethical question I was talking about earlier. It’s a little creepy, but I recognized truth in it.
Dear author, thank you for saying that.
Just a note, this book has about the same level of danger and attitude as the first book. Also, the word cr*p was used once.
Altogether, I did enjoy this sequel, but I was disappointed by the ending. ;)
November 22, 2021
This book was a great read, much like the first in its series. It is about robots and humans discovering how to live together and trust each other and it is all led by one family. I would recommend it.
July 3, 2018
I was really disappointed in this book. The first one is great but this was just stupid. I love Haddix's books except this one.
June 29, 2018
I kinda wish they'd just left this series as a stand-alone.🙁 It wasn't terrible, I just never got invested in it.
July 31, 2017
First sentence: The warning alarm woke Lida Mae from the deepest of sleep.
Premise/plot: In Over Their Heads is the sequel to Margaret Peterson Haddix' Under Their Skin. Both books are science fiction for the middle grade audience. In the first book, readers met Nick and Eryn, our hero and heroine who made a shocking discovery about the world they live in. In the second book, the adventure continues. Instead of being told solely from Nick and Eryn's perspective, however, the narrative expands to include more points of view: Ava, Jackson, and Lida Mae. As to the action in this one, I can't reveal that without spoiling the first book!
My thoughts: I liked the whole story as contained in both books. Both books read like one good episode of The Twilight Zone. I think young readers who enjoy eery science fiction will enjoy this two-book series. Fans of these novels who haven't watched The Twilight Zone should definitely seek out some episodes!
Premise/plot: In Over Their Heads is the sequel to Margaret Peterson Haddix' Under Their Skin. Both books are science fiction for the middle grade audience. In the first book, readers met Nick and Eryn, our hero and heroine who made a shocking discovery about the world they live in. In the second book, the adventure continues. Instead of being told solely from Nick and Eryn's perspective, however, the narrative expands to include more points of view: Ava, Jackson, and Lida Mae. As to the action in this one, I can't reveal that without spoiling the first book!
My thoughts: I liked the whole story as contained in both books. Both books read like one good episode of The Twilight Zone. I think young readers who enjoy eery science fiction will enjoy this two-book series. Fans of these novels who haven't watched The Twilight Zone should definitely seek out some episodes!
April 19, 2017
Of course, the first book in a series is usually best... but this seemed like a worse than average follow-up. I was still glad to know what happened.
December 12, 2019
Wow, this is a literal duology. No secret book three. Impressive - especially since MPH tends to write really great middle grade series. Either way, I really enjoyed this brief look into yet another of her futuristic worlds! I liked all four main characters equally well, which is rare for me. I'm glad I was gifted book one a couple of years ago so I had the incentive to read it!
May 10, 2023
really slow but by the edit worth reading
May 9, 2017
Haddix, Margaret In Over Their Heads, 307 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2017. $17. Content: G (tense moments)
Nick and Eryn (humans) have met their step-siblings Ava and Jackson, robots. And they have found the secret history and instruction inside Mammoth Cave. Right away, things start going wrong. Jackson goes haywire and needs new parts, so he goes with his Dad to town. Dad gets reconnected to the robot net and learns terrible news. Back at the cave, a young stranger turns up who gives the group some help and information and then disappears. The siblings are wrestling with big issues, but when the action starts, its forward clip is breath-taking.
The first 2/3 of this book moves steadily, interesting, if a bit slow. When Nick uncovers another giant secret within the caves, the action suddenly takes off at a dizzy pace, moving even faster as you approach the end to the point my brain couldn’t believe what my eyes had read. Instead of feeling satisfied, like at the end of a roller coaster, I just felt confused. I needed another 25 – 50 pages to make sense of where this story ended.
EL, MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
Nick and Eryn (humans) have met their step-siblings Ava and Jackson, robots. And they have found the secret history and instruction inside Mammoth Cave. Right away, things start going wrong. Jackson goes haywire and needs new parts, so he goes with his Dad to town. Dad gets reconnected to the robot net and learns terrible news. Back at the cave, a young stranger turns up who gives the group some help and information and then disappears. The siblings are wrestling with big issues, but when the action starts, its forward clip is breath-taking.
The first 2/3 of this book moves steadily, interesting, if a bit slow. When Nick uncovers another giant secret within the caves, the action suddenly takes off at a dizzy pace, moving even faster as you approach the end to the point my brain couldn’t believe what my eyes had read. Instead of feeling satisfied, like at the end of a roller coaster, I just felt confused. I needed another 25 – 50 pages to make sense of where this story ended.
EL, MS – OPTIONAL. Cindy, Library Teacher
http://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017/...
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June 28, 2016read as an ARC via edelweiss
June 25, 2017
It feels like I have been waiting for this book for forever. I tried to hold off on reading the first book until this one was out, but that failed, and the waiting began. I finally managed to get my hands on a library copy of this book. It definitely lived up to my expectations.
This was an easy and fast read that left me wanting more. This time around you get to read some chapters from Ava and Jackson's perspectives. I absolutely loved Ava's perspective. Margret Peterson Haddix manages to make her robotism visible but not overpowering in her POV.
Over Their Heads brings up many interesting concepts on what it means to be human. Hearing this story from robots part of the time makes you realize how similar they are to humans sometimes. In this book the humans and robots have to get over their differences and use their various abilities to work together towards a common goal.
Nick finally gets to shine in this book. I found him less useful than Eryn in Under Their Skin, with Eryn's character overpowering his. In this book though, Nick's strengths come out and in the end he is just as important as his twin.
My biggest problem with this book the invisibility and uselessness of the parents. With the exception of one occasion, the parents are pretty useless. I understand that is helps make the plot more exciting for the kids if the parents do nothing, but come on, they should be able to do more. Useless book parents have always been one of my pet peeves.
In the end, this book is very good. I enjoyed the characterization and plot of Over Their Heads. It was an incredibly quick read and answers a lot of questions carried over from book one.
This was an easy and fast read that left me wanting more. This time around you get to read some chapters from Ava and Jackson's perspectives. I absolutely loved Ava's perspective. Margret Peterson Haddix manages to make her robotism visible but not overpowering in her POV.
Over Their Heads brings up many interesting concepts on what it means to be human. Hearing this story from robots part of the time makes you realize how similar they are to humans sometimes. In this book the humans and robots have to get over their differences and use their various abilities to work together towards a common goal.
Nick finally gets to shine in this book. I found him less useful than Eryn in Under Their Skin, with Eryn's character overpowering his. In this book though, Nick's strengths come out and in the end he is just as important as his twin.
My biggest problem with this book the invisibility and uselessness of the parents. With the exception of one occasion, the parents are pretty useless. I understand that is helps make the plot more exciting for the kids if the parents do nothing, but come on, they should be able to do more. Useless book parents have always been one of my pet peeves.
In the end, this book is very good. I enjoyed the characterization and plot of Over Their Heads. It was an incredibly quick read and answers a lot of questions carried over from book one.
July 19, 2017
I didn't quite like this as much as the first book, but I think that's because I'm an adult, not the age it was intended for. I would probably give it a 3, but rated it 4 stars in looking at it from the perspective of its intended audience. And also because it takes place in Mammoth Cave, which is in my home state.
This continues the story of Under Their Skin, in which Eryn and Nick made the shocking discovery that all the adults and older children in the world are really sophisticated robots, including their parents. Not only that, but their step-siblings, Jackson and Ava, are robots as well, but built illegally by their parents and passed off as human. At the end of the first book, the extended family has taken refuge in Mammoth cave, were Nick makes a startling discovery. As the drama continues in the second book, the family is discovered by a local girl name Lida Mae who says her family has lived in and around the caves for generations. As the story continues, the children are constantly having to re-evaluate what the truth is and who they can trust, even within their own family.
I felt like this book dragged a little compared to the first and I got a little tired of the back-and-forth "robots are bad-robots are good" rhetoric, but overall I think there is enough action and suspense to hold a child's interest, especially someone who has a particular interest in robots. I would recommend this for ages 8-12, and for readers who like sci-fi, particularly those who are fans of Haddix's previous Shadow Children and Missing series.
This continues the story of Under Their Skin, in which Eryn and Nick made the shocking discovery that all the adults and older children in the world are really sophisticated robots, including their parents. Not only that, but their step-siblings, Jackson and Ava, are robots as well, but built illegally by their parents and passed off as human. At the end of the first book, the extended family has taken refuge in Mammoth cave, were Nick makes a startling discovery. As the drama continues in the second book, the family is discovered by a local girl name Lida Mae who says her family has lived in and around the caves for generations. As the story continues, the children are constantly having to re-evaluate what the truth is and who they can trust, even within their own family.
I felt like this book dragged a little compared to the first and I got a little tired of the back-and-forth "robots are bad-robots are good" rhetoric, but overall I think there is enough action and suspense to hold a child's interest, especially someone who has a particular interest in robots. I would recommend this for ages 8-12, and for readers who like sci-fi, particularly those who are fans of Haddix's previous Shadow Children and Missing series.
April 15, 2018
In the book, In Over Their Head, by Margaret Peterson Haddix, it follows the story of 4 young teenagers, Ava, Jackson, Eryn, and Nick. Two are human and two are robots. Throughout the book, you get to see what it is like in all of their perspectives about the problems facing their generation. The human race went extinct 2 generations ago and it has always been a mystery about why humans went extinct, to them, and robots alike. Recently, Eryn and Nick found papers in a room in a cave revealing that reason why humans went extinct. They have to decide who they can trust throughout the book, as well as whether they can rely on their stepsiblings, Ava and Jackson.
I enjoyed the book because it was full of suspense as well as action. You never really knew what the outcome of the book would be as well as there are some plot twists that you wouldn't have expected through the book. You get to see what it would be like to have responsibility and the pressure of making careful decisions, all while trying to trust people that might not always be trustable.
I enjoyed the book because it was full of suspense as well as action. You never really knew what the outcome of the book would be as well as there are some plot twists that you wouldn't have expected through the book. You get to see what it would be like to have responsibility and the pressure of making careful decisions, all while trying to trust people that might not always be trustable.
February 18, 2019
I’m sad to say that I struggled to finish this. The conclusion was a deus ex machina if there ever was one: abrupt and improbable. You know those infuriating books where the story ends right at the climax—right when the stakes are highest and powder keg has just exploded—and then skips to a nice fluffy epilogue, which describes how they actually all lived happily ever after in a few tell-don’t-show pages? This was one of them.
The first book had ended with a lot of potential, and I was anticipating several more titles that took the premise much further. I didn’t know that this would be the end of the series, and I’m disappointed that it is.
The first book had ended with a lot of potential, and I was anticipating several more titles that took the premise much further. I didn’t know that this would be the end of the series, and I’m disappointed that it is.
December 7, 2020
This one was disappointing for me. With the reveal
And set up from the last book, I expected a whole lot more action quicker in book two. There was way too much downtime and conversation in the first 2/3s of the book. When the action finally happened, it was over super quickly and everything was wrapped up neat and tidy. A little too tidy. But I did like the themes in the end - working together for a better future; humans are capable of great kindness and humans all have different talents that help us all work together for the greater good (if we can choose to work together). Overall, it’s just ok.
And set up from the last book, I expected a whole lot more action quicker in book two. There was way too much downtime and conversation in the first 2/3s of the book. When the action finally happened, it was over super quickly and everything was wrapped up neat and tidy. A little too tidy. But I did like the themes in the end - working together for a better future; humans are capable of great kindness and humans all have different talents that help us all work together for the greater good (if we can choose to work together). Overall, it’s just ok.
July 12, 2017
Perhaps not quite as gripping and compelling as Under Their Skin (the first book in this two book series), but still quite good. A pretty fast read, and a fast paced story, as well. Though provoking, imaginative, and exciting. Some of the scenarios seemed a bit too far fetched, and some of the situations were resolved too quickly and easily, but, overall, a satisfying tale. Margaret Peterson Haddix weaves a good yarn, and she hasn't lost her touch.
February 10, 2019
Let me start by saying I love this author. She has such fresh ideas and this one is no different.
****THIS REVIEW ASSUMES YOU HAVE READ “UNDER THEIR SKIN” AND THERE MAY BE SPOILERS FOR THAT BOOK****
The idea of robots and robots taking over is more real now than it’s ever been. It’s interesting and scary to read a book like this knowing all that. This book also speaks about changing our minds to a more positive mindset.
****THIS REVIEW ASSUMES YOU HAVE READ “UNDER THEIR SKIN” AND THERE MAY BE SPOILERS FOR THAT BOOK****
The idea of robots and robots taking over is more real now than it’s ever been. It’s interesting and scary to read a book like this knowing all that. This book also speaks about changing our minds to a more positive mindset.
May 10, 2020
Even looking through the eyes of young adults, this just isn't' her best work. There are numerous really slow spots. I understand her want to push young readers with the length of this text, however, it just wasn't worth it. The pacing was all wonky.
I do think that some young (10 to 13 year older) readers would like it because there is a lot of science fiction and action elements, but again, it is SLOW.
I do think that some young (10 to 13 year older) readers would like it because there is a lot of science fiction and action elements, but again, it is SLOW.
March 27, 2023
3 stars for the sequel.
Everything I said about the first book, I would put with the second book. I DID have a snicker when most of the book shifted to taking place in...Kentucky! My home state. LOL. The book does explore the idea of could AI and humans live side by side. Is it possible for human looking/acting/behaving robots to be completely integrated with humans?
Again--it's a solid sci-fi for any middle grade sci-fi lovers. No mature things. no swearing.
Everything I said about the first book, I would put with the second book. I DID have a snicker when most of the book shifted to taking place in...Kentucky! My home state. LOL. The book does explore the idea of could AI and humans live side by side. Is it possible for human looking/acting/behaving robots to be completely integrated with humans?
Again--it's a solid sci-fi for any middle grade sci-fi lovers. No mature things. no swearing.
June 18, 2018
Very intense! This was one of those books where I ignored all else so that I could finish it. I'm glad the series didn't drag on forever -- this was a satisfying conclusion. The whole premise makes you think and wonder. I'm considering doing the first book as a read aloud with my 5th graders and then letting them read the second on their own, if they want.
November 10, 2021
I loved all the loose ends tied up from the last book. I think the books were truly meant to be one book, but it was too long for the ended audience. So the book was split into two parts and another character was added on to make it a little more like a stand-alone book. Not complaining at all, I really enjoyed both books!
December 30, 2021
Nick and Eryn and their step-siblings Ava and Jackson, with their parents, leave home to try to save the lives of Ava and Jackson who are illegal robots. They think they will be safe off the grid in the area around Mammoth Cave in Kentucky. Nick and Eryn find some disturbing papers in the cave that will affect everyone on earth.
May 14, 2017
Was not as well done as I would have expected. Under Their Skin was captivating, this sequel lacked in depth and a little boring in parts. Will be interested to see what my tween book discussion group thinks.
November 23, 2017
I love her fascinating ideas that are so relevant. I think the ending was confusing but interesting. I love her characters. They seem very real. Conclusion seemed a little rushed and “they all lived happily ever afterish”.
December 20, 2017
Definitely a YA book. I didn't enjoy it as much as the first one because the ending is pretty lame and the whole plot could have been filled out quite a bit. I would have liked this more with some more depth & background. But still a quick, enjoyable YA read.
May 29, 2018
I liked the first book in this series a lot more. This book was confusing and took the idea of robots and humans too far. This is probably my least favorite Margaret Peterson Haddix book. The story had potential and after the first book I was excited for this book but was disappointed.
December 16, 2020
This book is.... interesting. I was pretty sure that I would end up hating the book at the start because of the... oh my god so bland dialogue, but no! This book actually turned out to be very clever and pleased me. The beginning did not work for me, though.
April 5, 2021
I actually found this slightly better than the first, as there was more action. The thing about Haddix is she needs at least two book to develop a plot well, if not more. I feel like there is more to tell in this story as the ending did not exactly reach all the potential that this story had.
May 15, 2017
It wasn't as good as the original or had as many twists, but it was still good. 8.5/10
May 25, 2017
I would give it 6 stars if I could! Amazing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews