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The Area 51 Files #1
The Area 51 Files
Aliens, sassy hedgehogs, and unexplained disappearances . . . Oh, my!When Sky Patel-Baum is sent to live with her mysterious uncle, she didn't imagine she'd end up Area 51. A top-secret military base with a bajillion rules and so classified not even the President knows its secrets.Also, it turns out the place is full of aliens. Lots and lots of aliens. But they prefer to be called Break Throughs, thank you very much.As Sky sets out to explore her extraordinary new home with her pizza-obsessed pet hedgehog Spike, she meets her otherworldly next-door neighbor Elvis and his fluffy pup, Pickles. But something mysterious is afoot in Area 51. Some of the Break Throughs have gone missing... at the exact same time Sky arrived.Where could they be? How can Sky and her uncle convince everyone they had nothing to do with the disappearance? And why does the macaroni and cheese at Area 51 Middle have eyeballs in it? New best friends Sky, Elvis, Spike, and Pickles try to crack the case, but the clock is ticking...
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 13, 2022
68 people are currently reading
420 people want to read
About the author
Julie Buxbaum
14 books3,255 followersJulie Buxbaum is the New York Times best selling author of Tell Me Three Things, her young adult debut, What to Say Next, Hope and Other Punchlines, and Admission (pubs 5/5/20). She’s also the author of two critically acclaimed novels for adults: The Opposite of Love and After You. Her work has been translated into twenty-five languages. Julie’s writing has appeared in various publications, including The New York Times. She is a former lawyer and graduate of Harvard Law School and lives in Los Angeles with her husband, two children, and more books than is reasonable. Visit Julie online at www.juliebuxbaum.com and follow @juliebux on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
March 21, 2022
I wrote this book, so let's be honest: I'm probably a little bit biased. And I'm still figuring out how to tell readers how much this story means to me (SPOILER ALERT: A WHOLE LOT), so figured I'd start here. With this little review.
Of my own book.
Giving it five stars.
Because that doesn't feel weird at all.
Nope.
Not even a little.
(Ok, it feels really weird. But probably not as weird as finding yourself in a new home full of aliens?)
Ok, the thing is this book saved me during the pandemic. It was my joy and my escape and my happy place, and I am beyond excited that it transformed from a private project into an actual book that kids will be able to hold in their hands. I can't wait for them to meet Sky Patel-Baum, and her alien best friend Elvis and her pet hedgehog Spike, and for them to hopefully have even half as much fun reading this book as I did writing it. This book is chockfull of puns and fart-jokes and also my whole ridiculous heart. Read it and discover what actually happens in Area 51. I promise it will make you laugh, and maybe even make you cry a wee bit, and perhaps best of all, have you look up at the great big sky above us and feel a little less alone in this wondrous universe.
Of my own book.
Giving it five stars.
Because that doesn't feel weird at all.
Nope.
Not even a little.
(Ok, it feels really weird. But probably not as weird as finding yourself in a new home full of aliens?)
Ok, the thing is this book saved me during the pandemic. It was my joy and my escape and my happy place, and I am beyond excited that it transformed from a private project into an actual book that kids will be able to hold in their hands. I can't wait for them to meet Sky Patel-Baum, and her alien best friend Elvis and her pet hedgehog Spike, and for them to hopefully have even half as much fun reading this book as I did writing it. This book is chockfull of puns and fart-jokes and also my whole ridiculous heart. Read it and discover what actually happens in Area 51. I promise it will make you laugh, and maybe even make you cry a wee bit, and perhaps best of all, have you look up at the great big sky above us and feel a little less alone in this wondrous universe.
June 6, 2022
Rated PG15 for potty humor, frequent crude references to farts, etc., and openly making fun of others (including adults in positions of authority).
This story begins as the fun and interesting adventure of a middle-school girl who's used to being a loner. Sky is a young orphan raised entirely by her grandmother. Her pet hedgehog, Spike is her best friend. And they're about to have a close encounter with a very tall dark stranger!
With little prior warning (and less accurate information), Sky has to go live with Uncle Anish (whom she had never met), just before age 12 when Grandma moves to a retirement home.
Uncle Anish has an unusual job in a particular place...Area 51. No phones (even landlines), email, internet, snail-mail (post), or leaving. No shopping malls, or online orders, and only waffle fries at the drive-in on base. Life with visitors to Earth will be confusing, and fraught with mistakes. But to be fair, Sky thought the handbook was merely "very important," not "life-or-death-vital."
Sky finds that living with aliens is a different culture, and fortunately, she meets someone friendly enough to teach her how different her life can be. The story drags on a bit toward the end, but to a happy ending, and it appears that this is the first book of a series.
I was very unhappily surprised when the book suddenly devolved into potty humor and crude references about farts and feces. It even implies that Sky is horrified by a public toilet, but it's only for shock effect. It's sad that some authors feel this type of content ensures popularity with children of a certain age.
Sky, her friends, and an adult make fun of other people in a mocking and crude manner, and continue with a string of jokes.
My objection isn't that they are having fun, it is that they are being mean and openly mocking. At one point, they are demeaning to a person of authority in public, and do it with the support of other adults.
What's the big deal? This is where prejudice, disrespect, and bullying begin. Laughing at a person because they don't like them, or think their name is like a similar word. It encourages cruelty--not friendship or understanding, or compassion. That's a big deal.
Because these two issues were without warning (on the cover and in the description), I am unable to recommend this book to children under the age of 15.
2/5 Stars
Thanks to Delacort Press and NetGalley for the preview of this ebook pdf; the review is voluntary.
#TheArea51Files #NetGalley
#JulieBuxbaum #LavanyaNaidu
#RandomHouseChildrens #DelacortePress
#MiddleGradeFiction
#ChildrensScienceFiction
#ChildrensFictionArea51
#MiddleGradeFictionArea51
#MiddleGradeFictionSciFiandFantasy
#MiddleGradeScienceFiction
#ChildrensAliensBooks
#ChildrensNewFamilyExperiencesBooks
#ChildrensMysteryandDetectivesBooks
#ChildrensSciFiAliens
#WarningPottyHumor #WarningBullyingApproved
#WarningCrudeMocking
#BookRatingPGForBullyingApproval
#BookRatingPGForPottyHumor
#ReadingAge8to12NotRecommended
This story begins as the fun and interesting adventure of a middle-school girl who's used to being a loner. Sky is a young orphan raised entirely by her grandmother. Her pet hedgehog, Spike is her best friend. And they're about to have a close encounter with a very tall dark stranger!
With little prior warning (and less accurate information), Sky has to go live with Uncle Anish (whom she had never met), just before age 12 when Grandma moves to a retirement home.
Uncle Anish has an unusual job in a particular place...Area 51. No phones (even landlines), email, internet, snail-mail (post), or leaving. No shopping malls, or online orders, and only waffle fries at the drive-in on base. Life with visitors to Earth will be confusing, and fraught with mistakes. But to be fair, Sky thought the handbook was merely "very important," not "life-or-death-vital."
Sky finds that living with aliens is a different culture, and fortunately, she meets someone friendly enough to teach her how different her life can be. The story drags on a bit toward the end, but to a happy ending, and it appears that this is the first book of a series.
I was very unhappily surprised when the book suddenly devolved into potty humor and crude references about farts and feces. It even implies that Sky is horrified by a public toilet, but it's only for shock effect. It's sad that some authors feel this type of content ensures popularity with children of a certain age.
Sky, her friends, and an adult make fun of other people in a mocking and crude manner, and continue with a string of jokes.
My objection isn't that they are having fun, it is that they are being mean and openly mocking. At one point, they are demeaning to a person of authority in public, and do it with the support of other adults.
What's the big deal? This is where prejudice, disrespect, and bullying begin. Laughing at a person because they don't like them, or think their name is like a similar word. It encourages cruelty--not friendship or understanding, or compassion. That's a big deal.
Because these two issues were without warning (on the cover and in the description), I am unable to recommend this book to children under the age of 15.
2/5 Stars
Thanks to Delacort Press and NetGalley for the preview of this ebook pdf; the review is voluntary.
#TheArea51Files #NetGalley
#JulieBuxbaum #LavanyaNaidu
#RandomHouseChildrens #DelacortePress
#MiddleGradeFiction
#ChildrensScienceFiction
#ChildrensFictionArea51
#MiddleGradeFictionArea51
#MiddleGradeFictionSciFiandFantasy
#MiddleGradeScienceFiction
#ChildrensAliensBooks
#ChildrensNewFamilyExperiencesBooks
#ChildrensMysteryandDetectivesBooks
#ChildrensSciFiAliens
#WarningPottyHumor #WarningBullyingApproved
#WarningCrudeMocking
#BookRatingPGForBullyingApproval
#BookRatingPGForPottyHumor
#ReadingAge8to12NotRecommended
January 21, 2025
Funny at times, this a science fiction story about what it might be like to live with the aliens at the highly classified and top secret Area 51. After her grandmother is no longer able to care for her, Sky is sent to live with her uncle who is an agent for the Federal Bureau of Alien Investigations (FBAI) at Area 51. She makes friends and attends schools with other aliens. She and her new friend Elvis even solve a mystery when some of the Zostrammars, a life form that looks like bubbles, go missing.
The best part of this book was seeing how the illustrations and off-the-page comments of characters went along with the text to tell the story. Young readers and tweens who like humor, science fiction with aliens or school stories or fans of Judy Cox's Weird Stories from the Lonesome Cafe will want to give this a try.
The best part of this book was seeing how the illustrations and off-the-page comments of characters went along with the text to tell the story. Young readers and tweens who like humor, science fiction with aliens or school stories or fans of Judy Cox's Weird Stories from the Lonesome Cafe will want to give this a try.
September 19, 2022
TITLE: The Area 51 Files
AUTHOR: Julie Buxbaum
ILLUSTRATED: Lavanya Naidu
PUB DATE: 09.13.2022 Now Available
Top Reasons to read Area 51 now!
🕵🏻♀️ The Setting - who doesn’t love a top secret military base as the setting of this middle grade adventure read
👽 Aliens - also called Break Throughs have gone missing and now the clock is ticking! you guys will love and adore Elvis!
🦔 Spike - The animal sidekick is just super fun to read about! My fave is Spike the pizza 🍕 loving hedgehog
😂 Hilarious - I love a good laugh. the goofy banter and jokes, are sure to give the readers a great belly laugh! I sure had fun.
✍️ Illustrations - I love the illustrations by Naidu which really brings this already over the top book to life that young readers will enjoy!
💕But seriously though this book had a lot of heart and tugged at my heartstrings. Many young readers will love this book and keep a special place in their heart for Skye, Elvis and Spike!
AUTHOR: Julie Buxbaum
ILLUSTRATED: Lavanya Naidu
PUB DATE: 09.13.2022 Now Available
Top Reasons to read Area 51 now!
🕵🏻♀️ The Setting - who doesn’t love a top secret military base as the setting of this middle grade adventure read
👽 Aliens - also called Break Throughs have gone missing and now the clock is ticking! you guys will love and adore Elvis!
🦔 Spike - The animal sidekick is just super fun to read about! My fave is Spike the pizza 🍕 loving hedgehog
😂 Hilarious - I love a good laugh. the goofy banter and jokes, are sure to give the readers a great belly laugh! I sure had fun.
✍️ Illustrations - I love the illustrations by Naidu which really brings this already over the top book to life that young readers will enjoy!
💕But seriously though this book had a lot of heart and tugged at my heartstrings. Many young readers will love this book and keep a special place in their heart for Skye, Elvis and Spike!
January 27, 2023
Wow! I can’t believe how MUCH I ended up LOVING this book-I was pretty sure I would, but always a happy surprise to love a book even more than suspecting lol. It made my favorites of ‘22 video for a reason. Such a great read. When Sky Patel-Baum is sent to live with her mysterious uncle, she didn’t imagine she’d end up here: Area 51. A top-secret military base with a bajillion rules & so classified not even the president knows its secrets. Also, it turns out the place is full of aliens. Lots & lots of aliens. But they prefer to be called Break Throughs, thank you very much. As Sky sets out to explore her extraordinary new home with her pizza-obsessed pet hedgehog Spike, she meets her otherworldly next-door neighbor Elvis & his fluffy pup, Pickles. But something mysterious is afoot in Area 51. Some of the Break Throughs have gone missing… at the exact same time Sky arrived. Where could they be? How can Sky and her uncle convince everyone they had nothing to do with the disappearance? & why does the macaroni & cheese at Area 51 Middle have eyeballs in it? New best friends Sky, Elvis, Spike, & Pickles try to crack the case, but the clock is ticking…Ok. We have a “pizza-obsessed pet hedgehog” named Spike, for 1. Then a friend named Elvis, & a dog named Pickles. Elvis & pickles are some of my favorite things in the world lol. Already loved that alone. The whole idea of this Area 51 the author creates, & all the alien species who live there, along with our MC Sky’s uncle & some other humans..is just absolutely incredible! All the details the author created & put into this are superb. Very detailed, vivid writing. Each species & how unique they each are, & all the differences?! So creative. Amazing characters. I love the friendship that forms between Sky & Elvis(& even their pets! So cute!). They have such a great dynamic together, & make a great team(again, so do their pets! A hedgehog/dog team?? Doesn’t get much cuter than that!).They get some help later on, by a character that joined their little “team”, & I love what the author did with that characters story. Also, SUPERB humor! When there’s a special code for emergency pizza delivery, I’m all for that lol. I also love a good mystery/conspiracy, & this did not disappoint in that area either. Love how it all came together, & that ending. This is full of friendship, family, adventure & misadventures lol, humor, doing what’s right, & more. Great messages throughout as well subtly woven in. HIGHLY recommend. Can’t wait for the sequel this summer! BEAUTIFUL cover, & is HIGHLY illustrated with BEAUTIFUL illustrations inside by Lavanya Naidu as well.💜
September 1, 2022
I received this book from TBR and Beyond Tours/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
OMG THIS was fun! I loved it! It was hard to read as it was a PDF so I had to read it on my phone, but definitely worth the many headaches. XD I laughed so hard. Aliens. Area-51. Mystery. Friendship (though I wasn't always agreeing with the whole Zane stuff it just felt a bit too much like we need to forgive those poor bullies stuff I have been seeing too much in books lately). Fun illustrations. A hedgehog. A dog. Pizza. Waffle Fries. Family.
Look forward to a 15 reactions to the book coming to my blog on September 12th!
OMG THIS was fun! I loved it! It was hard to read as it was a PDF so I had to read it on my phone, but definitely worth the many headaches. XD I laughed so hard. Aliens. Area-51. Mystery. Friendship (though I wasn't always agreeing with the whole Zane stuff it just felt a bit too much like we need to forgive those poor bullies stuff I have been seeing too much in books lately). Fun illustrations. A hedgehog. A dog. Pizza. Waffle Fries. Family.
Look forward to a 15 reactions to the book coming to my blog on September 12th!
December 27, 2024
Sky’s parents died when she was little and she has lived with her grandma ever since. But when her grandma moves to a retirement home community, Sky is off to live with her uncle whom she’s never met. It turns out that her lives in Area 51, and what happens there, stays there. And what’s there is aliens. All kinds of aliens from all different planets, plus a bunch of humans who keep the area safe and secure.
Unfortunately, the day Sky arrives, some aliens go missing. So people start thinking Sky and her uncle are involved in the disappearance. Plus some people are jealous that Sky got to come to Area 51 at all, since very few people are allowed to come and almost no relatives are invited in. But in positive news, Sky quickly befriend Elvis, a 12-year-old alien who also has no parents, and his dog Pickles. The two team up to try to find the missing aliens, and to prove Sky and her uncle’s innocence.
Most of the adults have silly names, including Officers Belcher and Fartz. Fart jokes are plentiful, but no swears. I think kids will like it, though the mystery is a bit meh. Ends on a cliffhanger for the next book. Audiobook was good.
Unfortunately, the day Sky arrives, some aliens go missing. So people start thinking Sky and her uncle are involved in the disappearance. Plus some people are jealous that Sky got to come to Area 51 at all, since very few people are allowed to come and almost no relatives are invited in. But in positive news, Sky quickly befriend Elvis, a 12-year-old alien who also has no parents, and his dog Pickles. The two team up to try to find the missing aliens, and to prove Sky and her uncle’s innocence.
Most of the adults have silly names, including Officers Belcher and Fartz. Fart jokes are plentiful, but no swears. I think kids will like it, though the mystery is a bit meh. Ends on a cliffhanger for the next book. Audiobook was good.
January 12, 2025
3.5 stars-Sky has to live with her Uncle, whom she doesn’t know, when her Grandma has to go in assisted living. She was orphaned at a young age, so he seems to be the only one left who can take her. Problem is, he lives in Area 51 and it’s a pretty strange and isolated place. Themes include friendship, aliens and change. There is a mystery that must be solved-but should kids have to solve it? Seems like it!
January 6, 2024
Battle of the Books 2024 #5. Enjoyable but not overly amazing. The mystery wasn’t tight or complicated. It was cute and a fun little world. The illustrations and their incorporation into the flow of the story was brilliant and well-executed. I won’t be reading the sequels but my 10 year old definitely is.
December 13, 2023
Excellent writing and FUNNY! Great middle grades novel that explores the complexities of family, the universe, and of course Area 51! Also the illustrations along way help to aide visualization of the text! ❤️
June 3, 2023
This was a fun and enjoyable story. I liked the illustrations, it had a good pace, and I love how the characters grew over the course of the story.
July 24, 2023
This book is one of our Sunshine State Young Reader’s Award books for grades 3-5 this year. I read it aloud with my own younger children & it was fabulous. There were lots of well drawn illustrations and lots of funny names for the kids to laugh at. Loved the concept and can’t wait to read more in the series. Highly recommend.
Read
January 21, 20244.25 Very cute, just bought the 2nd in the series yesterday, even before finishing this one. Read it since it is one of the 15 SSYRA books this year.
April 21, 2025
I read with my twin sons, age 7, and my 5 year old son. They loved it! This book kept them all very entertained
April 8, 2024
So funny.
October 11, 2022
Sky is no stranger to loss, and it's touching to read her story. An orphan, she is sent to live with an uncle she has never met, leaving her grandmother who has been her home for years. This loss is sprinkled throughout the story in ways that kids will find very relatable. Sky has struggled to fit in, and as she explores Area 51, she starts to wonder if this could be a good home for her.
My son was excited to read this book with me from the beautiful cover art! Full of adventure, laughing, sleuthing and learning how belong. New friends, epic side kicks, and lots of pizza. This story was fun to read and would be great for any middle grade kids. I am really looking forward to book 2!
Thank you to the author and publisher for my gifted copy. This is an honest and voluntary review.
My son was excited to read this book with me from the beautiful cover art! Full of adventure, laughing, sleuthing and learning how belong. New friends, epic side kicks, and lots of pizza. This story was fun to read and would be great for any middle grade kids. I am really looking forward to book 2!
Thank you to the author and publisher for my gifted copy. This is an honest and voluntary review.
July 14, 2025
For kids who like fart jokes…
September 25, 2022
You can read my full review on my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
The moment I saw the cover for this book, I just knew I had to read it! It’s so charming and adorable, right? Plus, it looks like the protagonists are getting into trouble, and I am all for that. Especially in a place like Area 51. The artwork is charming and engaging, and everything about this book just screamed READ ME.
The Area 51 Files is a funny, compelling mystery, perfect for reluctant readers, set in Area 51. It’s got not one but TWO adorable fluffer sidekicks, aliens, family bonds, an adorable squad, and plenty of humor!
I had so much fun with this one! I can see it being a huge hit among middle grade mystery fans, especially those who want a slight sci-fi bent, or ones who are conspiracy buffs. I thought for sure I’d be able to spot the culprit from a mile off, but it took a good chunk of the book before I was actually able to solve it. Before the protagonists, sure, but Buxbaum does such a good job with the mystery that I wasn’t convinced of my answer until just before the reveal!
My Thoughts
- Surprise! There are aliens at Area 51, as Sky is about to find out. But they’re probably not quite what you’re expecting. The aliens were a little hit or miss for me, because some of them are sort of on the nose in terms of their names. However, I think this will hit a lot better with the target audience, who will appreciate the simple names and the puns!
For the most part, though, I really enjoyed seeing all the different aliens (called Break Throughs) living together and all the different ways they exist. Like Sky’s new best friend, Elvis, whose appearances changes depending on the viewer’s own personal and emotional projections. There are lots of pictures and descriptions of all the various ways people look, and even though everyone is different, they all live together in harmony. Mostly.
Still, it’s quite the adjustment for Sky, moving to Area 51. The rules alone! She has to give up basically everything about the outside world, including *gasp* phones and the Internet. Not to mention quite a few modern conveniences. The situation isn’t necessarily ideal, but for everything Sky gives up, she gains quite a few things in return. Like a found family!
- There’s not one but TWO adorable fluffer sidekicks in this book: a hedgehog named Spike and a doggo named Pickles. Together, their adorable meter is off the charts. Pickles has the bigger personality to me. In some ways, he reminds me of Rufus from Kim Possible. And yes, I realize how much that reference dates me, but I stand by it. Rufus was amazing, and so is Spike. Spike is an adorable hedgehog who is addicted to pizza and who sometimes tries to ride Pickles, his fluffy partner-in-crime.
Pickles, for his part, is also adorable, though less addicted to pizza and more addicted to Spike. Like a true doggo, he’s made a friend and now they’re just simply bonded for life and that’s that.
Though neither animal talks (because, you know, animals), they’re given little signs in some of the comics with their thoughts, which I thought was such a cute addition!
- Sky finds herself at the heart of a mystery when her uncle (which she didn’t know she even had!) is accused of kidnapping some aliens. Of course she takes on the case, with some help from her new friends, despite his warnings. Sky isn’t sure what to make of her Uncle Anish when she first meets him. He’s her mother’s brother and one of two living relatives, since her parents died when she was a baby, leaving her orphaned. Previously, she lived with her grandmother, and now she’s not sure if her uncle chose to take her in or was forced to do so. As one might expect, their relationship is a little awkward at the start. But family is family, right?
So when Uncle Anish is accused of something Sky is sure he didn’t do, she’s determined to prove his innocence. Even though it puts her in danger. The mystery is such a fun one! Well, not so much fun for the Break Throughs that have been kidnapped, I’m sure. But for the reader, it’s a fun ride trying to figure out who might have done it and why!
- Even though this book is funny at its core, it still has some pretty deep, hard-hitting moments, too, which were all the more meaningful for the way they break up the otherwise light narrative. The tone of this book is definitely a light one, but both protagonists (Sky and Elvis) are both orphans, which is something they often need to grapple with. They aren’t alone, per se, and they’ve created their own little families at Area 51, but it doesn’t replace missing their parents, of course. It’s a pain they can relate to.
Some of the characters are pretty shallow and not well explored, but all the main characters, despite being funny, have things they’re struggling with personally and emotionally. It’s nice to see that even though there’s some bigger problems in the area, the kids take time to address and recognize their own fears, worries, and insecurities along the way.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
The moment I saw the cover for this book, I just knew I had to read it! It’s so charming and adorable, right? Plus, it looks like the protagonists are getting into trouble, and I am all for that. Especially in a place like Area 51. The artwork is charming and engaging, and everything about this book just screamed READ ME.
The Area 51 Files is a funny, compelling mystery, perfect for reluctant readers, set in Area 51. It’s got not one but TWO adorable fluffer sidekicks, aliens, family bonds, an adorable squad, and plenty of humor!
I had so much fun with this one! I can see it being a huge hit among middle grade mystery fans, especially those who want a slight sci-fi bent, or ones who are conspiracy buffs. I thought for sure I’d be able to spot the culprit from a mile off, but it took a good chunk of the book before I was actually able to solve it. Before the protagonists, sure, but Buxbaum does such a good job with the mystery that I wasn’t convinced of my answer until just before the reveal!
My Thoughts
- Surprise! There are aliens at Area 51, as Sky is about to find out. But they’re probably not quite what you’re expecting. The aliens were a little hit or miss for me, because some of them are sort of on the nose in terms of their names. However, I think this will hit a lot better with the target audience, who will appreciate the simple names and the puns!
For the most part, though, I really enjoyed seeing all the different aliens (called Break Throughs) living together and all the different ways they exist. Like Sky’s new best friend, Elvis, whose appearances changes depending on the viewer’s own personal and emotional projections. There are lots of pictures and descriptions of all the various ways people look, and even though everyone is different, they all live together in harmony. Mostly.
Still, it’s quite the adjustment for Sky, moving to Area 51. The rules alone! She has to give up basically everything about the outside world, including *gasp* phones and the Internet. Not to mention quite a few modern conveniences. The situation isn’t necessarily ideal, but for everything Sky gives up, she gains quite a few things in return. Like a found family!
- There’s not one but TWO adorable fluffer sidekicks in this book: a hedgehog named Spike and a doggo named Pickles. Together, their adorable meter is off the charts. Pickles has the bigger personality to me. In some ways, he reminds me of Rufus from Kim Possible. And yes, I realize how much that reference dates me, but I stand by it. Rufus was amazing, and so is Spike. Spike is an adorable hedgehog who is addicted to pizza and who sometimes tries to ride Pickles, his fluffy partner-in-crime.
Pickles, for his part, is also adorable, though less addicted to pizza and more addicted to Spike. Like a true doggo, he’s made a friend and now they’re just simply bonded for life and that’s that.
Though neither animal talks (because, you know, animals), they’re given little signs in some of the comics with their thoughts, which I thought was such a cute addition!
- Sky finds herself at the heart of a mystery when her uncle (which she didn’t know she even had!) is accused of kidnapping some aliens. Of course she takes on the case, with some help from her new friends, despite his warnings. Sky isn’t sure what to make of her Uncle Anish when she first meets him. He’s her mother’s brother and one of two living relatives, since her parents died when she was a baby, leaving her orphaned. Previously, she lived with her grandmother, and now she’s not sure if her uncle chose to take her in or was forced to do so. As one might expect, their relationship is a little awkward at the start. But family is family, right?
So when Uncle Anish is accused of something Sky is sure he didn’t do, she’s determined to prove his innocence. Even though it puts her in danger. The mystery is such a fun one! Well, not so much fun for the Break Throughs that have been kidnapped, I’m sure. But for the reader, it’s a fun ride trying to figure out who might have done it and why!
- Even though this book is funny at its core, it still has some pretty deep, hard-hitting moments, too, which were all the more meaningful for the way they break up the otherwise light narrative. The tone of this book is definitely a light one, but both protagonists (Sky and Elvis) are both orphans, which is something they often need to grapple with. They aren’t alone, per se, and they’ve created their own little families at Area 51, but it doesn’t replace missing their parents, of course. It’s a pain they can relate to.
Some of the characters are pretty shallow and not well explored, but all the main characters, despite being funny, have things they’re struggling with personally and emotionally. It’s nice to see that even though there’s some bigger problems in the area, the kids take time to address and recognize their own fears, worries, and insecurities along the way.
August 26, 2022
Life has suddenly changed for twelve-year-old Sky Patel-Baum. Since she was orphaned at three months old, she has been living with her grandmother in California. But now, her grandmother has moved to a retirement home, which leaves Sky destined for Nevada to reside with her Uncle Anish in Area 51. Not only does Sky not know her uncle, but she knows nothing about Area 51 or what she will find once she gets there. She is inserted into a community of aliens—known as Break Throughs—and must do her best to resume some semblance of a normal life. But some Break Throughs have gone missing, and it is up to Sky and her new friends to clear her uncle’s name before it is too late.
This fast-paced and entertaining story is a strong fit for newer young adult readers thanks to its energy, excellent pacing, and overall design. The text is highly accessible, and it reads in a very conversational tone with Sky at its center. Funny phrasing and puns appear throughout the narrative, and readers will especially appreciate the comic and relevant names of the adults in the story. Fantastic illustrations accompany the text and appear on nearly every page, allowing readers both a visual respite and a complement to the events taking place in the story. These images often include asides made by pets Pickles and Spike which serve to greatly enhance the narrative. Individually, the text and illustrations tell compelling stories; together, though, they feed off of one another to construct an even more magnetic plot that will keep the pages turning.
While this story takes place in a speculative version of the enigmatic Area 51, the characters are nonetheless appealing and accessible. From very recognizable emotions to similar experiences in middle school and with bullies, middle grade readers will feel drawn to the characters and their plight despite the obvious differences from reality. The pacing of this story is superb, especially thanks to the brief chapters and frequent inclusion of illustrations. While it is a shorter middle grade novel for this reason, it lacks nothing in the way of storytelling prowess; on the contrary, it does a noteworthy job of getting to the heart of the tale without too much fanfare. Heartfelt and humorous, this is an entertaining story that is sure to delight newer middle grade readers along with anyone who has ever wondered what really happens in Area 51. It is a great addition to library collections for middle grade readers.
This fast-paced and entertaining story is a strong fit for newer young adult readers thanks to its energy, excellent pacing, and overall design. The text is highly accessible, and it reads in a very conversational tone with Sky at its center. Funny phrasing and puns appear throughout the narrative, and readers will especially appreciate the comic and relevant names of the adults in the story. Fantastic illustrations accompany the text and appear on nearly every page, allowing readers both a visual respite and a complement to the events taking place in the story. These images often include asides made by pets Pickles and Spike which serve to greatly enhance the narrative. Individually, the text and illustrations tell compelling stories; together, though, they feed off of one another to construct an even more magnetic plot that will keep the pages turning.
While this story takes place in a speculative version of the enigmatic Area 51, the characters are nonetheless appealing and accessible. From very recognizable emotions to similar experiences in middle school and with bullies, middle grade readers will feel drawn to the characters and their plight despite the obvious differences from reality. The pacing of this story is superb, especially thanks to the brief chapters and frequent inclusion of illustrations. While it is a shorter middle grade novel for this reason, it lacks nothing in the way of storytelling prowess; on the contrary, it does a noteworthy job of getting to the heart of the tale without too much fanfare. Heartfelt and humorous, this is an entertaining story that is sure to delight newer middle grade readers along with anyone who has ever wondered what really happens in Area 51. It is a great addition to library collections for middle grade readers.
October 10, 2022
First sentence: "What happens in Area 51 stays in Area 51. Seriously, that's it. That's the most important rule here." This is what my Uncle Anish says when I meet him for the very first time.
Premise/plot: Sky Patel-Baum, our protagonist, has moved to Area 51 to live with her Uncle Anish. (Her grandmother, who has raised her up to this point after her parents died, is moving into a retirement community.) Her life will never be the same...because there's a whole other way of living in Area 51. She might as well be on another planet...
This one is a mystery science fiction novel. Sky and her new friends (or, to be fair one new best friend and one frenemy) have to solve a BIG mystery in a limited amount of time. The characters lend to speculative fiction classifying, but it is more mystery than anything else.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this quick read. It is illustrated, but not too heavily. I think this one is definitely more mystery than anything else. There are definite suspects, definite clues, and it is all about the process of solving a crime. The premise and setting are interesting. (Plenty of aliens). The humor is a little childish (a fair amount of farting/burping jokes), but remember I am not the target audience.
Premise/plot: Sky Patel-Baum, our protagonist, has moved to Area 51 to live with her Uncle Anish. (Her grandmother, who has raised her up to this point after her parents died, is moving into a retirement community.) Her life will never be the same...because there's a whole other way of living in Area 51. She might as well be on another planet...
This one is a mystery science fiction novel. Sky and her new friends (or, to be fair one new best friend and one frenemy) have to solve a BIG mystery in a limited amount of time. The characters lend to speculative fiction classifying, but it is more mystery than anything else.
My thoughts: I enjoyed this quick read. It is illustrated, but not too heavily. I think this one is definitely more mystery than anything else. There are definite suspects, definite clues, and it is all about the process of solving a crime. The premise and setting are interesting. (Plenty of aliens). The humor is a little childish (a fair amount of farting/burping jokes), but remember I am not the target audience.
August 18, 2022
This is a super cute book, that I think people of all ages, and especially middle graders would really enjoy. It's funny and sweet, the illustrations are adorable!
Sky is moving in with her uncle to Area 51, When she gets there it's like a whole new world. literally. Humans or Norms live in harmony with Aliens (break-throughs) in an adorable little community. However, once you get to Area 51 you aren't allowed to leave, which causes a problem when a group of aliens goes missing. Both Sky and her uncle are under suspicion as the Breakthroughs went missing on the same day she arrived
So Sky, her breakthrough friend Elvis, Spike and Pickles (animal companions extrodenair), and their classmate Zane who is slowly becoming a new friend must work together to uncover who is really behind the disappearances.
I really loved the immediate friendship between Elivs and Sky and Spike and Pickles. Also, this is totally how I'm going to imagine that Area 51 actually is from now on! If there are more in this series I will definitely be reading them.
Sky is moving in with her uncle to Area 51, When she gets there it's like a whole new world. literally. Humans or Norms live in harmony with Aliens (break-throughs) in an adorable little community. However, once you get to Area 51 you aren't allowed to leave, which causes a problem when a group of aliens goes missing. Both Sky and her uncle are under suspicion as the Breakthroughs went missing on the same day she arrived
So Sky, her breakthrough friend Elvis, Spike and Pickles (animal companions extrodenair), and their classmate Zane who is slowly becoming a new friend must work together to uncover who is really behind the disappearances.
I really loved the immediate friendship between Elivs and Sky and Spike and Pickles. Also, this is totally how I'm going to imagine that Area 51 actually is from now on! If there are more in this series I will definitely be reading them.
December 12, 2022
This review and many more can be found on my blog: Feed Your Fiction Addiction
The Area 51 Files is a goofy MG mystery featuring friendships, family bonds, a pet hedgehog/dog duo, and a whole bunch of aliens! First off, the book is highly illustrated, and the illustrations are wonderful! Just take a look at that cover to get an idea of what's in store. The illustrations are used almost like graphic novel panels so that they help to tell the story (or tell little side jokes, often using the hedgehog and dog in hilarious ways).
When Sky is sent off to live with her mysterious uncle, she has no idea she's actually going to Area 52 - or that aliens are real. Her sense of reality is thrown into chaos when she is confronted with a whole community full of various aliens, some so strange the human brain has to make up its own form for them. But when some of the aliens are kidnapped at the exact time she arrives, her and her uncle are suddenly suspects. Sky and her newfound friends have to solve the case before Sky's uncle's life is irretrievably ruined and Sky is sent away. Of course, in order to do that, they have quite a few adventures and mishaps along the way.
Sure to be a hit with MG readers of books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
The Area 51 Files is a goofy MG mystery featuring friendships, family bonds, a pet hedgehog/dog duo, and a whole bunch of aliens! First off, the book is highly illustrated, and the illustrations are wonderful! Just take a look at that cover to get an idea of what's in store. The illustrations are used almost like graphic novel panels so that they help to tell the story (or tell little side jokes, often using the hedgehog and dog in hilarious ways).
When Sky is sent off to live with her mysterious uncle, she has no idea she's actually going to Area 52 - or that aliens are real. Her sense of reality is thrown into chaos when she is confronted with a whole community full of various aliens, some so strange the human brain has to make up its own form for them. But when some of the aliens are kidnapped at the exact time she arrives, her and her uncle are suddenly suspects. Sky and her newfound friends have to solve the case before Sky's uncle's life is irretrievably ruined and Sky is sent away. Of course, in order to do that, they have quite a few adventures and mishaps along the way.
Sure to be a hit with MG readers of books like Diary of a Wimpy Kid!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley so I could provide an honest review. No compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
August 6, 2022
I received an electronic ARC from Random House Children's through NetGalley.
Buxbaum introduces readers to the hidden world of Area 51 where humans and aliens from a wide variety of planets live in harmony. Twelve year old Sky arrives to live with her uncle and is introduced to the community there. Almost immediately, she meets Elvis, a Galzorian, who takes whatever shape the person viewing him sees. Together, they work to solve a kidnapping that happened at exactly the time Sky arrived on the base. Along the way, they make another friend, Zane, and the three of them work together to find the missing aliens and prove Sky's uncle did not kidnap them.
Plenty of humor and enough compassion to draw in middle grade readers with varying interests. Who doesn't want to meet friendly aliens from so many places. Lovely reminder to look beyond the surface when meeting new beings. Plus, an ending sure to make readers impatient for the next book.
Looking forward to more in this series.
Buxbaum introduces readers to the hidden world of Area 51 where humans and aliens from a wide variety of planets live in harmony. Twelve year old Sky arrives to live with her uncle and is introduced to the community there. Almost immediately, she meets Elvis, a Galzorian, who takes whatever shape the person viewing him sees. Together, they work to solve a kidnapping that happened at exactly the time Sky arrived on the base. Along the way, they make another friend, Zane, and the three of them work together to find the missing aliens and prove Sky's uncle did not kidnap them.
Plenty of humor and enough compassion to draw in middle grade readers with varying interests. Who doesn't want to meet friendly aliens from so many places. Lovely reminder to look beyond the surface when meeting new beings. Plus, an ending sure to make readers impatient for the next book.
Looking forward to more in this series.
September 7, 2022
Sky Patel-Baum is moving to Area 51 to live with the uncle she's never met. When she gets there, there is a whole community of Break Throughs (aka aliens) including her new best friend, Elvis. Not everything is going smoothly when Sky discovers that a group of break throughs disappeared the moment she arrived and her uncle is the prime suspect. Together with Elvis and their pets, Sky sets out to solve the mystery and clear her uncle's name.
This one is a harder one for me to review because I didn't love it, but I could easily share it with a crowd of Big Nate and Wimpy Kid fans. The book is chalk full of fart humor. The character names or utterly ridiculous, and the baddies generally appear to be baddies from the first page. I give it 4 stars because it was a silly romp with very little substance but still appeals to the primary audience.
Thanks to Net Galley and the Publisher for a free copy in exchange for a review.
This one is a harder one for me to review because I didn't love it, but I could easily share it with a crowd of Big Nate and Wimpy Kid fans. The book is chalk full of fart humor. The character names or utterly ridiculous, and the baddies generally appear to be baddies from the first page. I give it 4 stars because it was a silly romp with very little substance but still appeals to the primary audience.
Thanks to Net Galley and the Publisher for a free copy in exchange for a review.
November 9, 2023
Time for something quirky and fun! You are never too old to read what you want, and sometimes that means entertaining kids books like this gem I found at my local library. I am not even sure how I found it, was it wondering the shelves or a random search on the library search function? Either way, this book is fun and I love it! I bet my 10 year old will love it as well. It brings all the fun to a book, wild story line, a mystery and illustrations, but it isn't a graphic novel.
A young girl has to move in with her military uncle on Area 51 once her grandmother who has been her guardian is no longer able to care for her. Living on the base brings big responsibilities, and heightened security. As with other human places, humans tend to make things messy and create mysteries that are ripe to be solved. Our lead character finds out the true meaning of friendship and what family really means.
A young girl has to move in with her military uncle on Area 51 once her grandmother who has been her guardian is no longer able to care for her. Living on the base brings big responsibilities, and heightened security. As with other human places, humans tend to make things messy and create mysteries that are ripe to be solved. Our lead character finds out the true meaning of friendship and what family really means.
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June 30, 2025
The Area 51 Files is the first book in the series where we are introduced to Sky, the niece of Uncle Anish, the deputy head of the Federal Bureau of Alien Investigations in Nevada. So secretive no one knows about it, Sky is the first human to move there in years and she quickly finds out that not everyone is happy about it. With an overwhelming amount of rules and the truth behind aliens, or break throughs, finally revealed Sky has a lot to process. Of course when some of the Zdstrammar aliens go missing and Uncle Anish is implicated in their disappearance, Sky and her new friend, also break through, Elvis are on the hunt to catch the real bad guys.
This book is more than a humorous kids book with silly humor and aliens. It also contains a lot of valuable lessons about acceptance and friendship. A quick read, I thought it was light, funny and made me want to read the next book in the series.
Thank you Random House Kids for the gifted copy.
This book is more than a humorous kids book with silly humor and aliens. It also contains a lot of valuable lessons about acceptance and friendship. A quick read, I thought it was light, funny and made me want to read the next book in the series.
Thank you Random House Kids for the gifted copy.
September 19, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley for the advance copy- This book is a light-hearted middle grade novel that is appropriate for upper elementary school and lower middle school. The story was definitely interesting and unlike anything I was expecting when I originally started reading it- it had a nice mix of seriousness and whimsy, though I did think the names of the adults were a bit too on the nose - but I’m sure younger readers would think they’re entertaining. And it did help keep the numerous characters straight in my mind! It was a creative story that is likely to draw in reluctant readers, and I’d be happy to have it in my library when it’s accessible to the public. The illustrations were well done and added to the story - I particularly liked the pet cameos! Overall, the story was a nice mix of science fiction and mystery.
December 27, 2022
A young orphan (Sky Patel-Baum) is sent to live with the uncle she's never even met, only to discover that her uncle is a government agent and her new home is a top-secret military base populated with aliens.
But Sky's arrival in Area 51 brings tragedy and mystery: three aliens go missing, and Sky's uncle--who is being eyed for a significant promotion--is accused of the crime. If the case doesn't get cracked, Uncle Anish will lose the promotion--and his job. Working together with two unlikely new friends (a shape-shifting alien and the human school bully), Sky sets out to clear Uncle Anish's name.
Black-and-white illustrations and plenty of humor (including characters named Belcher and Fartz) give this wide appeal. A perfect pick for readers who like their science fiction on the silly side.
But Sky's arrival in Area 51 brings tragedy and mystery: three aliens go missing, and Sky's uncle--who is being eyed for a significant promotion--is accused of the crime. If the case doesn't get cracked, Uncle Anish will lose the promotion--and his job. Working together with two unlikely new friends (a shape-shifting alien and the human school bully), Sky sets out to clear Uncle Anish's name.
Black-and-white illustrations and plenty of humor (including characters named Belcher and Fartz) give this wide appeal. A perfect pick for readers who like their science fiction on the silly side.
May 18, 2023
Super fun, fast-paced, surprisingly thoughtful. My oldest and I zipped through this in under 24 hours. It's compelling without being too intense with a nice blend of humor and intelligence. Well, okay, it was a little heavy on the potty humor (I got a little tired of saying Agent Fartz and Agent Belcher and related jokes--I also could have done without the unflattering depictions of their teacher Mrs. Moleratty as the unattractive teacher stereotype is just not cool) but it didn't mar my overall enjoyment of the story. This story does break the stereotype of aliens as little green men or monsters and I appreciated the sensitive portrayal of a variety of sentient beings worthy of respect. Nice to find a middle grade that isn't too heavy but still provides some food for thought for the target audience.
April 25, 2022
The first in a new middle grade series! When Sky’s grandma moves into a retirement community, Sky has to go live with her uncle. The weird part - her uncle lives and works at Area 51. When she gets there, she realizes aliens (or as they prefer, Break Throughs) are real and they come in many shapes and sizes! As she tries to adapt, there’s a bigger problem - some of the break throughs have gone missing. Sky and her new friend, Elvis, start to investigate to find out what happened.
I found this book delightful! I loved the pictures and the whole concept is just great. I can’t wait to read the future adventures of Sky and her friends!
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book delightful! I loved the pictures and the whole concept is just great. I can’t wait to read the future adventures of Sky and her friends!
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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