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Press 1 for Invasion
A kid who just wanted a cell phone ends up being responsible for saving the world from an alien invasion in this hilarious, action-packed new middle grade novel that’s perfect for fans of Sal and Gabi Break the Universe and Gordon Korman.
Ten-year-old Matt really wants a phone, but his parents won’t let him have one. When he finds one just lying on the sidewalk, he naturally picks it up and claims it for himself. But when Matt uses his new phone to take pictures, they show the crossing guard in front of his school as a monster. But that can’t be right…can it?
Matt soon learns a) his lunch lady is also a monster (actually, an alien); b) an invasion of Earth is due to take place within the next few days; and c) the lunch lady is having cold feet (well, tentacles) about the whole thing and wants his help. Matt and his friend Marcela join forces with her to save the planet.
Battles in their school cafeteria and high above the Earth’s atmosphere place them in very close encounters with alien pets and the business end of a gigantic oven. As the danger mounts, Matt and Marcela must ask themselves what they’re willing to risk to save their friends, their family, and their world.
Ten-year-old Matt really wants a phone, but his parents won’t let him have one. When he finds one just lying on the sidewalk, he naturally picks it up and claims it for himself. But when Matt uses his new phone to take pictures, they show the crossing guard in front of his school as a monster. But that can’t be right…can it?
Matt soon learns a) his lunch lady is also a monster (actually, an alien); b) an invasion of Earth is due to take place within the next few days; and c) the lunch lady is having cold feet (well, tentacles) about the whole thing and wants his help. Matt and his friend Marcela join forces with her to save the planet.
Battles in their school cafeteria and high above the Earth’s atmosphere place them in very close encounters with alien pets and the business end of a gigantic oven. As the danger mounts, Matt and Marcela must ask themselves what they’re willing to risk to save their friends, their family, and their world.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published September 9, 2025
4 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
January 11, 2026
Press 1 for Invasion by J.A. Dauber is an engaging read that manages to capture the imagination of both children and adults. The narrative structure, while accessible for middle-grade readers, offers a deep, analytical look at perception, biology, and the surprising power of human culture. The story centers on ten-year-old Matt Pearson, a protagonist whose mundane desire for a cell phone inadvertently plunges him into a high-stakes extraterrestrial crisis.
The Phenomenon of the Alien Lens
The narrative begins with a classic “found object” trope, but it quickly evolves into something far more sophisticated. When Matt discovers a mysterious device on the sidewalk, it appears to be a standard smartphone. However, the device possesses a unique interface that operates on an alien “service plan.” While the phone struggles to connect to human infrastructure or standard cell networks, its camera functions as a bridge between two worlds.
What makes this premise truly compelling is the biological requirement for the technology to function. Matt possesses heterochromia — a rare condition where he has two different eye colors. This biological anomaly serves as a literal and figurative “key.” While other characters look at the phone’s screen and see only normal human beings, Matt’s unique vision allows him to see through the extraterrestrial disguises. This “credibility gap” creates a profound sense of social isolation; even when Matt takes photos of the supposed monsters, his friend Geno only sees the human camouflage. This detail adds a layer of psychological tension, as Matt must reconcile the human disguises his eyes perceive with the tentacled truth revealed by the screen.
The Anatomy of an Invasion
Through this specialized lens, the familiar environment of a school becomes a battlefield of shadows. The school crossing guard, Mr. Mackintosh, and the lunch lady, Mrs. MacGillicuddy, are revealed to be far more than school staff. They are “tentacled monsters” disguised as everyday people. The shift in Matt’s perception is immediate and terrifying, particularly when he overhears the crossing guard’s cryptic and menacing rhymes about “mushed up and crushed up” children.
The research into the alien species reveals a biology that is remarkably similar to certain Earth insects. The invaders operate as a collective, much like a colony of ants. Their neurological impulses are tuned to a hive mind, which traditionally leaves little room for independent thought or the rise of individual personality. Within their species, they are largely identical worker drones, functioning as a synchronized unit. However, the story introduces a fascinating variable: something about Earth’s atmosphere or its environment allows these beings to begin thinking independently.
The Gastronomic Stakes
One of the more unsettling revelations in Press 1 for Invasion is the motive behind the arrival. To the invaders, humans represent a “triple jackpot” in the “flavor sweepstakes.” The plan is not merely a conquest but a commercial harvest. The entire planet is slated to be “factory farmed,” flash-frozen, and shipped back to the alien homeworld to be sold in the extraterrestrial equivalent of marketplaces.
The technology used for this process is both advanced and terrifying. Beyond the disguise projectors, the invaders utilize a “gigantic space oven,” an orbital piece of machinery designed to process humanity at the perfect temperature. This looming threat is overseen by the primary antagonist, General Guggenheim, who commands a massive spaceship positioned high above the Earth’s atmosphere. The scale of the threat is absolute; a single, automated ship could reduce the planet to cinder before human military forces could even register a signature.
The Humor Factor and the Reluctant Ally
The narrative takes a sharp turn with the introduction of Mrs. MacGillicuddy as a reluctant ally. Despite being a member of the foreign service within the Imperial collective, she experiences a “change of heart” — or perhaps a change of tentacles. Her divergence from the hive mind is sparked by a uniquely human invention: the joke.
In a species where every member knows everything about every other being, the concept of a “lie” is impossible, and the “delightfully unexpected” nature of humor is nonexistent. If an alien were to tell a joke, the entire collective would already know the punchline. Mrs. MacGillicuddy finds human humor so hilarious that she can no longer justify the destruction of the species that created it. Furthermore, her exposure to Earth has led her to become a vegetarian, rejecting the “flavor sweepstakes” entirely. This transformation highlights the book’s underlying theme: that creativity and individual thought are the ultimate defenses against a stagnant collective.
Battles for the Cafeteria
As the invasion clock ticks down, Matt and his resourceful friend Marcella must navigate physical dangers that extend beyond the psychological. The school cafeteria becomes the site of a frantic battle against alien “pets.” These creatures are not mechanical technology but “living technology” — biological guard dogs used to enforce alien authority and protect key locations. Unlike the subtle threat of the disguised scouts, these pets are direct, lethal, and physical obstacles.
The challenges are compounded by the alien phone’s limitations. While it never loses its charge, it cannot make calls to human numbers or access the internet. Matt is forced to rely on his own ingenuity and the help of Marcella to navigate these high-stakes confrontations. The duo must decide if they can truly trust a lunch lady who, while claiming to be an ally, still speaks of “serving up an ear” to appease her superiors.
A Standing Recommendation
Press 1 for Invasion is a masterclass in middle-grade world-building. J.A. Dauber has created a standalone novel that feels like the beginning of a much larger universe. The tension between the “flawless” human disguises and the tentacled reality creates a sense of constant, underlying mystery. Can Matt and Marcella pull off the plan to save the world? What is the true nature of the “disguise technology” that fools even the most observant adults?
While there is currently no official word on a sequel, the potential for a series is undeniable. The combination of rare medical conditions, advanced alien “living technology,” and the looming presence of General Guggenheim’s orbital oven makes for a story that is as exciting as it is analytical. It is a triumphant debut that reminds us why we should always keep our shoes tied and our eyes open for the unexpected.
Happy Reading!
The Phenomenon of the Alien Lens
The narrative begins with a classic “found object” trope, but it quickly evolves into something far more sophisticated. When Matt discovers a mysterious device on the sidewalk, it appears to be a standard smartphone. However, the device possesses a unique interface that operates on an alien “service plan.” While the phone struggles to connect to human infrastructure or standard cell networks, its camera functions as a bridge between two worlds.
What makes this premise truly compelling is the biological requirement for the technology to function. Matt possesses heterochromia — a rare condition where he has two different eye colors. This biological anomaly serves as a literal and figurative “key.” While other characters look at the phone’s screen and see only normal human beings, Matt’s unique vision allows him to see through the extraterrestrial disguises. This “credibility gap” creates a profound sense of social isolation; even when Matt takes photos of the supposed monsters, his friend Geno only sees the human camouflage. This detail adds a layer of psychological tension, as Matt must reconcile the human disguises his eyes perceive with the tentacled truth revealed by the screen.
The Anatomy of an Invasion
Through this specialized lens, the familiar environment of a school becomes a battlefield of shadows. The school crossing guard, Mr. Mackintosh, and the lunch lady, Mrs. MacGillicuddy, are revealed to be far more than school staff. They are “tentacled monsters” disguised as everyday people. The shift in Matt’s perception is immediate and terrifying, particularly when he overhears the crossing guard’s cryptic and menacing rhymes about “mushed up and crushed up” children.
The research into the alien species reveals a biology that is remarkably similar to certain Earth insects. The invaders operate as a collective, much like a colony of ants. Their neurological impulses are tuned to a hive mind, which traditionally leaves little room for independent thought or the rise of individual personality. Within their species, they are largely identical worker drones, functioning as a synchronized unit. However, the story introduces a fascinating variable: something about Earth’s atmosphere or its environment allows these beings to begin thinking independently.
The Gastronomic Stakes
One of the more unsettling revelations in Press 1 for Invasion is the motive behind the arrival. To the invaders, humans represent a “triple jackpot” in the “flavor sweepstakes.” The plan is not merely a conquest but a commercial harvest. The entire planet is slated to be “factory farmed,” flash-frozen, and shipped back to the alien homeworld to be sold in the extraterrestrial equivalent of marketplaces.
The technology used for this process is both advanced and terrifying. Beyond the disguise projectors, the invaders utilize a “gigantic space oven,” an orbital piece of machinery designed to process humanity at the perfect temperature. This looming threat is overseen by the primary antagonist, General Guggenheim, who commands a massive spaceship positioned high above the Earth’s atmosphere. The scale of the threat is absolute; a single, automated ship could reduce the planet to cinder before human military forces could even register a signature.
The Humor Factor and the Reluctant Ally
The narrative takes a sharp turn with the introduction of Mrs. MacGillicuddy as a reluctant ally. Despite being a member of the foreign service within the Imperial collective, she experiences a “change of heart” — or perhaps a change of tentacles. Her divergence from the hive mind is sparked by a uniquely human invention: the joke.
In a species where every member knows everything about every other being, the concept of a “lie” is impossible, and the “delightfully unexpected” nature of humor is nonexistent. If an alien were to tell a joke, the entire collective would already know the punchline. Mrs. MacGillicuddy finds human humor so hilarious that she can no longer justify the destruction of the species that created it. Furthermore, her exposure to Earth has led her to become a vegetarian, rejecting the “flavor sweepstakes” entirely. This transformation highlights the book’s underlying theme: that creativity and individual thought are the ultimate defenses against a stagnant collective.
Battles for the Cafeteria
As the invasion clock ticks down, Matt and his resourceful friend Marcella must navigate physical dangers that extend beyond the psychological. The school cafeteria becomes the site of a frantic battle against alien “pets.” These creatures are not mechanical technology but “living technology” — biological guard dogs used to enforce alien authority and protect key locations. Unlike the subtle threat of the disguised scouts, these pets are direct, lethal, and physical obstacles.
The challenges are compounded by the alien phone’s limitations. While it never loses its charge, it cannot make calls to human numbers or access the internet. Matt is forced to rely on his own ingenuity and the help of Marcella to navigate these high-stakes confrontations. The duo must decide if they can truly trust a lunch lady who, while claiming to be an ally, still speaks of “serving up an ear” to appease her superiors.
A Standing Recommendation
Press 1 for Invasion is a masterclass in middle-grade world-building. J.A. Dauber has created a standalone novel that feels like the beginning of a much larger universe. The tension between the “flawless” human disguises and the tentacled reality creates a sense of constant, underlying mystery. Can Matt and Marcella pull off the plan to save the world? What is the true nature of the “disguise technology” that fools even the most observant adults?
While there is currently no official word on a sequel, the potential for a series is undeniable. The combination of rare medical conditions, advanced alien “living technology,” and the looming presence of General Guggenheim’s orbital oven makes for a story that is as exciting as it is analytical. It is a triumphant debut that reminds us why we should always keep our shoes tied and our eyes open for the unexpected.
Happy Reading!
November 5, 2025
10 year old Matt has been begging his parents for such a long time so when he finds one laying on the sidewalk, of course he scoops it up. But despite looking like a typical cell phone loaded with apps, the only feature that seems to work is the camera. Except when Matt views the school crossing guard, Mr. McIntosh, through the camera lens, he doesn’t see the overweight and cranky man he usually sees, instead, there is a slimy octopus-like creature looking back at him! What follows is a goofy alien invasion story with hero Matt, able to see the creatures due to his heterochromia, a genetic condition resulting in two differently colored eyes, and his crush Marcella teaming up with the school lunch lady/alien, Mrs. MacGillicuddy who has decided that humans are much to interesting to simply use as a food source, to stop the invasion and save the planet.
The plot moves rapidly, is filled with plenty of plans made, plans failed and enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing and wondering all the way to the expected saved Earth that finally happens 5 pages before the end. Dauber’s descriptions of the tentacled aliens, blaster gun and control panels on General Guggenheim’s ship are terrific and the way he contrasts what humans think they are seeing vs what is actually there opens all sorts of possible activities for artistic interpretation and ELA activities. The age of main characters Marcella and Matt is not stated definitively until close to the conclusion of the book and I wish it had been left up to the reader to decide. Throughout the book, Matt’s crush on Marcella and then her response to him, including hand-holding, awkwardness, a significant hug and embarrassing teasing by parents is a common theme and yet, 10 seems a bit young for anymore than the “Do you like me? check yes or no” type notes. Coupled with the kids’ composure, vocabulary and a few classroom topics, Dauber should have placed his main characters at 12 or 13. Fortunately, identifying their age isn’t until the end and by then, 5th-7th grade readers will be so invested they will probably finish.
Recommended if for libraries serving 4th-6th grade and with zero profanity, violence limited to humorous splats and the stated goal of eating children and no sexual content, could be read by younger although the just over 300 pages, the length may be daunting for those at the lower end of the suggested age range. Representation: both main characters plus Matt’s comic book sharing friend Geno live in traditional two parent homes and present as middle class, neither physical descriptions or naming conventions indicate racial heritage of main characters, leaving that decision up to the reader.
Read alikes: For those who like their alien stories on the goofy side like this one, try the older Crete Smith’s Aliens on Vacation or Bruce Coville’s Aliens series. If it’s the “only a few can see them” part that is intriguing, recently released The Experiment by Rebecca Stead and the not quite as recent Notebook of Doom (Cummings) and The Supernatural Society (Ogle) may be good choices.
The plot moves rapidly, is filled with plenty of plans made, plans failed and enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing and wondering all the way to the expected saved Earth that finally happens 5 pages before the end. Dauber’s descriptions of the tentacled aliens, blaster gun and control panels on General Guggenheim’s ship are terrific and the way he contrasts what humans think they are seeing vs what is actually there opens all sorts of possible activities for artistic interpretation and ELA activities. The age of main characters Marcella and Matt is not stated definitively until close to the conclusion of the book and I wish it had been left up to the reader to decide. Throughout the book, Matt’s crush on Marcella and then her response to him, including hand-holding, awkwardness, a significant hug and embarrassing teasing by parents is a common theme and yet, 10 seems a bit young for anymore than the “Do you like me? check yes or no” type notes. Coupled with the kids’ composure, vocabulary and a few classroom topics, Dauber should have placed his main characters at 12 or 13. Fortunately, identifying their age isn’t until the end and by then, 5th-7th grade readers will be so invested they will probably finish.
Recommended if for libraries serving 4th-6th grade and with zero profanity, violence limited to humorous splats and the stated goal of eating children and no sexual content, could be read by younger although the just over 300 pages, the length may be daunting for those at the lower end of the suggested age range. Representation: both main characters plus Matt’s comic book sharing friend Geno live in traditional two parent homes and present as middle class, neither physical descriptions or naming conventions indicate racial heritage of main characters, leaving that decision up to the reader.
Read alikes: For those who like their alien stories on the goofy side like this one, try the older Crete Smith’s Aliens on Vacation or Bruce Coville’s Aliens series. If it’s the “only a few can see them” part that is intriguing, recently released The Experiment by Rebecca Stead and the not quite as recent Notebook of Doom (Cummings) and The Supernatural Society (Ogle) may be good choices.
April 21, 2025
What worked:
Matt is an unlikely hero, as he doesn’t seem to have any friends beyond Geno. However, he only hangs out with Geno because of his amazing collection of comics. One of Matt’s redeeming qualities is his kindness toward the lunch ladies. Most of the students make fun of them, but Matt takes the time to talk and to show them politeness. He feels his parents are overly cautious when they won’t get him a cell phone, but it reinforces the idea that he’ll be chosen to save the world.
Young readers will probably be shocked to learn the aliens are invading Earth, because humans are a delicious source of meat. The lunch lady reveals the plan to Matt, and he’s creeped out by the idea of being eaten by aliens. She talks about it matter-of-factly, she compares eating kids to eating veal, and can describe the cooking process in her role as a chef. Even though she insists she’s now a vegetarian, Matt’s still uneasy at how casually she can talk about eating humans. He learns the school crossing guard is another alien who is looking forward to a delicious meal.
Matt’s eyes are two different colors, which is the reason he’s the only one who can see the aliens in their true forms. The crossing guard is an immediate antagonist, and his rhyming comments to students are creepy. He figures out Matt has seen him in his true form and starts becoming more aggressive. The only way Matt can avoid the guard is by taking a route with a dog that scares the heck out of him. The crossing guard isn’t always present in the story, but his threat is constantly in readers’ minds. So, they’ll anticipate a confrontation between Matt and the crossing guard at some point, even as Matt is trying to stop the alien invasion. The plot’s climax offers more than what’s expected.
What didn’t work as well:
The physical appearance of the aliens may confuse some readers. They have seven tentacles and multiple eyes, but humans see them as a normal man and woman. They haven’t transformed or anything; they just look different. Even Matt finds it challenging to mentally reconcile that the woman he sees walking across the room is actually slithering across the floor on tentacles. It’s helpful that Matt wears special glasses later in the book, so he can describe to readers what’s really happening.
The final verdict:
The plot has a fun blend of humor and adventure where two young kids must save the world from invading aliens. The danger of being eaten is a curious twist to the conflict and adds novelty to the story. Some of the silliness may not appeal to everyone, but I still recommend you try it for yourself.
Matt is an unlikely hero, as he doesn’t seem to have any friends beyond Geno. However, he only hangs out with Geno because of his amazing collection of comics. One of Matt’s redeeming qualities is his kindness toward the lunch ladies. Most of the students make fun of them, but Matt takes the time to talk and to show them politeness. He feels his parents are overly cautious when they won’t get him a cell phone, but it reinforces the idea that he’ll be chosen to save the world.
Young readers will probably be shocked to learn the aliens are invading Earth, because humans are a delicious source of meat. The lunch lady reveals the plan to Matt, and he’s creeped out by the idea of being eaten by aliens. She talks about it matter-of-factly, she compares eating kids to eating veal, and can describe the cooking process in her role as a chef. Even though she insists she’s now a vegetarian, Matt’s still uneasy at how casually she can talk about eating humans. He learns the school crossing guard is another alien who is looking forward to a delicious meal.
Matt’s eyes are two different colors, which is the reason he’s the only one who can see the aliens in their true forms. The crossing guard is an immediate antagonist, and his rhyming comments to students are creepy. He figures out Matt has seen him in his true form and starts becoming more aggressive. The only way Matt can avoid the guard is by taking a route with a dog that scares the heck out of him. The crossing guard isn’t always present in the story, but his threat is constantly in readers’ minds. So, they’ll anticipate a confrontation between Matt and the crossing guard at some point, even as Matt is trying to stop the alien invasion. The plot’s climax offers more than what’s expected.
What didn’t work as well:
The physical appearance of the aliens may confuse some readers. They have seven tentacles and multiple eyes, but humans see them as a normal man and woman. They haven’t transformed or anything; they just look different. Even Matt finds it challenging to mentally reconcile that the woman he sees walking across the room is actually slithering across the floor on tentacles. It’s helpful that Matt wears special glasses later in the book, so he can describe to readers what’s really happening.
The final verdict:
The plot has a fun blend of humor and adventure where two young kids must save the world from invading aliens. The danger of being eaten is a curious twist to the conflict and adds novelty to the story. Some of the silliness may not appeal to everyone, but I still recommend you try it for yourself.
May 10, 2025
E ARC Provided by Netgalley
Matt, who is ten, would really like a cell phone like his best friend Gene has, but his parents won't agree. When he finds a cell phone on the sidewalk, he takes it home and tries to get it to work. The only thing he can get it to do is to take pictures, and he snaps one of the school crossing guard, Mr. Mackintosh... but it looks like a monster! Gene doesn't see this at all. The phone never seems to run out of charge, but has an alarm that seems to be going off. When Matt realizes that a cafeteria lady, Mrs. MacGillicuddy, is also a monster, he asks her some questions. She admits that there are aliens on Earth, and they do want to occupy the planet so that they can eat people, but she herself has become a vegetarian, and is willing to help him. Matt is able to see the monsters because he has heterochromic eyes. He briefly tries to alert Principal Delgado to the invasion at his school, but Matt is dismissed as unstable and referred to the school pyschologist. Mrs. MacGillicuddy is part of the foreign service, and knowing how to cook humans is part of her mission, but she thinks that if Matt can work to prove that humans aren't worth eating, the invasion will not happen. Along with classmate Marcella, they try to come up with a plan that does NOT involve Marcella and Matt giving up an ear, some blood, and a few bones so that Mrs. MacGillicuddy can serve appetizers to the visiting aliens. They visit her eerie house to work on plans, and a report is made to General Guggenheim that the food source is ruined, but that isn't enough. Will space aliens take to spy or seitan meat sources more readily than humans do and leave earth alone?
Strengths: Of course space aliens are going to infiltrate elementary schools first! That's where the tenderest, tastiest humans live. It was inspired to use a phone as the way that Matt found out about the aliens, because I imagine there are a lot of children who would pick up a phone and play with it because they want one so much. It was good to see that not all of the aliens were completely evil, but even Mrs. MacGillicuddy is fairly scary... she just wants one ear to serve up to her superiors! The chapters in this were short and snappy, so the story moved along quickly.
Weaknesses: This is a retro looking cover that I'm not sure will do well with my students. It looks a bit like Lubar's 2006 Punished. Middle school readers usually wants their aliens to be a little more frightening and less goofy, so perhaps the cover will appeal more to elementary readers.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who liked goofy space aliens adventures such as Mackel's Can of Worms, Lerner's Enginerds, London's We are Not Eaten By Yaks, or Lubar's Emperor of the Universe series.
And now I have the line "Soylent green is PEOPLE" stuck in my mind!
Matt, who is ten, would really like a cell phone like his best friend Gene has, but his parents won't agree. When he finds a cell phone on the sidewalk, he takes it home and tries to get it to work. The only thing he can get it to do is to take pictures, and he snaps one of the school crossing guard, Mr. Mackintosh... but it looks like a monster! Gene doesn't see this at all. The phone never seems to run out of charge, but has an alarm that seems to be going off. When Matt realizes that a cafeteria lady, Mrs. MacGillicuddy, is also a monster, he asks her some questions. She admits that there are aliens on Earth, and they do want to occupy the planet so that they can eat people, but she herself has become a vegetarian, and is willing to help him. Matt is able to see the monsters because he has heterochromic eyes. He briefly tries to alert Principal Delgado to the invasion at his school, but Matt is dismissed as unstable and referred to the school pyschologist. Mrs. MacGillicuddy is part of the foreign service, and knowing how to cook humans is part of her mission, but she thinks that if Matt can work to prove that humans aren't worth eating, the invasion will not happen. Along with classmate Marcella, they try to come up with a plan that does NOT involve Marcella and Matt giving up an ear, some blood, and a few bones so that Mrs. MacGillicuddy can serve appetizers to the visiting aliens. They visit her eerie house to work on plans, and a report is made to General Guggenheim that the food source is ruined, but that isn't enough. Will space aliens take to spy or seitan meat sources more readily than humans do and leave earth alone?
Strengths: Of course space aliens are going to infiltrate elementary schools first! That's where the tenderest, tastiest humans live. It was inspired to use a phone as the way that Matt found out about the aliens, because I imagine there are a lot of children who would pick up a phone and play with it because they want one so much. It was good to see that not all of the aliens were completely evil, but even Mrs. MacGillicuddy is fairly scary... she just wants one ear to serve up to her superiors! The chapters in this were short and snappy, so the story moved along quickly.
Weaknesses: This is a retro looking cover that I'm not sure will do well with my students. It looks a bit like Lubar's 2006 Punished. Middle school readers usually wants their aliens to be a little more frightening and less goofy, so perhaps the cover will appeal more to elementary readers.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who liked goofy space aliens adventures such as Mackel's Can of Worms, Lerner's Enginerds, London's We are Not Eaten By Yaks, or Lubar's Emperor of the Universe series.
And now I have the line "Soylent green is PEOPLE" stuck in my mind!
June 23, 2025
School life mixes with a quirky but exciting adventure in a read, which lets the imagination fly and builds fun tension the entire way through.
Matt wants a cell phone, but his parents won't let him have one. So, when he finds one laying on the sidewalk and no one is around to claim it, he decides it's his. After all, he has no idea how to find the owner. But disappointment hits as he can only use it to take a few photos...until one photo shows the crosswalk guard as a tentacled monster. Weirder yet, everyone he shows the photo to only sees the guard as a normal human. Matt's not sure what to think until the lunch lady sees his phone and pulls him aside, and admits that the phone is actually alien technology. Not only that, but she's a tentacled alien, too. Originally, she was part of an invasion with the goal to use humans as food, but she's changed sides since she finds humans sympathetic. Despite her claims, Matt isn't so sure he can trust her, but with the end of the world approaching fast and no one else seems to believe him, he might just have to trust her and figure out how to defeat an entire alien race before the feast begins.
Matt is a fun character to root for. He's not really a hero type; he doesn't possess any super talents, skills, and isn't even overly brave. Still, he needs to figure out how to do the impossible...and that without a true-blue friend base to offer some help. He's easy to relate to, and his reactions are fitting for his age. Matt does cause a little mischief, at times, and doesn't always make the best decisions, but that makes him that much more likeable.
While this is a fast-paced read with dangerous predicaments, evil aliens, and high stakes, it carries quite a bit of humor to make it a fun tale with plenty of action and tension. Some situations are ridiculous, while others teeter on gore (but pull back just in time). There is even a touch of romance involved (not with Matt), which steers to an interesting twist at the end. Some moments did slow down a bit more than I like as Matt considers situations or descriptions dribble in, but for the most part, the plot keeps things coming and packs one interesting twist after the other.
Fans of silly adventures with unexpected heroes and evil plots are sure to enjoy this one.
Matt wants a cell phone, but his parents won't let him have one. So, when he finds one laying on the sidewalk and no one is around to claim it, he decides it's his. After all, he has no idea how to find the owner. But disappointment hits as he can only use it to take a few photos...until one photo shows the crosswalk guard as a tentacled monster. Weirder yet, everyone he shows the photo to only sees the guard as a normal human. Matt's not sure what to think until the lunch lady sees his phone and pulls him aside, and admits that the phone is actually alien technology. Not only that, but she's a tentacled alien, too. Originally, she was part of an invasion with the goal to use humans as food, but she's changed sides since she finds humans sympathetic. Despite her claims, Matt isn't so sure he can trust her, but with the end of the world approaching fast and no one else seems to believe him, he might just have to trust her and figure out how to defeat an entire alien race before the feast begins.
Matt is a fun character to root for. He's not really a hero type; he doesn't possess any super talents, skills, and isn't even overly brave. Still, he needs to figure out how to do the impossible...and that without a true-blue friend base to offer some help. He's easy to relate to, and his reactions are fitting for his age. Matt does cause a little mischief, at times, and doesn't always make the best decisions, but that makes him that much more likeable.
While this is a fast-paced read with dangerous predicaments, evil aliens, and high stakes, it carries quite a bit of humor to make it a fun tale with plenty of action and tension. Some situations are ridiculous, while others teeter on gore (but pull back just in time). There is even a touch of romance involved (not with Matt), which steers to an interesting twist at the end. Some moments did slow down a bit more than I like as Matt considers situations or descriptions dribble in, but for the most part, the plot keeps things coming and packs one interesting twist after the other.
Fans of silly adventures with unexpected heroes and evil plots are sure to enjoy this one.
November 11, 2025
You know a book’s going to be a wild ride when it starts with a kid finding a mysterious phone on the sidewalk and that phone turns out to show aliens in disguise. From that moment on, Press 1 for Invasion had me laughing, cringing, and cheering through every page.
Ten-year-old Matt just wants what every kid wants a phone. But instead of games and selfies, his new phone starts showing the crossing guard as a literal monster. And not the grumpy before coffee kind. Like, slimy alien plotting an invasion kind. Naturally, things spiral from “Wait, what?!” to “We might need to save the entire planet” in record time.
Matt and his best friend Marcela are the kind of duo you can’t help but root for. Matt’s a mix of brave and bumbling, and Marcela is the clever, no-nonsense realist who has zero patience for alien nonsense. Together, they team up with get this the lunch lady alien who’s having second thoughts about helping her species conquer Earth. Honestly, she might be one of my favorite characters ever. Who knew cafeteria workers were the galaxy’s unsung heroes?
Between battles in the school cafeteria which suddenly feels way more dangerous than any food fight and a finale that takes them into space, this story somehow balances humor, heart, and high-stakes chaos perfectly. It’s zany in all the best ways think Men in Black meets Diary of a Wimpy Kid with a dash of Spielberg weirdness.
By the end, I was completely won over by its mix of absurd comedy and genuine heart. Beneath the tentacles and chaos, it’s really about friendship, courage, and the kind of loyalty that keeps you fighting even when the odds and the aliens are stacked against you.
Ten-year-old Matt just wants what every kid wants a phone. But instead of games and selfies, his new phone starts showing the crossing guard as a literal monster. And not the grumpy before coffee kind. Like, slimy alien plotting an invasion kind. Naturally, things spiral from “Wait, what?!” to “We might need to save the entire planet” in record time.
Matt and his best friend Marcela are the kind of duo you can’t help but root for. Matt’s a mix of brave and bumbling, and Marcela is the clever, no-nonsense realist who has zero patience for alien nonsense. Together, they team up with get this the lunch lady alien who’s having second thoughts about helping her species conquer Earth. Honestly, she might be one of my favorite characters ever. Who knew cafeteria workers were the galaxy’s unsung heroes?
Between battles in the school cafeteria which suddenly feels way more dangerous than any food fight and a finale that takes them into space, this story somehow balances humor, heart, and high-stakes chaos perfectly. It’s zany in all the best ways think Men in Black meets Diary of a Wimpy Kid with a dash of Spielberg weirdness.
By the end, I was completely won over by its mix of absurd comedy and genuine heart. Beneath the tentacles and chaos, it’s really about friendship, courage, and the kind of loyalty that keeps you fighting even when the odds and the aliens are stacked against you.
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October 25, 2025
At 10 years old Matt feels like he is ready for the responsibility of having a cell phone. His parents have different thoughts, but when Matt stumbled onto an abandoned cell phone that allows him to see aliens only he can see, Matt's lie goes from boring to saving the world. With an alien invasion imminent, Matt must team up with his school's lunch lady Mrs. MacGillicuddy to save all of the humans on earth. Because why else would aliens invade the planet if not to make a meal out of them? But don't worry about Mrs. Mrs. MacGillicuddy, she says she's a vegetarian.
Press 1 for Invasion is a comical middle grade sci-fi novel. Matt is an unlikely hero which instantly makes you want to root for him as he works to understand why he can sees aliens, why no one else can see aliens, and why they're about to invade the planet. I thought the dialogue between the characters was filled with enough humor to stay engaged, while also advancing the plot.
It's a little cheesy, a little goofy, but a whole lot of fun! Thank you Simon Kids for the gifted copy.
Press 1 for Invasion is a comical middle grade sci-fi novel. Matt is an unlikely hero which instantly makes you want to root for him as he works to understand why he can sees aliens, why no one else can see aliens, and why they're about to invade the planet. I thought the dialogue between the characters was filled with enough humor to stay engaged, while also advancing the plot.
It's a little cheesy, a little goofy, but a whole lot of fun! Thank you Simon Kids for the gifted copy.
September 9, 2025
This book is a silly, action-packed middle-grade adventure where two unlikely kids end up saving the world from tentacled, multi-eyed aliens (who think humans are their next snack—yikes!). Matt, our kind-hearted but often-teased hero, can see the aliens thanks to his mismatched eyes, while everyone else just sees ordinary humans. With help from his one loyal friend, Geno, and some special glasses that reveal the truth, the duo faces off against an invasion with plenty of laughs along the way. The mix of humor, adventure, and just the right amount of weirdness makes this a fun pick for light MG lit fans.
November 12, 2025
Good read!
Action-packed middle grade novel where two 10-year-old kids end up saving the world from invading tentacled, multi-eyed aliens.
What to expect from Press 1 for Invasion:
- mix of humor, adventure and silliness
- aliens in disguise
- tentacles and chaos
- friendship and courage
- a little bit of romance
Action-packed middle grade novel where two 10-year-old kids end up saving the world from invading tentacled, multi-eyed aliens.
What to expect from Press 1 for Invasion:
- mix of humor, adventure and silliness
- aliens in disguise
- tentacles and chaos
- friendship and courage
- a little bit of romance
November 23, 2025
I loved my reading time with this novel! The humor made me laugh out loud and the characters felt very real (even the aliens). I adored Matt and Marcela as they worked together--both are intelligent and courageous. There is plenty of silliness to offset the impending danger so I found this novel well paced. Based on the ending, I'm thinking (and hoping) a sequel is coming.
September 15, 2025
A fun adventure that doesn't take itself too seriously. I couldn't put it down (I read it in 2 days), and I'm looking forward to reading it to our kiddos when they're ready.
September 19, 2025
So fun and great for a range of kids. Hope they make it into a movie!
November 18, 2025
Read the book for a course (before an author talk) and found it to be enjoyable in its storytelling and language.
December 10, 2025
I got this book for my nine year-old grandson. It is an exciting book about adventure, friendship, and responsibility.
January 26, 2026
To be clear, I don’t think this book was bad by any means. Unfortunately, instead I found it safe and forgettable. Kids could absolutely enjoy this, BUT most elements of the book (plot, characters, humor, etc.) can probably be found done better somewhere else. It’s the classic “my lunch lady’s an alien?!?” type plot that’s been done plenty of times with little flair to set it apart.
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