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Nose Pickers from Outer Space #1
Nose Pickers from Outer Space
A Gripping, Almost Real Life Tale!!! When Devin Hunter signs up for the national exchange student program, he doesn't count on ending up with a nerdy kid who eats paper, talks to the dog and worst of all, cannot keep his finger out of his nose. But Stan isn't really a student and his unhygenic habit may be the key to saving the world. By Gordan Korman: a man recently returned from the far reaches of OUTER SPACE!
137 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1900
3 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Gordon Korman
251 books4,445 followersGordon Korman is a Canadian author of children's and young adult fiction books. Korman's books have sold more than 30 million copies worldwide over a career spanning four decades and have appeared at number one on The New York Times Best Seller list.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 21, 2012
I get more feedback from students on this book than probably any other that I have read aloud in classrooms. Most often I hear from students that they “would never have read this book” on their own. The title always provokes huge reactions from my listeners–from groaning to cheering.
The book opens with Devin, a third grade boy, waiting at the airport to meet his “exchange buddy.” His “buddy” arrives by falling down the baggage chute. Devin is appalled to see that Stan is dressed like a dweeb, sounds like a dweeb, and is ridiculously weird.
Devin soon suspects that Stan is not who he claims to be. Devin is right–but in a way for which he is completely unprepared. Devin and Stan discover what friendship really is and learn about the nature of accepting individuals as they are. This discovery happens as they progress through a series of alternately hilarious and exciting adventures!
Gordon Korman is a master at genuine dialogue for his characters, physical comedy and humorous word play. This book is no exception. Many grade school readers are familiar with Mr. Korman’s work: Swindle, Zoobreak, Framed series as well as several adventure series. The Nose Picker books (and there are several in the series) are often overlooked.
Gordon Korman has an extensive body of work for both middle grade and young adult readers. Two of my favorites in his young adult works are No More Dead Dogs and Schooled. The first has four alternating narrators and a wonderfully sarcastic edge to its humor–which always appeals to me. The second is a young man who has been home-schooled by his grandmother who in what is typically thought of as a “1960′s/hippie-ish mentality.” His grandmother is injured and is temporarily unable to care for him so he must attend the local public high school–a huge culture shock for both him and the students who interact with him.
The book opens with Devin, a third grade boy, waiting at the airport to meet his “exchange buddy.” His “buddy” arrives by falling down the baggage chute. Devin is appalled to see that Stan is dressed like a dweeb, sounds like a dweeb, and is ridiculously weird.
Devin soon suspects that Stan is not who he claims to be. Devin is right–but in a way for which he is completely unprepared. Devin and Stan discover what friendship really is and learn about the nature of accepting individuals as they are. This discovery happens as they progress through a series of alternately hilarious and exciting adventures!
Gordon Korman is a master at genuine dialogue for his characters, physical comedy and humorous word play. This book is no exception. Many grade school readers are familiar with Mr. Korman’s work: Swindle, Zoobreak, Framed series as well as several adventure series. The Nose Picker books (and there are several in the series) are often overlooked.
Gordon Korman has an extensive body of work for both middle grade and young adult readers. Two of my favorites in his young adult works are No More Dead Dogs and Schooled. The first has four alternating narrators and a wonderfully sarcastic edge to its humor–which always appeals to me. The second is a young man who has been home-schooled by his grandmother who in what is typically thought of as a “1960′s/hippie-ish mentality.” His grandmother is injured and is temporarily unable to care for him so he must attend the local public high school–a huge culture shock for both him and the students who interact with him.
June 9, 2025
This book was originally published in 1999, with seven different editons publishing that year under a variety of imprints. It is the first in a series of 4 and there is a box set edition available. My introduction to Korman’s works was the 39 Clues back in 2009. Since then I have read 67 of his books including this volume, a few of them more than once. I set the goal of reading all his books about 2020. I am over half way thorough his canon, and have completed all the stand alone books and am now just working my way through the remaining series. Not counting omnibus editions I believe that as of the summer of 2025 Korman has published 109 books. With each that I read I am entertained and often challenged, and I am always entertained. My son, who is 17 often, reads these books to me or with me, and he still loves them.
The description of this volume states:
“Devin Hunter can't wait to meet his exchange buddy, but when the moment finally arrives, Stan breaks every rule in Devin's "rules of coolness" list, and when strange things start to happen, Devin realizes that Stan may not even be human. Original. 40,000 first printing.”
The description on the back of the edition I read states:
“Help! My Exchange Student Is an Alien!
When Devin Hunter signs up for the notional exchange student program, he doesn't count on ending up with a nerdy kid who eats paper, talks to his dog—and worst of all—can't keep his finger out of his nose! But Stan isn't really a student—and his unhygienic habit may be the key to saving the planet. . .”
About the author at the back of this volume we are informed:
“Gordon Korman is the author of over twenty books for children. Including The 6th Grade Nickname Game, which was selected as one of the New York Public Library's Best Books of 1998, and the Monday Night Football Club series. Gordon lives with his family on Long Island.”
About the illustrator:
“Victor Vaccaro's artwork has appeared in the children's book Knights of the Endless Day by Robert Priest, as well as being featured on several book jackets and in advertisements. He lives on Long Island with his wife.”
I highlighted a few passages that were particularly funny, some of them are:
“I opened one eye and peered over at my exchange buddy. Who would have thought that this harmless-looking, nerdy guy was a spy for an invading army? Pretty soon, we Earthlings could be up to our waists in Pants—and not the kind you wear, either.”
“"The Smarty-Pants can think in six dimensions," he informed me. "They can answer a question even before it's asked; they can program any VCR in the galaxy. They know the meaning of life, the capital of the Crab Nebula, and why manhole covers are round. Their IQs are so large that even they can't count that high. They are the most important citizens of Pan, except for the Grand Pant himself and his assistants, the Under-Pants."”
“I snorted. "Who does he think he is? Shakespeare?"
"Yes," Stan replied.
"What?
He looked at me earnestly. "You didn't think a mere Earthling could write like that, did you?"
"Shakespeare? William Shakespeare? But he's
dead! He died hundreds of years ago!"”
I was surprised by the number of famous people whose success was attributed to their being alien travel testers. Michael, Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio, and as seen by the quote above even the Bard. Who is apparently alive and on Mars and holds a grudge against earth for a particularly long case of poison ivy. Devin and Stan have quite the adventure in this first instalment in the series. It is a story young readers will love, even reluctant readers will dig this story.
I will be honest the title of this book had almost no appeal to me, but I was down to 3 series by Korman I had not started and picked this as the middle one alphabetically. This book took me by surprise. I laughed out loud a few times. And I was amused and had a smile throughout the reading of this book. If the other three in this series are as good it will great fun to read them.
The description of this volume states:
“Devin Hunter can't wait to meet his exchange buddy, but when the moment finally arrives, Stan breaks every rule in Devin's "rules of coolness" list, and when strange things start to happen, Devin realizes that Stan may not even be human. Original. 40,000 first printing.”
The description on the back of the edition I read states:
“Help! My Exchange Student Is an Alien!
When Devin Hunter signs up for the notional exchange student program, he doesn't count on ending up with a nerdy kid who eats paper, talks to his dog—and worst of all—can't keep his finger out of his nose! But Stan isn't really a student—and his unhygienic habit may be the key to saving the planet. . .”
About the author at the back of this volume we are informed:
“Gordon Korman is the author of over twenty books for children. Including The 6th Grade Nickname Game, which was selected as one of the New York Public Library's Best Books of 1998, and the Monday Night Football Club series. Gordon lives with his family on Long Island.”
About the illustrator:
“Victor Vaccaro's artwork has appeared in the children's book Knights of the Endless Day by Robert Priest, as well as being featured on several book jackets and in advertisements. He lives on Long Island with his wife.”
I highlighted a few passages that were particularly funny, some of them are:
“I opened one eye and peered over at my exchange buddy. Who would have thought that this harmless-looking, nerdy guy was a spy for an invading army? Pretty soon, we Earthlings could be up to our waists in Pants—and not the kind you wear, either.”
“"The Smarty-Pants can think in six dimensions," he informed me. "They can answer a question even before it's asked; they can program any VCR in the galaxy. They know the meaning of life, the capital of the Crab Nebula, and why manhole covers are round. Their IQs are so large that even they can't count that high. They are the most important citizens of Pan, except for the Grand Pant himself and his assistants, the Under-Pants."”
“I snorted. "Who does he think he is? Shakespeare?"
"Yes," Stan replied.
"What?
He looked at me earnestly. "You didn't think a mere Earthling could write like that, did you?"
"Shakespeare? William Shakespeare? But he's
dead! He died hundreds of years ago!"”
I was surprised by the number of famous people whose success was attributed to their being alien travel testers. Michael, Jordan, Leonardo DiCaprio, and as seen by the quote above even the Bard. Who is apparently alive and on Mars and holds a grudge against earth for a particularly long case of poison ivy. Devin and Stan have quite the adventure in this first instalment in the series. It is a story young readers will love, even reluctant readers will dig this story.
I will be honest the title of this book had almost no appeal to me, but I was down to 3 series by Korman I had not started and picked this as the middle one alphabetically. This book took me by surprise. I laughed out loud a few times. And I was amused and had a smile throughout the reading of this book. If the other three in this series are as good it will great fun to read them.
December 28, 2020
Gordon Korman's creativity is unparalleled. I did not expect what I got.
Cover
While probably being one of the most in your face book covers. It's unapologetically honest with it's theme. YOU KNOW what you are getting into picking this book.
Honestly knowing he’s an alien, really makes him look it all the more creepy on the cover.
Interior
Story
I don’t know how Gordon Korman did it. I didn’t expect this book with such a gross premise to be done so well. The is the funniest book I’ve read this year. (Couldn’t stop laughing through the first few chapters.) The amount of puns and jokes jammed into this book is inspiring all the while keeping itself serious. Even the book begins to nod how absurd the some of the pant jokes are and it’s perfectly fitting in the scene.
When a teacher goes over the top abusive with their authority I get furious. When a book lacks, that sense of communication or ability to listen to reason it hinders the story for me. Even though their teacher throws both of them into detention I actually really didn’t mind and I sort of understood it from a story perspective.
The climax of this book is why I say I love Korman books. The peak of this book hits is absolutely perfect.
Illustration
I love the illustrations. He’s unnaturally quirky and incredibly fun and well done.
Cover
While probably being one of the most in your face book covers. It's unapologetically honest with it's theme. YOU KNOW what you are getting into picking this book.
Honestly knowing he’s an alien, really makes him look it all the more creepy on the cover.
Interior
Story
I don’t know how Gordon Korman did it. I didn’t expect this book with such a gross premise to be done so well. The is the funniest book I’ve read this year. (Couldn’t stop laughing through the first few chapters.) The amount of puns and jokes jammed into this book is inspiring all the while keeping itself serious. Even the book begins to nod how absurd the some of the pant jokes are and it’s perfectly fitting in the scene.
When a teacher goes over the top abusive with their authority I get furious. When a book lacks, that sense of communication or ability to listen to reason it hinders the story for me. Even though their teacher throws both of them into detention I actually really didn’t mind and I sort of understood it from a story perspective.
The climax of this book is why I say I love Korman books. The peak of this book hits is absolutely perfect.
Illustration
I love the illustrations. He’s unnaturally quirky and incredibly fun and well done.
October 23, 2017
This book was predictably silly. Nothing to write home about, but it had a few moments that made us chuckle.
April 9, 2024
I read this 2 or 3 times during a long car ride as a child. I don't remember much of the book or the vacation other than thinking it was funny they had buttons in their nose.
July 30, 2025
Another book I’m reading before I give to my grandson. I thought this book was so funny. Even as an adult I loved it. I can’t wait for him to read this.
June 16, 2023
Well, I liked it when I was a little kid. that's all I can say about it.
November 29, 2012
Pretend you had a alien in your house who did the weirdest things ever. Nose Pickers from Outer space By Gorden Korman is about a boy named Devin Hunter and he has rules about coolness through out the book. Devin signed up for a exchange program and all the kids in his school got super great exchange students. He was hoping for a great student. He waited and then his exchange student came racing down the luggage reel. His name was Stan Pan. Stan was so excited. When they went home they had supper. All the dishes had to be washed and Devin wasn't looking stan clean them in 2 secs. Stan did all kinds of weird things like talking to the dog, eating paper, and worst of all he picked his nose. Stan told Devin he was a alien from outer space coming to help the world. Can he help the world?
I would recommend this book because it's a fun and exciting book for people who just like a really cool book. I like how the author put all this weird stuff Stan could do. The characters were exciting and realistic but I don't think Stan was. If you like this summary or hate it give it a try you'll love it.
I would recommend this book because it's a fun and exciting book for people who just like a really cool book. I like how the author put all this weird stuff Stan could do. The characters were exciting and realistic but I don't think Stan was. If you like this summary or hate it give it a try you'll love it.
January 22, 2010
If you're looking for a non-stop, hilarious book, are a die-hard fan of Gordan Korman, this will be a book that comes once in a life time!!!! This is not like any funny books you can think of. Diary of a Wimpy Kid might as well be the Time Traveler's Wife compared to how much you'll laugh!!! It's about a spaceship landing on Earth with nose-picking aliens!!! By picking their noses, they access micro-computers in their noses! We even live among aliens! Michael Jordan, Cindy Crawford, Steve Spielburg, Jerry Springer, even Shakespear was a nosepicking freak! They pick their nose everytime they are going to do something remarkable! The fun is out of this world! But the wierd thing is, the aliens are a bunch of tie-wearing nerds! Five stars all the way!!!
May 28, 2017
Devin can't believe his luck. Normally, when you get a foreign exchange student your popularity soars. But when he sees his student, Stan, he knows things aren't going to be so good. First of all, Stan comes down the luggage shoot at the airport. Who does that? Secondly, Stan spends large amounts of time picking his nose. What could be worse?
But Stan isn't just any foreign exchange student. He's here from the planet Pan. And he's trying to convince is ruler that Earth is a great tourist attraction (not Mercury!) If he doesn't succeed? Earth will be relocated out by Pluto.
Funny stuff.
But Stan isn't just any foreign exchange student. He's here from the planet Pan. And he's trying to convince is ruler that Earth is a great tourist attraction (not Mercury!) If he doesn't succeed? Earth will be relocated out by Pluto.
Funny stuff.
March 3, 2012
Well, I admit I picked this out for my boys and once I started reading it, I had to finish it. Funny, definitely will hold the attention of your elementary aged child, and interesting enough for a kids sci fi book. I am just discovering Gordon Korman which was recently recommended to me. Always looking or books to hold boys' reading attention. This may be the author.
October 27, 2025
Excited for his new student exchange buddy to arrive, Devin is shocked to find that his new "friend" is far less amazing that he had hoped - especially when he starts picking his nose, leading to some pretty weird, extraterrestrial on goings in the town...Korman gives young readers a childishly odd but ultimately forgettable sci-fi story, little impressionable beyond its bizarre concept.
November 3, 2017
If you don't like booger humor you won't enjoy this book because that's basically all it is. But I still laughed. It's silly and ridiculous, but for an early reader who enjoys that (which I was) it's a good one.
Read
September 26, 2008I read this book in 5th grade and it was interesting tale
April 2, 2009
weird, just weird,
April 2, 2009
Weird..... I really wanted Ms. Hantman to read all three "episodes" because she only read the first one!
November 13, 2009
This book wasn' that great
February 25, 2010
HAHAHHAHAHAHAHHHAH
Best book ever, must hav won the funniest book award LOL
Best book ever, must hav won the funniest book award LOL
April 29, 2011
This book is hilarious!! I loved it as an adult, so I know the kids will enjoy it. This is one I will keep in my class library for a good while.
June 25, 2011
Well, it does live up to its name.
June 7, 2012
Thoroughly funny! I always loved Gordon Korman! : o)
January 24, 2014
If you are looking for a gut busting, engaging read aloud in the class… Gordon Korman does not disappoint!
I love to hear students laugh out loud when they read. Anytime, anywhere:)
I love to hear students laugh out loud when they read. Anytime, anywhere:)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews