What do you think?
Rate this book
Adventures of the PSS 118 #2
Eighth Grade vs. the Machines
The sequel to SEVENTH GRADE VS. THE GALAXY, in which three friends continue their quest to save humanity from hostile aliens, relying on their faithful public school spaceship, the PSS 118, and aided by an army of robots--though all is not as it seems.
280 pages, Unknown Binding
Published October 5, 2021
About the author
Joshua S. Levy
6 books101 followersJoshua S. Levy is the author of FINN AND EZRA'S BAR MITZVAH TIME LOOP, THE JAKE SHOW, and SEVENTH GRADE VS. THE GALAXY (and its sequels). He is also co-editor of ON ALL OTHER NIGHTS. Josh lives with his wife and children in New Jersey. Visit him at www.joshuasimonlevy.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 24, 2022
We loved the first book and felt like we waited forever for the sequel! The last we left the PSS (Public School Spaceship) 118 and 7th graders Jack, Becka, Ari (and Doctor Shrew, his pet hamster), and Principal Lochner and a few select teachers, humanity had been "disappeared" by the Minister of an alien race, the Elvidians.
But just because Earth is empty, like, totally everyone's gone, zapped into Quarantine because of Jack's father's invention of a light-speed drive, doesn't mean the kids get out of school!
Ohh, no.
They even get promoted to 8th grade. Complete with new, harder curriculum, like training to rescue humanity. With Intro to Alien Defense. A class you can win.
Becka's totally onboard.
They're 100+ days into school (if you're a teacher, you'll get that reference ;-) when Principal Lochner announces it's time to rescue the parents -- by taking off for the Wyzard System, with a planet-sized library.
That's right, the brilliant plan is to rescue humanity with a field trip to the library! To research the Quarantine and learn all they can about it to get humanity out of it, of course.
But the ship won't take off (unless you count its attitude) and the kids are split between Hunter and his supporters who don't want to go on the mission at all -- they'd rather frolic in an empty, ungoverned-by-laws-or-parents Earth -- and Jack, Becka and Ari and their supporters, who think it's still pretty important to learn all they can about the Elividians, The Minister and Quarantine. And rescue those parents, not party because they're involuntarily away from home.
They finally get going when they're attacked by robot pirates who're total fans of Talk Like a Pirate Day. They're in the midst of a great robot uprising of the Great Robot Imperium. They take over the PSS 118's computer and tow the ship past Venus to the "SpaceMart Supercenter & Inner System Distribution Facility."
Jack, Ari and Becka impersonate robots (!!) to liberate the PSS 118 from the robots' control, and they learn there's a saboteur inside the PSS 118 who paved the way for the pirates' attack. Which, if you think back to the first book, you already knew.
Now the question is, can they escape from the robots, make any allies along the way to help them get to the library, and ferret out the mole? Not to mention, save humanity?
The book's told in multiple POVs, starting with Jack's, Ari's (told in the form of log entries) and Becka's. Ari even offers an Apocalypse Bingo card (p. 138) that could be interesting for classes to play with other sci-fi/dystopia books!
I won't spoil how it ends, just know, we're waiting on tenterhooks for the sequel! Enjoy this galactic romp.
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
But just because Earth is empty, like, totally everyone's gone, zapped into Quarantine because of Jack's father's invention of a light-speed drive, doesn't mean the kids get out of school!
Ohh, no.
They even get promoted to 8th grade. Complete with new, harder curriculum, like training to rescue humanity. With Intro to Alien Defense. A class you can win.
Becka's totally onboard.
They're 100+ days into school (if you're a teacher, you'll get that reference ;-) when Principal Lochner announces it's time to rescue the parents -- by taking off for the Wyzard System, with a planet-sized library.
That's right, the brilliant plan is to rescue humanity with a field trip to the library! To research the Quarantine and learn all they can about it to get humanity out of it, of course.
But the ship won't take off (unless you count its attitude) and the kids are split between Hunter and his supporters who don't want to go on the mission at all -- they'd rather frolic in an empty, ungoverned-by-laws-or-parents Earth -- and Jack, Becka and Ari and their supporters, who think it's still pretty important to learn all they can about the Elividians, The Minister and Quarantine. And rescue those parents, not party because they're involuntarily away from home.
They finally get going when they're attacked by robot pirates who're total fans of Talk Like a Pirate Day. They're in the midst of a great robot uprising of the Great Robot Imperium. They take over the PSS 118's computer and tow the ship past Venus to the "SpaceMart Supercenter & Inner System Distribution Facility."
Jack, Ari and Becka impersonate robots (!!) to liberate the PSS 118 from the robots' control, and they learn there's a saboteur inside the PSS 118 who paved the way for the pirates' attack. Which, if you think back to the first book, you already knew.
Now the question is, can they escape from the robots, make any allies along the way to help them get to the library, and ferret out the mole? Not to mention, save humanity?
The book's told in multiple POVs, starting with Jack's, Ari's (told in the form of log entries) and Becka's. Ari even offers an Apocalypse Bingo card (p. 138) that could be interesting for classes to play with other sci-fi/dystopia books!
I won't spoil how it ends, just know, we're waiting on tenterhooks for the sequel! Enjoy this galactic romp.
Looking for more book suggestions for your 7th/8th grade classroom and students?
Visit my blog for more great middle grade book recommendations, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: https://amb.mystrikingly.com/
February 14, 2022
Repairs and upgrades on the PS118 are about complete, so this middle school is ready to go find out what happened to the rest of humanity. Their first stop is a library planet, but of course, getting there will not be simple. After all, they do have the evil aliens who made the rest of humanity disappear on their trail, there's a spy in their midst, a robot apocalypse to contend with, and various other excitements headed their way. Can Jack, Becka, and Ari help save the day again? And just what is the best way to save the day?
I really enjoy how Jack, Becka, and Ari complement each other in skills and personalities. They are a fun trio to follow around the universe, and they each take turns narrating this book. Levy did a splendid job of changing the voice for each of their sections. My favorite character, though, is the ship's AI. So funny. This book doesn't suffer from middle book slump, which is quite admirable in a trilogy. It has a good balance of character building and moving the plot along in ways that are exciting and keep readers on their toes. I actually wondered if this was the last book, but there's enough new problems introduced that a third book is definitely necessary. Not least of all a certain event at the very end which will have readers clamoring for book 3 to come out NOW. Hand this to readers who like scifi space adventures.
Notes on content: Two minor swears that I remember. No sexual content. There's one nonbinary character (not preached about at all, they just refer to them as they). One alien character has two moms. (Again, not preachy, just mentioned.) There are battles, some of which result in ships being blown up. (Most of these are robot-manned.) It is possible there were some injuries or fatalities in battles, but none are outright stated or heavily implied. There's a mutiny that involves some bullying. This is dealt with positively eventually.
I really enjoy how Jack, Becka, and Ari complement each other in skills and personalities. They are a fun trio to follow around the universe, and they each take turns narrating this book. Levy did a splendid job of changing the voice for each of their sections. My favorite character, though, is the ship's AI. So funny. This book doesn't suffer from middle book slump, which is quite admirable in a trilogy. It has a good balance of character building and moving the plot along in ways that are exciting and keep readers on their toes. I actually wondered if this was the last book, but there's enough new problems introduced that a third book is definitely necessary. Not least of all a certain event at the very end which will have readers clamoring for book 3 to come out NOW. Hand this to readers who like scifi space adventures.
Notes on content: Two minor swears that I remember. No sexual content. There's one nonbinary character (not preached about at all, they just refer to them as they). One alien character has two moms. (Again, not preachy, just mentioned.) There are battles, some of which result in ships being blown up. (Most of these are robot-manned.) It is possible there were some injuries or fatalities in battles, but none are outright stated or heavily implied. There's a mutiny that involves some bullying. This is dealt with positively eventually.
July 29, 2021
You know those books that bring you joy? When you’re turning pages, completely immersed in the action, with a huge grin on your face the entire time? This sequel to the brilliant SEVENTH GRADE VS. THE MACHINES is one of those books.
All of my favorite characters were back, and through some really cool narrative devices, we are treated to Ari’s and Becka’s perspectives as well as Jack’s. One of my favorite things about the first book was the warm, realistic dynamic among these three kids, and I loved being able to be a part of it again.
I have seen these books described as being perfect for kids who like STAR WARS and PERCY JACKSON, and I couldn’t agree more. I’d also suggest it for kids who enjoy graphic novels. The scenes pop off the page and are easy to imagine as you read. If you like your action fast paced, this is definitely the book for you!
The robots are one of my favorite parts of the book. They were so delightful to meet and made me laugh out loud numerous times. I don’t want to risk spoiling their specific personalities but just know that these are robots unlike any you’ve seen before! Highly recommended!
All of my favorite characters were back, and through some really cool narrative devices, we are treated to Ari’s and Becka’s perspectives as well as Jack’s. One of my favorite things about the first book was the warm, realistic dynamic among these three kids, and I loved being able to be a part of it again.
I have seen these books described as being perfect for kids who like STAR WARS and PERCY JACKSON, and I couldn’t agree more. I’d also suggest it for kids who enjoy graphic novels. The scenes pop off the page and are easy to imagine as you read. If you like your action fast paced, this is definitely the book for you!
The robots are one of my favorite parts of the book. They were so delightful to meet and made me laugh out loud numerous times. I don’t want to risk spoiling their specific personalities but just know that these are robots unlike any you’ve seen before! Highly recommended!
November 8, 2021
Scrawny, freckled and fair, eighth-grader Jack, catches readers up quickly to the adventures chronicled in Seventh Grade vs. the Galaxy. (Carolrhoda, 2019). Currently Public School starship 118 is stranded on Earth and while it is repaired, Jack and his classmates are battle training: preparing to rescue the rest of humanity from the clutches of a super-evil alien queen. Fast-paced action, lots of battle sequences, plenty of quips and comic relief, and a sub-plot involving a traitor in their midst, keep the pages turning. At the core of the story is the close and evolving frienship among Jack, his darker-skinned friend Ari and the fearlessly athletic object of Ari’s affection, Becka. A cliff-hanger involving the disappearance of one of the three, ensures kids will be clamoring for the next installment in the series. Perfect for fans of McDougall’s Mars Evacuees (Harper Collins 2015) or Emerson’s Last Day on Mars (Walden Pond 2017).
October 4, 2021
Buckle your seatbelts and hang on for another wild rollercoaster ride filled with Josh Levy's trademark wit and out-of-this-world imagination! If (like me), you're a fan of the fun, and funny, prequel (Seventh Grade vs. the Galaxy), you are going to love the further wacky adventures of Becca, Ari & Jack. If you haven't treated yourself to the original yet, this one is self-contained thanks to a hilariously succinct recap on page one. Either way, you're sure to enjoy this book - and this series. I'm already looking forward to the third. Spoiler alert: there's a great cliffhanger at the end of book two!
September 11, 2021
What a rollicking, action-packed space adventure of a novel! This sequel to SEVENTH GRADE VS. THE GALAXY is such a fantastic ride! Evil pirate robots, super-powerful aliens, cute space hamsters...it's got it all! But this story also has beautiful heart. It's about friendship —between characters we know and love from the previous book, and new characters. And it's about family. It's about finding a way to keep going in the face of terrible odds and conquering fear and guilt. Josh Levy has done it again, and I can't wait for his next book!
November 10, 2021
For my tween, this book was a "shove aside the stack of other books waiting to be read, this one goes right to the top" event as soon as it hit the shelves, as we've been anxiously awaiting the next installment ever since reading Seventh Grade Vs. the Galaxy. And this one did not disappoint! We love the author's blend of action, humor and adventure in what I like to think of as Percy Jackson in space. What a fun ride!
February 3, 2023
More great sci-fi fun. Looking forward to what I'm guessing is the conclusion to the series in August.
February 25, 2025
Once again, a fantastically fun ride full of intense adventure with Jack, Becka, and Ari at the helm. I loved it! Levy has a way of reeling you in and not letting you go until the end. And even then leaving you wanting more. I’ll be eagerly waiting the next story in this series.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews