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Weird Kid
Jake Wind is trying to stay under the radar. Whose radar? Anyone who might be too interested in the fact that he has shapeshifting abilities he can’t control. Or that his parents found him as a ball of goo when he was a baby.
Keeping his powers in check is crucial, though, if he wants to live a normal life and go to middle school instead of being homeschooled (and if he wants to avoid being kidnapped and experimented on, of course).
Things feel like they’re going his way when he survives his first day of school without transforming and makes a new friend. But when mysterious sinkholes start popping up around town—sinkholes filled with the same extraterrestrial substance as Jake—and his neighbors, classmates, and even his family start acting a little, well, weird, Jake will have to learn to use his powers in order to save his town.
Keeping his powers in check is crucial, though, if he wants to live a normal life and go to middle school instead of being homeschooled (and if he wants to avoid being kidnapped and experimented on, of course).
Things feel like they’re going his way when he survives his first day of school without transforming and makes a new friend. But when mysterious sinkholes start popping up around town—sinkholes filled with the same extraterrestrial substance as Jake—and his neighbors, classmates, and even his family start acting a little, well, weird, Jake will have to learn to use his powers in order to save his town.
202 pages, Hardcover
First published July 20, 2021
36 people are currently reading
2523 people want to read
About the author
Greg Van Eekhout
60 books385 followersGreg van Eekhout writes books. Some are for kids, some are for adults. He lives in San Diego.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 198 reviews
March 20, 2021
Nice coming of age story snd feeling comfortable with yourself
February 10, 2021
4.5★s
Weird Kid is a science-fiction novel for children by American author, Greg van Eekhout. Jake Wind has managed to convince his parents to let him attend Cedar Creek View middle school. They’d rather home-school him, because they’re worried he’ll accidentally shape-shift into something in public. Since about June, there’s been an occasional Hum making him feel ill, and his shape-shifting has been unpredictable.
On his first day, he meets Agnes Oakes, who is clearly very smart (she’s a Night Kite fan) and they happen to be sitting together when a sinkhole opens up in the schoolgrounds, not the first in Cedar Creek View in the last week, and she spots (and catches a sample of) some goo. Agnes plans to analyse it.
When a scientist from the Collaboratory turns up wanting to question witnesses, Jake talks Agnes out of sharing what she knows more widely, telling her it will be more fun to investigate together: that goo looks uncomfortably like what he melts into when the Hum is at its worst, and being dissected for scientific research holds no appeal.
It’s when Agnes calls him to the site of another sinkhole, very early one morning, and they witness what happens to the resident family, that Jake really gets worried. Not long after this, Agnes has figured out Jake’s secret: he’s an alien life form. She tries to persuade him to learn how to use his power instead of avoiding it.
Soon enough, the pair discovers that the town, perhaps the country, perhaps the whole world is at risk from the goo and, in true adventure story style, it is, of course, up to them to save it. Who would have thought that saving the world involves playing guitar at the Desert Sky Pavilion?
There’s plenty of humour in this tale, not the least in Jake’s very literal interpretations of language, and the errors that the Imblobsters make. Another fun aspect is how Jake and Agnes find solutions in various back issues of their favourite comics which, as avid fans, they know by heart. This one is clever and funny and carries a nice message of tolerance and acceptance. It’s aimed at 8-12 year-olds, but older readers (even those aged sixty-six) will probably enjoy it too.
This unbiased review is from a voice galley provided by NetGalley and Harper Audio. The voice galley is an interesting concept in itself: it is created with a synthetic voice only, so is not a preview of the audio book. Hence the narration can be quite stilted, with strange emphasis. In this case, as the protagonist is an alien life form, it fits quite well. Without access to the print- or e-version, this also means that the spelling in the review may be incorrect.
Weird Kid is a science-fiction novel for children by American author, Greg van Eekhout. Jake Wind has managed to convince his parents to let him attend Cedar Creek View middle school. They’d rather home-school him, because they’re worried he’ll accidentally shape-shift into something in public. Since about June, there’s been an occasional Hum making him feel ill, and his shape-shifting has been unpredictable.
On his first day, he meets Agnes Oakes, who is clearly very smart (she’s a Night Kite fan) and they happen to be sitting together when a sinkhole opens up in the schoolgrounds, not the first in Cedar Creek View in the last week, and she spots (and catches a sample of) some goo. Agnes plans to analyse it.
When a scientist from the Collaboratory turns up wanting to question witnesses, Jake talks Agnes out of sharing what she knows more widely, telling her it will be more fun to investigate together: that goo looks uncomfortably like what he melts into when the Hum is at its worst, and being dissected for scientific research holds no appeal.
It’s when Agnes calls him to the site of another sinkhole, very early one morning, and they witness what happens to the resident family, that Jake really gets worried. Not long after this, Agnes has figured out Jake’s secret: he’s an alien life form. She tries to persuade him to learn how to use his power instead of avoiding it.
Soon enough, the pair discovers that the town, perhaps the country, perhaps the whole world is at risk from the goo and, in true adventure story style, it is, of course, up to them to save it. Who would have thought that saving the world involves playing guitar at the Desert Sky Pavilion?
There’s plenty of humour in this tale, not the least in Jake’s very literal interpretations of language, and the errors that the Imblobsters make. Another fun aspect is how Jake and Agnes find solutions in various back issues of their favourite comics which, as avid fans, they know by heart. This one is clever and funny and carries a nice message of tolerance and acceptance. It’s aimed at 8-12 year-olds, but older readers (even those aged sixty-six) will probably enjoy it too.
This unbiased review is from a voice galley provided by NetGalley and Harper Audio. The voice galley is an interesting concept in itself: it is created with a synthetic voice only, so is not a preview of the audio book. Hence the narration can be quite stilted, with strange emphasis. In this case, as the protagonist is an alien life form, it fits quite well. Without access to the print- or e-version, this also means that the spelling in the review may be incorrect.
March 10, 2022
Middle schooler Jake doesn't think he fits in outside of his family. His guard is up and with good reason. He shape shifts -- and it's mostly out of his control. Could he be an alien?
When sinkholes begin appearing around town filled with a mysterious goo, Jake has a sneaking suspicion that it may have something to do with him. His only ally in the subsequent investigation is Agnes Oakes, a like minded comic enthusiast. The race is on to discover the source of the goo and save the townsfolk from being totally absorbed.
Van Eekhout has written a humorous and easy to read novel that will appeal to others who feel at odds with their surroundings. Give it to any comic or superhero fan. Fun!
- Reviewed by Shelley F.
When sinkholes begin appearing around town filled with a mysterious goo, Jake has a sneaking suspicion that it may have something to do with him. His only ally in the subsequent investigation is Agnes Oakes, a like minded comic enthusiast. The race is on to discover the source of the goo and save the townsfolk from being totally absorbed.
Van Eekhout has written a humorous and easy to read novel that will appeal to others who feel at odds with their surroundings. Give it to any comic or superhero fan. Fun!
- Reviewed by Shelley F.
March 6, 2021
Thank you to NetGalley for a eARC in exchange for a review. I listened to this as a synthetic audiobook, there were several times it skipped with a odd voice over lap, even with "rewinding", I do not know if deleting & downloading again might have helped but it seemed too much trouble to do so. I have a feeling I missed out on a few pages but I was able to follow most of the plot none the less.
I have read Norse Code from this author and still recall it fondly.
Jake Wind delightfully reminds me of Beast Boy (of Teen Titans) or I Was A Sixth Grade Alien series. I was glad he had both his parents, adopted or not. I was quite intrigued by Agnes Oakes, how the two's shared love for a comic hero, Night Kite, who's adventures acts as a light to shine upon their own histories and choices. I would want to read Night Kite comics, as sometimes happens to me in series who's characters are fans of something like a comic - or tv series (most recently that happened with Geekerella and me).
Ghost hunting seems like a good next step for Jake and Anges, hope we'll get to see them at it!
I have read Norse Code from this author and still recall it fondly.
Jake Wind delightfully reminds me of Beast Boy (of Teen Titans) or I Was A Sixth Grade Alien series. I was glad he had both his parents, adopted or not. I was quite intrigued by Agnes Oakes, how the two's shared love for a comic hero, Night Kite, who's adventures acts as a light to shine upon their own histories and choices. I would want to read Night Kite comics, as sometimes happens to me in series who's characters are fans of something like a comic - or tv series (most recently that happened with Geekerella and me).
Ghost hunting seems like a good next step for Jake and Anges, hope we'll get to see them at it!
August 20, 2021
Jake is trying to stay under the radar because he is not from this world, but he is tired of not being able to be a normal kid and wants to go to middle school. His human parents were worried that he might be found out, see they found him one night when they seen something fall from the sky. They thought it was a meteor but what they found was a strange pile of goo, this goo turned out to be Jake. When the man touch it the goo turned into a baby and they took him home and raised him. Jake can shapeshift into all sorts of things and he isn’t good at controling it and sometimes it just happens.
Jake meets Agnes on his first day and they fast become friends. Agnes is an interesting girl who is very much into science things and a comic book character that has no superpowers but still a hero and kind wants to be like her. So Jake and her get along pretty good. They noticed a sinkhole one day and Agnes mentions they have been popping up around town, they see some goo, Jake notices the goo looks like what he was made of and gets worried. Agnes takes sample and soon they are involved in a mystery about the goo, some not so nice scientist and when everyone around them starts acting really weird, Jake has to embrass his unique shapeshifting abilities to save them.
I liked Jake and Agnes they were to very interesting characters. I especially liked Agnes because she was just a really strange but smart kid. She has some great dialogue at times!
This book was fun, a bit quirky but overall enjoyable!
Jake meets Agnes on his first day and they fast become friends. Agnes is an interesting girl who is very much into science things and a comic book character that has no superpowers but still a hero and kind wants to be like her. So Jake and her get along pretty good. They noticed a sinkhole one day and Agnes mentions they have been popping up around town, they see some goo, Jake notices the goo looks like what he was made of and gets worried. Agnes takes sample and soon they are involved in a mystery about the goo, some not so nice scientist and when everyone around them starts acting really weird, Jake has to embrass his unique shapeshifting abilities to save them.
I liked Jake and Agnes they were to very interesting characters. I especially liked Agnes because she was just a really strange but smart kid. She has some great dialogue at times!
This book was fun, a bit quirky but overall enjoyable!
January 27, 2021
Wonderful silly Middle grade sci-fi adventure. Gooey blobs, shapeshifters, sink holes, butts, and friendships. Kids who love a little laughter mixed in their books will love this. It is a fast paced easy read. Voracious readers can probably get through it in a day. Hard to put down. You just want to know more about the goo and the holes...and people starting to come around asking questions. I don’t want to giveaway spoilers, so I will leave it at that. Perfect for silly kids who love butts and goo!
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Read
December 15, 2021dnf/skimmed
August 2, 2021
I read the final pages of Weird kid listening to live music. The guitarist was phenomenal - as was the book.
Greg has a particular knack for polishing up all the bits I love about science fiction and packaging it into that middle-grade goldilocks zone. Perfect humor and pacing for its target audience while maintaining the heart and mind of a story a fan of any age could enjoy.
Weird Kid has the best dog, 2 friends bonding over their love of comics, a kid bonding over music with his uncle and an entire town overrun with . The book lives up to its adjective. It gets weird. Strike that. It starts weird, but it's easy to write off some of the initial weird happenings as the overactive imagination of the main character. As things get a sciency explanation the weirdness and the stakes escalate.
Greg has fun with words, smushing them together like the dictionary of Dr. Moreau. Greg writes clearly about difficult topics like the loss of a parent. Greg writes equally clearly about butts. The chorus that Greg returns to is the power of love and acceptance.
I'd say this is the perfect book to get your middle schooler hooked on science fiction, but it's the fourth of Greg's I'd say that about. Together they give a pretty good survey of what drew me to science fiction and keeps me reading it 30 years later.
Greg has a particular knack for polishing up all the bits I love about science fiction and packaging it into that middle-grade goldilocks zone. Perfect humor and pacing for its target audience while maintaining the heart and mind of a story a fan of any age could enjoy.
Weird Kid has the best dog, 2 friends bonding over their love of comics, a kid bonding over music with his uncle and an entire town overrun with . The book lives up to its adjective. It gets weird. Strike that. It starts weird, but it's easy to write off some of the initial weird happenings as the overactive imagination of the main character. As things get a sciency explanation the weirdness and the stakes escalate.
Greg has fun with words, smushing them together like the dictionary of Dr. Moreau. Greg writes clearly about difficult topics like the loss of a parent. Greg writes equally clearly about butts. The chorus that Greg returns to is the power of love and acceptance.
I'd say this is the perfect book to get your middle schooler hooked on science fiction, but it's the fourth of Greg's I'd say that about. Together they give a pretty good survey of what drew me to science fiction and keeps me reading it 30 years later.
November 22, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and Harper Kids for the gifted book that I read in partnership with the library audio.
Jake is just trying to fit in in middle school. Except that he's an alien that can't control his shape shifting tendencies. And his human parents are trying to keep his origin story under wraps. On his first day of school he manages to fly under the radar and makes a new friend in Agnes. Now Agnes is definitely not your typical middle school girl. She is smart, witty, and a little mysterious. Plus she is the motivation Jake needs to confront the craziness bubbling away under the surface.
Overall this is a silly middle grade sci-fi adventure full of friendship, a search for personal identity and belonging; plus slime, goo, and aliens! If you love a good dose of humor with your read, you will find this a delight. Plus it's pretty fast paced.
Jake is just trying to fit in in middle school. Except that he's an alien that can't control his shape shifting tendencies. And his human parents are trying to keep his origin story under wraps. On his first day of school he manages to fly under the radar and makes a new friend in Agnes. Now Agnes is definitely not your typical middle school girl. She is smart, witty, and a little mysterious. Plus she is the motivation Jake needs to confront the craziness bubbling away under the surface.
Overall this is a silly middle grade sci-fi adventure full of friendship, a search for personal identity and belonging; plus slime, goo, and aliens! If you love a good dose of humor with your read, you will find this a delight. Plus it's pretty fast paced.
September 18, 2021
First book in a LONG time that I could not possibly put down. Had so much fun wit this one, I read the whole thing over the course of a handful of hours!
This would have been my entire jam as a kid. I love the "hidden identity" angle, the worrying about getting found out, the disastrous catastrophes that seem to follow Jake at every turn. Agnes was an absolute delight as a supporting character, and I love how believable her "super hero" obsession is, and how it gives credibility to her skills and strengths.
All in all, just loved this book! The ending was the best of all worlds (no pun intended?) and it's nice to have something scary be confronted with love and understanding!!!!
Recommend this one so so so so much!
This would have been my entire jam as a kid. I love the "hidden identity" angle, the worrying about getting found out, the disastrous catastrophes that seem to follow Jake at every turn. Agnes was an absolute delight as a supporting character, and I love how believable her "super hero" obsession is, and how it gives credibility to her skills and strengths.
All in all, just loved this book! The ending was the best of all worlds (no pun intended?) and it's nice to have something scary be confronted with love and understanding!!!!
Recommend this one so so so so much!
February 25, 2023
Narrator: James Fouhey 5/5
WOW! What a great book and one I almost missed. This was a great story about a young man who isn't from here... in fact he is somewhat similar to superman. He came here by comet! Yes, this young man, Jake Wind is an alien. He has lived a normal life with his family thus far, until weird sink holes keep appearing across town and Jake thinks that he may be the cause of them.... Also, the town people are acting weird... like super weird.. like weirder than Jake weird! Find out what's going on in this small town.
WOW! What a great book and one I almost missed. This was a great story about a young man who isn't from here... in fact he is somewhat similar to superman. He came here by comet! Yes, this young man, Jake Wind is an alien. He has lived a normal life with his family thus far, until weird sink holes keep appearing across town and Jake thinks that he may be the cause of them.... Also, the town people are acting weird... like super weird.. like weirder than Jake weird! Find out what's going on in this small town.
December 17, 2021
This book is narrated by Jake, a middle grader with much more going against him than the typical kid has trying to navigate friendship, school, and growing up. I loved the sarcastic humor, family, friendship, all-around weirdness, as well as the butt jokes. There is lots of action and the mystery is fun to piece together.
August 6, 2022
for some reason i didn’t realize this book was science fiction before i read it so i was just really thrown for a loop when the kid started shapeshifting. it was quick to listen to and was fairly engaging but not super interesting to me personally as an adult reader. i think some kids might like it as an introduction to sci fi
January 14, 2021
I just finished this book and felt as though there were parts that could have been improved.
One of the major things that I found the whole book was lacking was the beginning or an origin story if you would call it that. Though in truth I guess the whole book could be seen as an origin story.
I felt as though it was a little bit too much like Superman and there was a little bit too much of stranger things as well mixed with it.
I feel as though the weird sidekick or the weird friend however you want to look at it is a really good aspect and wish they would have built more on that.
Part of me wants to say that the entire book is unoriginal and lacking something, but the major part of me just enjoys the book. I cannot tell you why I enjoy it truth be told, it is just one of those books that I enjoyed and it was really helpful to get me out of a reading slump.
The only suggestion I would make is perhaps make the opening a little bit longer or leeway into the current opening. The other thing that kind of tossed me for a loop was the fact that it was an audiobook and they bleeped out some of the words oh, don't get me wrong I know what audience it is marketed towards, so I understand why this could be an appealing point. I have never seen a bleep done before so it was one of those situations that caught me off guard.
Overall this book is worth the read and it is worth a listen if you have an audiobook version. I felt the things that it done well we're done extremely well and I felt the things that it did add we're done poorly
One of the major things that I found the whole book was lacking was the beginning or an origin story if you would call it that. Though in truth I guess the whole book could be seen as an origin story.
I felt as though it was a little bit too much like Superman and there was a little bit too much of stranger things as well mixed with it.
I feel as though the weird sidekick or the weird friend however you want to look at it is a really good aspect and wish they would have built more on that.
Part of me wants to say that the entire book is unoriginal and lacking something, but the major part of me just enjoys the book. I cannot tell you why I enjoy it truth be told, it is just one of those books that I enjoyed and it was really helpful to get me out of a reading slump.
The only suggestion I would make is perhaps make the opening a little bit longer or leeway into the current opening. The other thing that kind of tossed me for a loop was the fact that it was an audiobook and they bleeped out some of the words oh, don't get me wrong I know what audience it is marketed towards, so I understand why this could be an appealing point. I have never seen a bleep done before so it was one of those situations that caught me off guard.
Overall this book is worth the read and it is worth a listen if you have an audiobook version. I felt the things that it done well we're done extremely well and I felt the things that it did add we're done poorly
July 20, 2021
Science fiction, humor, being your true self, family
Jake was found as a glob by his parents. When his father touched him, he turned into a baby. Now he is in middle school and trying to keep his shape shifting powers a secret, but they are not easy to control. When the town is besieged with random sink holes, that are filled with a mysterious goo, people in town start acting weird. Jake knows he needs to get to the bottom of this. With the help of a science loving friend, he investigates and helps the town return to normal.
Jake was found as a glob by his parents. When his father touched him, he turned into a baby. Now he is in middle school and trying to keep his shape shifting powers a secret, but they are not easy to control. When the town is besieged with random sink holes, that are filled with a mysterious goo, people in town start acting weird. Jake knows he needs to get to the bottom of this. With the help of a science loving friend, he investigates and helps the town return to normal.
February 16, 2021
Thank you NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book was interesting, I think it would be a good introduction to science-fiction.
This book was interesting, I think it would be a good introduction to science-fiction.
September 3, 2021
Humorous | Suspenseful | Witty (Appeal terms from NoveList) - Hilary
April 22, 2024
I think the Hatch kids are going to like this one. I liked it better than Cog, but you can definitely tell it’s the same author. Loved the narration of the audio.
April 18, 2022
Playing guitar helps me pass as human, and after today I really need the practice.For young readers, that is a relatable metaphor, one that captures well the emotional journey of middle school. Desperately wanting to fit in and constant, convincing anxiety of failure. For Jake, though, it's a more literal statement. His parents adopted him after he fell to earth as a blog of goo then transformed into a baby. All has been fine until recently, when he's lost his ability to control his form and has been randomly, accidentally changing into strange and surprising shapes.
There is an intriguing science fiction mystery behind Jake's uncontrolled transformations, one he gradually uncovers with the help of a new best friend. The story reads quickly, with plenty of action and humor on top of that earnest layer of vulnerability at the heart of the book. It's a story full of appeal that will please many readers.
"Jake," she says, very seriously, "I'm going to share with you my philosophy of life, the one and only thing in the whole universe I know to be true. I think you're ready to hear this."
I check my pocket for a pen to write down whatever Agnes says next. "Okay. I'm ready."
"If you are ever given a chance to climb through air shafts and toss smoke bombs, you absolutely must climb through air shafts and toss smoke bombs."
"That definitely does sound like your philosophy. Me, my philosophy is if you are ever given a chance to be dissected, you probably should avoid being dissected.”
"Ugh, Jake, that is a good philosophy," she says, deflated.
-----
I'm going to be a professional guitarist someday. I just haven't decided what kind yet. Maybe I'll join a metal band and be a guitar hero playing five-minute solos. Or maybe I'll be a singer-songwriter and play songs about lonesome nights or whatever. Most of those guys have beards, so I'll have to learn how to grow facial hair. Whatever kind of guitarist I am, I'll need to practice a lot and get really good. Fortunately, I like practice. It makes me concentrate on what I'm doing with my fingers. How they move. What color they are. What shape they are. How many of them I have. Playing guitar helps me pass as human, and after today I really need the practice.
September 21, 2022
I absolutely loved this little gem about a shapeshifting alien goo boy Jake Wind, just trying to pass for human and making a new friend in middle school. That is until sinkholes start appearing around town, sinkholes containing the same goo he’s made of. When some sketchy scientist types start investigating the sinkholes and asking questions around town, Jake fears they will reveal he is not what he seems. He teams up with his new friend Agnes to try to solve the mystery of the goo and find out what the scientists are up to. I think this would be a great book for reluctant readers; it’s short, fast-paced, action-packed, wonderfully weird, and really funny. The characters are fun, the plot is not too complicated, it was just a quick and fun listen.
The audiobook is narrated by James Fouhey (he narrated The Darkness Outside Us and The Disasters) and I thought his performance was fantastic. I love his delivery, comedic timing, and he’s great at doing different voices. It would also be really fun to listen to on a family road trip. I’d love to get a few hard copies for my kids and to donate to their classroom libraries. I’d recommend it to kids in 3rd to 7th grade as far as interest, the reading level is 4th grade (4.4 according to AR).
The audiobook is narrated by James Fouhey (he narrated The Darkness Outside Us and The Disasters) and I thought his performance was fantastic. I love his delivery, comedic timing, and he’s great at doing different voices. It would also be really fun to listen to on a family road trip. I’d love to get a few hard copies for my kids and to donate to their classroom libraries. I’d recommend it to kids in 3rd to 7th grade as far as interest, the reading level is 4th grade (4.4 according to AR).
November 28, 2021
Look, every kid, at one time or another, feel like the “weird kid”, but the thing that makes Jake Wind weird is pretty unique: secretly, he’s an alien.
Like, from another planet. As in, his parents found him in a puddle of other-worldly goo. When they held him in their arms, Jake looked like any normal brand new baby (aren’t they all a little alien-like in appearance?!), and instantly, they became a family of three.
While other kids are experiencing the fun changes that come with puberty (voice cracking, anyone?), Jake’s body defies him in more troubling, decidedly alien ways — like feathers sprouting from his hand suddenly in the middle of class. His morphing has become so frequent and unpredictable that Jake’s been forced to abandon his regular activities, and has lost friends in the process.
Fortunately, there’s a new kid in town, and while she’s not an alien, Agnes Oakes Is the kind of “weird” that can spot a kindred spirit, and soon, she attaches herself to Jake. Sink holes start opening up all over town, and some of them are very close to Jake (both location wise and physically). Can Jake trust Agnes with his secret, and can they figure out how to return both Jake and the town to “normal”?
A fun, short read, that’s a little bit sci-fi, a little bit mystery, and a whole lotta heart.
Like, from another planet. As in, his parents found him in a puddle of other-worldly goo. When they held him in their arms, Jake looked like any normal brand new baby (aren’t they all a little alien-like in appearance?!), and instantly, they became a family of three.
While other kids are experiencing the fun changes that come with puberty (voice cracking, anyone?), Jake’s body defies him in more troubling, decidedly alien ways — like feathers sprouting from his hand suddenly in the middle of class. His morphing has become so frequent and unpredictable that Jake’s been forced to abandon his regular activities, and has lost friends in the process.
Fortunately, there’s a new kid in town, and while she’s not an alien, Agnes Oakes Is the kind of “weird” that can spot a kindred spirit, and soon, she attaches herself to Jake. Sink holes start opening up all over town, and some of them are very close to Jake (both location wise and physically). Can Jake trust Agnes with his secret, and can they figure out how to return both Jake and the town to “normal”?
A fun, short read, that’s a little bit sci-fi, a little bit mystery, and a whole lotta heart.
December 20, 2024
Picked this one up because my daughter started reading it at school and was so obsessed with it that she read it in one day...didn't want to put down the book and stop reading. So for her this is a 5 star book. For me...as an adult reading this..I'd say it falls somewhere between 3.5-4 stars for me. I enjoyed it and can see why my daughter loves it. Definitely a lot of relatable stuff in this book...for anyone who as ever felt like a bit of an outsider because they're "weird" or different than everyone else. There some decent kid humor throughout the book and a fairly straight forward plot. I don't know that this will stand out for me among all the books I've read or be very memorable...but I think it's great for it's intended audience.
April 25, 2022
Another delightful offering from Greg Van Eekhout. So far every single one of his books has been an automatic win from both of my kids, currently ages 8 and 12. My 12 year old pressed this one into my hands and told me MOM YOU SHOULD READ THIS, so I did. It's got all the best elements from my favorite sci fi shows and comics boiled down into a super fun, super goofy, irresistible middle-grade romp. Bonus points: this definitely falls into the "books to give boys who think they don't like reading" category, too.
August 4, 2022
I really wanted to like this. The concept was interesting. It is a bit reminiscent of the Superman origins: found as a baby with abilities they can not control. The kid can shape shift and not being able to control it made for some interesting scenes, but I just kept feeling sorry for the main character. And it took the enjoyment of this book away. I DNFed at 44%
July 20, 2022
I loved the messages of love, acceptance, and the healing power of music in this book. But there were some parts that just didn’t click for me. A good read for kids who love science fiction, aliens, and kids saving the world.
July 1, 2024
I enjoy science fiction, clever, wisecracking kids, and mystery. This had all those elements but did not do it for me. I think younger kids will probably be confused and many readers will shake their heads at the bizarre plot. Also - Jake knows from the beginning that he is an alien from space but his parents never even tried to find out more about him? That just seems like lazy writing.
July 31, 2023
3.5 audiobook
Read
November 17, 2021Jake's parents are more worried about him going to middle school than he is. When they found Jake he was only a ball of goo, but soon looked like a human child. When a crater opens up at the school and Jake and his friend Agnes find more goo, Jake wonders if he will finally have answers as to where he is from.
Reviewer #25
Reviewer #25
November 14, 2020
Got Puberty?
I get a kick out of middle grade books that, intentionally or not, use shapeshifting and other weird, alien, or exotic body problems as a metaphor for puberty. But at some point that has to move to the background in order to allow room for strong characters and a compelling story adventure. This book, which opens with an alien kid who is disguised as a human, but who is losing control of his ability to keep his human shape, goes right up to the edge. At some point you think, O.K. I get it.
Happily, after we drive home the uncontrolled body change problem, the tale switches into a slightly different gear, and we focus on the idea of being "weird" in a larger sense. Our hero bonds with a spunky, smart, and uniquely weird gal pal. It turns out that something funny is going on in town, and it may explain our alien hero's unintended shape shifting. The mystery/detectivating/adventure begins. We also shift from the whole body thing to a larger look at middle grade weirdness and why being weird may be the best of all worlds. The message, needless to say, is that everybody's a little weird in one way or another, and that's O.K..
Once this book calms down and starts to tell a real story involving real and appealing characters it lightens up and flies right, with plenty of action, chuckles, twists, and suspense. There are nice touches involving the power of music, and there are a few surprisingly engaging secondary characters. (Burned out musician cousin Dale is a total Dude.) We don't break much new ground here, and the twists are signaled from miles away, but the whole package is solid enough, well written, sprinkled with some dark humor and a surprising number of deadpan laughs, and generally upbeat. I wasn't sure how this was going to wrap up, but the ending actually worked.
So, even for middle grade alien hijinks this is a little loosey-goosey, but it's entertaining fun with two appealing kid characters, and earnest without being preachy; who's going to complain about that?
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
I get a kick out of middle grade books that, intentionally or not, use shapeshifting and other weird, alien, or exotic body problems as a metaphor for puberty. But at some point that has to move to the background in order to allow room for strong characters and a compelling story adventure. This book, which opens with an alien kid who is disguised as a human, but who is losing control of his ability to keep his human shape, goes right up to the edge. At some point you think, O.K. I get it.
Happily, after we drive home the uncontrolled body change problem, the tale switches into a slightly different gear, and we focus on the idea of being "weird" in a larger sense. Our hero bonds with a spunky, smart, and uniquely weird gal pal. It turns out that something funny is going on in town, and it may explain our alien hero's unintended shape shifting. The mystery/detectivating/adventure begins. We also shift from the whole body thing to a larger look at middle grade weirdness and why being weird may be the best of all worlds. The message, needless to say, is that everybody's a little weird in one way or another, and that's O.K..
Once this book calms down and starts to tell a real story involving real and appealing characters it lightens up and flies right, with plenty of action, chuckles, twists, and suspense. There are nice touches involving the power of music, and there are a few surprisingly engaging secondary characters. (Burned out musician cousin Dale is a total Dude.) We don't break much new ground here, and the twists are signaled from miles away, but the whole package is solid enough, well written, sprinkled with some dark humor and a surprising number of deadpan laughs, and generally upbeat. I wasn't sure how this was going to wrap up, but the ending actually worked.
So, even for middle grade alien hijinks this is a little loosey-goosey, but it's entertaining fun with two appealing kid characters, and earnest without being preachy; who's going to complain about that?
(Please note that I received a free advance ecopy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
November 25, 2020
Do not miss this book!
Listed as Children's Fiction and Sci Fi & Fantasy. (Sci Fi / Fantasy is really not my preferred genre.) Really this book is about being comfortable with yourself as a middle schooler/teenager.
from chapter 4 ... You changed then, right in frond of our eyes. Like a magic trick or a special effect or a miracle. You changed into you Jake, you changed into our baby boy. So they did the only thing they could think of, they freaked out. They also picked me up and swaddled me in dads jacket and with love in their hearts the carried me home.
This whole book was so creative and was absorbed so quickly; current is about 3.5 hours. Just loved the characters, the plot, the wording. This book just kept up surprising me with adorability, such as blob plus imposter = imblobstered and humungous fungus. Also loved the dogs name and guitars name! I listened to this book yesterday and today I still have a warm glow in my heart from this book!
ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Greg Van Eekhout for approving my request. Opening is a little different and includes the following ... "What you are about to listen to is not a final product. It is sales material created with a synthesized voice for retailers and reviewers only. This does not reflect the quality of the final audio." I had no issues listening to the version reviewed. I would anxiously re-listen to the final product once it is available; even if it is nearly identical. I will be purchasing the final product for my niece and nephew (as my brother often reads them stories) and I think this one would be perfect, even though they are still very young. You are never too young to know how important love is in your life.
release date currently scheduled for May 2021.
Listed as Children's Fiction and Sci Fi & Fantasy. (Sci Fi / Fantasy is really not my preferred genre.) Really this book is about being comfortable with yourself as a middle schooler/teenager.
from chapter 4 ... You changed then, right in frond of our eyes. Like a magic trick or a special effect or a miracle. You changed into you Jake, you changed into our baby boy. So they did the only thing they could think of, they freaked out. They also picked me up and swaddled me in dads jacket and with love in their hearts the carried me home.
This whole book was so creative and was absorbed so quickly; current is about 3.5 hours. Just loved the characters, the plot, the wording. This book just kept up surprising me with adorability, such as blob plus imposter = imblobstered and humungous fungus. Also loved the dogs name and guitars name! I listened to this book yesterday and today I still have a warm glow in my heart from this book!
ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Greg Van Eekhout for approving my request. Opening is a little different and includes the following ... "What you are about to listen to is not a final product. It is sales material created with a synthesized voice for retailers and reviewers only. This does not reflect the quality of the final audio." I had no issues listening to the version reviewed. I would anxiously re-listen to the final product once it is available; even if it is nearly identical. I will be purchasing the final product for my niece and nephew (as my brother often reads them stories) and I think this one would be perfect, even though they are still very young. You are never too young to know how important love is in your life.
release date currently scheduled for May 2021.
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