The Fellowship for Alien Detection

Here’s the dealio (official synopsis):

Haley and Dodger don’t have much in common. Haley lives in Greenhaven, Connecticut; Dodger lives in Port Salmon, Washington. Haley has a family who loves and supports her; Dodger can’t seem to ever get his dad’s approval. Haley is well adjusted and passionate; Dodger hears strange voices in his head. But they both want something: a new map, a path away from home—or, perhaps, a path toward it.

Of course, this was all before they heard about the missing people, the untraceable radio signals, the unexplained phenomena. Before they both became the first recipients of a summer research grant from a certain mysterious foundation. Before they discovered that their fledgling theories about extraterrestrial life were all too accurate.

Now Haley and Dodger are the only ones who can figure out what is happening in towns across America, who can give voice to the people whispering “alien abduction.” At the very least, they’re both going to have the most eventful summer vacations of anyone they know.

I love fantasy. I love science fiction. I love aliens, UFOs, and uncovering government conspiracies. So how could I not love Kevin Emerson’s newest book, The Fellowship for Alien Detection?

I have to say, it’s hard to find a middle grade book that doesn’t stereotype kids or undermine their sense of complexity, irony, and intelligence. Few authors (especially in the science fiction genre) can pull off the perfect balance between tension, suspense, and well-developed, likeable characters. You either get a fantastic story written poorly or excellent writing with poor story-telling. The beauty of Kevin’s book is its ability to walk the line, create tension, prolong suspense, and ultimately satisfy with rich characters and an enveloping story.

Here’s what I loved:

• It is a science fiction book that avoids the dystopian/fantasy world (which is a genre currently collapsing bookshelves around the world).
• It’s suspenseful and exciting – you want to keep reading.
• It’s believable (despite its unbelievability – you know what I mean, right?!)
• It’s well plotted: the journey follows two distinct and engaging characters whose stories eventually collide into one epic sci-fi adventure that is as surprising as it is satisfying.
• The clues are well-placed.
• It’s about Aliens (enough said!)

Honestly, I was surprised I liked the book as much as I did. A well-paced adventure that will keep readers guessing to the end! Kevin Emerson’s book will turn even the most hard-nose skeptic into a believer: Aliens do, in fact, exist!