Review: Spaceheadz by Jon Scieszka

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (June 22, 2010)
• ISBN-10: 1416979514
• Source: Publisher

Michael K.  just started 5th grade in a brand new school in a brand new town.  If that’s not bad enough, he’s been assigned to a group made up of the two weird kids in class, Bob & Jennifer. Jennifer likes to eat everything, including pencils, and Bob tells Michael K. that he and Jennifer are aliens from another planet.  Their leader, Major Fluffy, is the classroom hamster.

Bob & Jennifer also have the habit of shouting slogans from commercials, like “Think outside the bun” and “They’rrrrre Greeeat!” You see, they’ve learned about this planet by viewing Earth’s TV broadcasts. Their mission: to get 3.14 million people to become Spaceheadz.  The problem is, a federal agent, Umber, from AAA (Anti-Alien Agency) is hunting them down.  Will they be able to complete their mission before they are captured?

I read SPACEHEADZ with my oldest son, John.  We both really enjoyed the witty humor and the amusing characters. Typically, John would give a full-fledged review at this point, but now that school is in session he’s off to bed.  Instead, I asked him to create a list of things he liked about the book:

1. Nice, short chapters.  When chapters are long, it seems as though I’m reading forever and ever with no breaks.

2. The type (font) is much easier to read than usual type. It makes it seem like I’m reading someone’s diary or something instead of a book.

3. The illustrations-they really break up the words so it doesn’t seem as though I’m reading as much as I am!

4. Finally, the websites really work!  Check them out:

www.sphdz.com

www.antialienagency.com

www.mrshaleyscomets.com

www.imsuregladthatdidnthappen.com

As a Mom, I agree with the things John has said above.  In the past, John was a reluctant reader and really struggled to read.  Things like long chapters or endless text really frustrated him and prevented him from focusing on reading the book.  Creating a multimedia experience (the active websites) were a sort of takeaway, giving him something to do after reading the book.  All in all, we both highly recommend this book and can’t wait to the second book, scheduled for release in December.

Be sure to check back later! Two will win a copy of SPACEHEADZ and Spaceheadz neon pencil!

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