Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Alien navigates Hollywood in funny, fast-paced series start.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In ALIEN SUPERSTAR, after crash-landing his spaceship in Hollywood, Buddy C. Burger is lost, alone, hungry -- and apparently magnetic on camera. Surrounded by aspiring actors, Buddy gets a shot at the big time in a casting call for a show about misfit aliens. But no one knows the truth: His costume is part of who he is and doesn't come off at the end of the day. When his friend and co-star Cassidy discovers his secret, she doesn't have time to be afraid of him. They're too busy working on the bigger problem, that Buddy needs a very specific set of nutrients to live, and the two of them have little time to figure out what Earth food is a match to keep him alive.
Is It Any Good?
This funny culture-clash story is formulaic but delightful, filled with fun characters, vivid detail, and illustrations that jump off the page. Alien Superstar is fast-paced, with vocabulary that engages more advanced readers while remaining easily accessible to those who struggle to read longer books. Buddy's misunderstanding of common phrases (such as "break a leg" and "live studio audience") turns into a steady stream of jokes for young readers, and Buddy's instant friendship with Cassidy gives the story warmth. Authors Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver even manage to get a Happy Days reference in there -- a nod to the parents who might be reading along.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Buddy feels when he's trying to fit into society in Alien Superstar. Aside from looking different from humans, what's hardest for him? Have you ever felt that way?
What does the story have to say about being a TV star? Would you like to be famous in Hollywood?
What other books about aliens have you read?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Ethan Nicolle
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Amulet Books
- Publication date : October 1, 2019
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 264
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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