Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Plucky tweens battle aliens in funny, action-packed romp.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As ALIEN SUMMER begins, it's the first day of summer, and 12-year-old Viv Harlow wants to go to the lake. Instead, her mom forces her to attend Take Your Kids to Work Day at Area 51. The trip is a total bore -- until real extraterrestrials attack and Viv and her friends are trapped in the facility.
Is It Any Good?
There's something to be said for a high-concept narrative, and this action-packed tale delivers on its promises. James S. Murray and Carsen Smith develop Alien Summer into a likable and thrilling adventure, with lots of laughs and surprises. This is only the first volume in the series, and middle school readers will eagerly look forward to the next installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Alien Summer: Area 51 Interns makes fun of some UFO mythology. Do you think UFOs are real? Do they come from outer space?
Viv learns some interesting facts about her mother's early years. Why do adults sometimes not talk about their past?
What make a good friend? How can you support friends when they're in trouble?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Penguin Workshop
- Publication date : March 15, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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