Saving the Whole Wide World: Hilo, Book 2
By Kyle Jackson,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Alien robot fights alien invasion in fun page-turner.
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What's the Story?
HILO BOOK 2: SAVING THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD continues comic book author-illustrator Judd Winnick's series about a goofy robot from another dimension who comes to Earth, befriends misfit middle-schooler DJ Lim, and winds up defending the planet from the evil Razorwark and his minions. After temporarily expelling his foe in Book 1, Hilo returns to continue his mission and hang out with his friends, setting himself up in a house presided over by a phony robot guardian meant to provide cover for the true nature of his origins. Of course, the joy of small-town tranquility doesn't last long, as Razorwark is busy at work opening more portals to unleash all varieties of monsters and robots to carry out his crusade against humanity, forcing Hilo and his friends to band together to stop the alien menace. Joined by new pal Polly of the Furback Clan, a rowdy, magic-staff-wielding cat, the motley crew must courageously face waves of angry hippo-soldiers, a giant squawking bird called a Jabberwocky, a field of killer vegetables, and dozens of other beasts and bots that suddenly swarm the town. With the safety of their families and the fate of the world at stake, it takes all the courage, cunning, and cooperation that they've got to repel the invasion and protect each other from destruction at the cold metal hands of Razorwark.
Is It Any Good?
Building on the strong series start, this second volume is even more action packed, fun filled, and ridiculously goofy than Book 1. We get more glimpses of the complicated family dynamics both DJ and Gina face in their homes, providing depth to the characters and a reason why these precocious preteens are so ready to dive head first into the dramatic fight for planetary survival. While the references to things smelling like "elephant butt" and "gorilla armpit" will surely elicit giggles from young readers, the majority of the humor is derived from Hilo's and Polly's unfamiliarity with human customs and the quirky and creative illustrations of mindless monster mayhem. This charming and exciting entry in the epic saga will leave readers wanting more, anxious to find out what happens after the cliff-hanger ending that sets up Book 3.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it's like to feel like an outsider, either at school or in your own family. How do you stay true to who you are when it feels like you're different or eccentric?
What can a story told as a graphic novel do that a novel in straight text can't do? Which format do you like better?
How does Hilo use his advanced technological knowledge to defeat the alien invaders? How do Gina, DJ, and Lisa contribute?
Book Details
- Author: Judd Winick
- Illustrator: Judd Winick
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Topics: Superheroes, Adventures, Friendship, Robots, Space and Aliens
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: May 17, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 208
- Available on: Nook, Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: June 19, 2019
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