When it comes to children’s books, middle grade readers (roughly for ages 8–12 years old) live in that sweet spot between chapter books/junior fiction and epic YA novels. They have stories that spark the imagination without skimping on adventure, feature relatable heroes who juggle real-world school drama alongside larger-than-life quests, and plenty of humour to lighten even the slimmest of slime-soaked odds. Lou Treleaven’s Turns Out I’m an Alien nails every one of these must-haves, launching readers into a rollicking intergalactic romp.
Imagine waking up one morning to discover that your green hair wasn’t the only thing setting you apart… you’re actually an alien! Turns Out I’m An Alien, rockets readers into a madcap intergalactic adventure that’s part family drama, part cosmic caper – and 100% delightful fun. If you’re 8–12 and hungry for slime, space villains, and laugh-out-loud antics (with a side of heartfelt foster-care feels), buckle up: this one’s for you.
Our hero Jasper Clarkson is eleven, four foot six, and blessed (or cursed?) with bright green hair and eyes. He lives with his loving foster parents, Bill and Mary, and his fourteen-year-old foster sister, Holly. Jasper’s always known he’s a bit different, but when mysterious new lodger Flarp arrives from the Planet Snood, he learns the impossible – a secret larger than the milky way: Bill and Mary are interstellar travellers, and Jasper himself is an alien! Before he can even process this bombshell, the Earth, and the entire Milky Way, needs saving. This launches him and Holly through self-service checkouts into a slime-soaked quest to rescue his biological parents from the dastardly Emperor Iko Iko Iko.
Overall, Turns Out I’m An Alien is a fun-packed space adventure that blasts off with equal measures of goofy wit and genuine warmth. It’s a story about family, not just the Earth-bound chosen kind but the cosmic as well, and the courage to embrace who you really are. With space travel, slime filled planets, slugs, an evil Emperor, a heart-throb pop star and lots of childish humour, Jasper’s galactic journey will leave you in stitches, whether you’re a slime-loving space geek or a kid who just wants a rollicking good read… and it might just leave you itching for your own self-service-checkout teleportation to start your own space adventure (you probably won’t see a visit to the supermarket in the same light again).
While it is a fun and silly story that is perfect for young readers as it is packed with fun and exciting out of this world space adventure, it also deals with the turmoil of foster care, family drama, confronting issues all while having to navigate a confusing time of growing up and dealing with finding yourself… all while fighting off evil space aliens.
The story is told in the first person narrative, from Jasper’s point of view. Jasper and Holly characters are instantly likeable and relatable for young readers, especially those that are dealing with change or feeling like they are different or don’t fit in.
- Jasper, the green-haired star of this story, balances bewilderment with plucky courage. His wry internal narration – “I thought being the only kid in school with green hair was the worst secret… right up until today” – instantly wins the hearts of young page turners.
- Holly, the foster-sister extraordinaire, is equal parts bossy big sis and loyal sidekick. When gravity-defying slugs swarm, you’ll want Holly at your back, wielding cosmic gadgets and sarcastic one-liners.
- Flarp, the goo-gobbler from Snood, brings extra laughs (and extra slime) as he fumbles through Earth customs and cosmic etiquette. His bewilderment at supermarket self-service lanes is pure comic gold.
- Emperor Iko Iko Iko, son of Iko Iko and grandson of Iko, is delightfully over-the-top. His evil traits revolve around oozing toxins, secret agents in trench coats, and an army of Gloopy minions – perfect fodder for junior heroics.
This is a very engaging space-hopping adventure with some fun and silly antics (such as using the supermarket self-service checkout to travel through space for example – I knew there was a reason I didn’t like them!). It is also an inventive, inspiring and imaginative read.
Turns Out I’m An Alien is a light-hearted slimy adventure that will have children fascinated. With great characters, good humour and fast-paced action it is a story that both confident and reluctant readers will enjoy! So grab your copy, join the adventure, and remember: chocolate-covered slug aside, being an alien has its perks!
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £6.99 (Paperback)
For more information, visit loutreleaven.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
PUBLISHER: Maverick Arts Publishing
PUBLICATION DATE: 28 May 2019
ISBN: 978-1848864252
PRINT LENGTH: 204 Pages