- 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!
Buy this book now from:
Twitter: LisaConsiglioR
says:
Just love John Scieska…this book sounds great. Having a multimedia component to the book is key…my kiddos are a bit young for the book, but I plan to read it with them. Jack, my 6 year old will dig it.
Twitter: coffeebookchick
says:
Sounds like a fun book — something my niece and nephew would like! Might have to check this one out — good thing the sites work, I hate it when a site is publicized but nothing is there when you click on it, you know!
Pingback: Giveaway: Spaceheadz by Jon Sciezka | Jenn's Bookshelves
I thought this book was great fun too!
Very cool! I think my stepson would like this. Like you said, anything interactive to spice things up helps!
Twitter: deegarretson
says:
I’ve heard mention of the title of this book, but didn’t know anything about it. Now I’m intrigued enough to want to read it with my daughter. I really like the idea of a hamster as an alien leader.
Great post! I read this book in ARC format earlier this year and I have to agree…he makes some good points! I can definitely see where the writing style and imagery would add to the overall reading experience…and who doesn’t like short chapters? ^_^ Happy reading!
I am intrigued….I need to see this author’s work. As a teacher, I love web sites connected with books because it adds layers and affects how much further the books are perused. John’s points made me think of what grabbed my attention whenever I was beginning to read longer books. Even though I was far from a reluctant reader, I was first attracted to illustrations, cliff hanging chapter titles, and a different print. I too loved a book that seems like a journal. If a person relates to the story in some way, he becomes more engaged in it. Thanks for reviewing this book. Keep up the good work!