Between the science-fiction elements and the shocks of encountering adult infidelity, McCall captures preteen anxieties and expectations and the complexities of yearning for romance while still enjoying younger kid interests. The story also underlines the importance of acceptance, especially through Mickey’s older sister Jan, who mocks the Joneses before being impressed by their alien powers and calm personalities. Mickey, by contrast, feels more relaxed with the Joneses, who pleasantly insist “We are not what you would refer to as dangerous aliens,” but even as he finds comfort in their inability to be judgemental he sometimes worries if he can fully trust them.

Readers may be frustrated by the uneven pacing, as the story, told in sometimes quite-lengthy sentences, often takes too long to reveal secrets. But there’s power and charm in the lyric storytelling, which targets the heart but never forgoes suspense or unexpected laughs, including aliens’ unexpected affection for Lawrence Welk. The siblings growing closer throughout the book is uplifting, and an evening flight above Dallas, the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas is breathtaking. The ending is abrupt but sweet.

Takeaway: Small-town coming-of-age adventure with aliens, secrets, and life lessons.

Comparable Titles: Ellen Conford’s And This is Laura, Willo Davis Roberts's The Girl with the Silver Eyes.

Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-