By Geoff Rodkey

Where would humanity go if there was no Earth? Mars, of course. But what if Mars wasn’t working out anymore, what if it was overcrowded and people were getting upset? In that case, Planet Choom might be the only option. With breathable air and welcoming aliens, it seems like the perfect solution. Until humanity actually arrives and find that in the years of travel, things changed on Choom.

The Zhuri (the aliens that rule Choom) no longer like humans. They also don’t like lots of other things about humans, such as emotions, humor, and singing. It’s up to one family to change their minds about humanity or everyone will die. Oh, also, if Lan doesn’t figure out how to stop getting in trouble, bad things might happen as well.

Why should you read this book?

It’s really funny. It’s also a story about family and love and the desire to fit in on an alien planet that with creatures who hate you. It’s a story about a kid who’s never going to go back to earth, who just has to deal with life on a foreign planet around creatures that aren’t like him. It’s a story that ultimately revolves around acceptance – acceptance of others, acceptance of fate, and acceptance of yourself.

Who should read this book?

Aside from the theme that Earth has been destroyed and most of the human race is dead, it’s pretty tame. There are a few parts that could be seen as a little disturbing or frightening, but overall it’s not a scary book. I would say that 5th graders and above could read it.

General Stats:

• Genre: Sci-fi
• Standalone
• Age: 5th and above
• My rating: ★★★★☆