A.I. Newton always wanted to travel into space, visit another planet, and meet an alien. When that plan didn't work out, he decided to do the next best thing-write stories about aliens and space travel! The ALIEN NEXT DOOR series gives him a chance to imagine what it's like to hang out with an alien. And you can do the same-unless, of course, you are lucky enough to live next door to a real-life alien! Show Anjan Sarkar graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in illustration in 2001. After that, he worked as an illustrator and graphic designer before becoming a freelancer in 2004, where he gets to work on all sorts of different illustration projects for people of all ages! He lives in Sheffield, UK. Find out more about Anjan at anjansarkar.co.uk. Harris thinks there's something about the new kid at school, Zeke, and that's because Zeke is actually the new kid on the planet! Will Zeke be able to make friends on this new planet, or will Harris discover his secret? Join Zeke and Harris on their adventures in this four-book collection that is out of this world! This four-book collection is sure to be a hit with any young reader. Filled with humor, adventure, and friendship, The Alien Next Door follows Zeke, an alien who is new to Earth, and his friendship with Harris, a very observant Earthling. Combining the first four books in the series, The New Kid, Aliens for Dinner?!, Alien Scout, and Trick or Cheat?, kids will love being able read book after book without waiting. $5.99 On Our Shelves; Typically Ships in 1-2 Days 2 on hand, as of Sep 29 5:04pm (KIDS FICTION 6 TO 8 PAPER) Staff ReviewsIt can't be easy being the new kid, especially if you happen to be an alien and your neighbor begins to suspect something is amiss. A wonderful science fiction book for early readers! — Lindsay DescriptionIn the first book of the Alien Next Door series, an alien boy named Zeke tries to fit in and adjust to life on Earth, while a classmate, Harris, suspects that Zeke might not be quite what he claims to be. Zeke the alien is on his way to his first day of school, feeling down because he has to start over again on a new planet, as his scientist parents constantly move to wherever their research takes them. When he gets to school, no one seems to notice anything strange or different about him except Harris, a kid obsessed with science fiction and aliens. Harris sees Zeke doing extraordinary things but can't convince anyone, least of all his best friend, Roxy, that Zeke might be an alien. Roxy just thinks Harris is jealous that she's becoming friends with Zeke. But when Roxy invites Zeke over to Harris's house, will Harris find a way to prove that he's right? About the AuthorA.I. Newton always wanted to travel into space, visit another planet, and meet an alien. When that plan didn't work out, he decided to do the next best thing-write stories about aliens and space travel! The ALIEN NEXT DOOR series gives him a chance to imagine what it's like to hang out with an alien. And you can do the same-unless, of course, you are lucky enough to live next door to a real-life alien! Anjan Sarkar graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with a degree in illustration in 2001. After that, he worked as an illustrator and graphic designer before becoming a freelancer in 2004, where he gets to work on all sorts of different illustration projects for people of all ages! He lives in Sheffield, UK. Find out more about Anjan at anjansarkar.co.uk.
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Jul 12, 2019 Jen rated it really liked it My thanks to little bee books for an ARC of this book. It was published awhile ago, but I
misplaced it and just read it now. Cute book about the new kid in school really being an alien from another planet and his next door neighbor and fellow elementary school student suspecting he isn’t what he appears to be. Considering the world situation now, with stories of refugees and “aliens”, this otherwise innocent storyline really hit home. I think the overarching “moral” was that even if the new kid i Cute book about the new kid in school really being an alien from another planet and his next door neighbor and fellow elementary school student suspecting he isn’t what he appears to be. Considering the world situation now, with stories of refugees and “aliens”, this otherwise innocent storyline really hit home. I think the overarching “moral” was that even if the new kid isn’t quite like you,
he’s still a kid, with thoughts and feelings. The need and want to have friends and a place to belong. There is suspicion, but there is welcome and acceptance too, which is important. Without the almost prescient storyline, three stars. With the timeliness of it? 4 stars. Good for age range of 6-8, depending on the reader’s level. Some pictures every page or so, but several sentences to a short paragraph as well. Easy to follow and enjoyable. Recommended.
Oct 10, 2020 Tara Ethridge rated it really liked it I'm working a lot with grade 3 this year, and I'm reading as much as I can of series that fit them as readers in that in-between stage. This one is hilarious and interesting in that a new kid moves in and seems different. Really different. Like, from another planet different. As the reader, we know he is from another planet (his parents are researchers who go from planet to planet studying people), and his new friend is convinced he is an alien but cannot convince anyone else. It's cute and funn I'm working a lot with grade 3 this year, and I'm reading as much as I can of series that fit them as readers in that in-between stage. This one is hilarious and interesting in that a new kid moves in and seems different. Really different. Like, from another planet different. As the reader, we know he is from another planet (his parents are researchers who go from planet to planet studying people), and his new friend is convinced he is an alien but cannot convince anyone else. It's cute and funny and sweet, and I predict it will be a big hit. ...more
Apr 03, 2022 Christine rated it really liked it I like this book. It is like a younger version of the twilight zone .
Jun 04, 2022 Bonzi Reads rated it it was amazing Definitely a cute book about making friends and learning that just because people are different it doesn't make them weird or mean. Definitely a cute book about making friends and learning that just because people are different it doesn't make them weird or mean. ...more
Fun little book I read with my 6 year old. Might be a series we have to get
I really like this book! It was super quirky and strange but very creative and fun. I think it will make a great series for those starting off chapter books. There are plenty of fun black and white illustrations to break up the text and the text itself is large and has a good amount of challenging and fun vocab words without being overwhelming.
Aug 23, 2019 Lindsey rated it it was ok This book actually made me angry. First, nothing really happens. A kid moves
to a school from another planet and his next door neighbor thinks he’s an alien. That’s it. Worse, the alien’s parents tell him not to let anyone know he’s an alien AND YET he brings alien food to school and uses his alien powers in plain view of everyone. Come on. You mean to tell me your parents are super researchers and you’ve figured out you have to wear clothes but you didn’t figure out that Earthlings don’t eat pu Worse, the alien’s parents tell him not to let anyone know he’s an alien AND YET he brings alien food to school and uses his alien powers in plain view of everyone. Come on. You mean to tell me your parents are super researchers and you’ve figured out you have to wear clothes but you didn’t figure out that Earthlings don’t eat purple string balls or
move soccer balls around with their minds?
Jul 24, 2019 Dawn rated it liked it Not my favorite, as it didn’t seem like anything really happened. I didn’t realize the whole series was going to be Harris trying to prove that Zeke is an alien. Good for diversity and encouraging acceptance. I would still recommend to sci-fi living kids. There’s nothing wrong with it, I’ve just read better.
Mar 16, 2022 Robin rated it really liked it The Alien Next Door is actually not one book, but (to date) eight books that I picked up as a boxed set at Costco last weekend. (The set also included a children's activity book, with pictures to color, writing prompts, etc.) Their titles are The New Kid; Aliens for
Dinner?!; Alien Scout; Trick or Cheat?; Baseball Blues; The Mystery Valentine; Up, Up, and Away; and A New Planet. While each book stands somewhat on its own on the scale of an elementary-level chapter book, the whole series also work While each book stands somewhat on its own on the scale of an elementary-level chapter book, the whole series also works together as a continuous story with each individual book as a kind of chapter in it. My father, who got to it before me, read all eight books in one sitting, and was the first
to complain that the last one ends abruptly without really resolving the storyline. Actually, his exact words were, "It just goes pbpbpbpbt." I myself managed it in two settings, but they went quickly in terms of total time. I'm glad to report that according to Fantastic Fiction, a ninth book titled The Marvelous Museum is supposed to come out in October 2022. So, I guess this series isn't
over yet. As for the eight books so far, most of them came out in quick succession in 2018 and 2019 and have charming illustrations, featuring an apparently American (or maybe Canadian?) boy named Harris who begins to suspect that the awkward, lonely new kid next door may actually be an alien from outer space. The more sure of this he becomes, the more his family and his best friend, Roxy, think he's just being mean because Zeke is different. But Harris is right; and after the first couple
of books, he and Zeke become friends and Harris begins to share in his secret. Harris and Roxy help Zeke learn about such strange human customs as scouting campouts, trick-or-treating, baseball and Valentines. Then Zeke finds out his parents, Xad and Quar, have finished their research on Earth and they have to move back to the planet Tragas. At first, Harris and Zeke look for a way to delay their departure. In the last book (so far), Harris reveals Zeke's secret to Roxy, and the two of
them stow away on the ship and get to experience the "new kid" phenomenon from the other side, disguised as aliens on a strange new world. Written at an elementary level, the books are simple and light but they also carry themes, such as being kind to people who are different from you, not cheating or taking shortcuts. They look at American(?) cultural customs in a humorous light, with charm, goofy humor and an occasional flash of wit. The weirdness of Tragas and its cultural customs comes
in for some imaginative treatment, too, modeling Harris and Roxy's openness to having new experiences and, of course, their loyal friendship with Zeke. I feel even better recommending these books knowing that there's more to come. A.I. Newton is also the author of the "Little Olympians" series, also illustrated by Sarkar, in which kid-sized Greek gods go to camp to learn how to use their powers and get along together. Their titles, up to the most recent release, are Zeus, God of
Thunder; Athena, Goddess of Wisdom; Hermes, the Fastest God; and Artemis, the Archer Goddess. I can't actually find any information online about A.I. Newton as a human being. For all I know, he may be a fictitious pen-name, maybe with a whole list of author credits under another name. About illustrator Anjan Sarkar, I've learned that he's a British illustrator of Indian heritage who has contributed art to such books as Rum Pum Pum by David L. Harrison and Jane Yolen,
Queen of the Hanukkah Dosas by Pamela Ehrenberg, and Level Up! Last One Standing by Tom Nicoll, among 20-some books.
May 09, 2022 Teri-K rated it really liked it My grandson reads to me every morning for 15 minutes and he recently began going through the books we had for him very quickly, so we went to the bookstore to look for something new. He picked this one, and has
enjoyed reading it and the following books a lot. I never have to remind him it's time to read before the school bus comes any more. In fact, this morning he finished book 3 and asked if I could get him the next book today. I told him he'd have to wait for tomorrow. He asked me to get it My grandson reads to me every morning for 15 minutes and he recently began going through the books we had for him very quickly, so we went to the bookstore to look
for something new. He picked this one, and has enjoyed reading it and the following books a lot. I never have to remind him it's time to read before the school bus comes any more. In fact, this morning he finished book 3 and asked if I could get him the next book today. I told him he'd have to wait for tomorrow. He asked me to get it at the store and not order it so he wouldn't have to wait too long to read it. That's when I realized I hadn't reviewed this series yet. This grandson is 7 years
old and nearing the end of his first grade at school. He's a decently strong reader and it can be hard to find books I consider appropriate that he wants to read. The crazy covers and "Alien" idea appealed to him immediately. I love that the books show strong, caring families, friendships at school, are diverse, and reinforce decent values, like being kind, apologizing for mistakes, etc. The story line is really holding his interest; he'll stop reading to wonder what will happen next. So far I'm
a big fan of these books, and happy to see there are 8 of them, with #9 coming out October 2022. I don't know if he'll still be reading them by then, though. Kids change so quickly! Slight (view spoiler)[ The new boy next door really is an alien. His parents are scientists, or maybe anthropologists, who study alien planets and they've moved in to study earth. Harris, the MC, is the only one who seems to notice what's going on under their noses. lol (hide
spoiler)] As an adult I don't mind listening to these books, there's some humor in the fact that no one seems to notice what's going on around them. This series is considered 3.5 grade level in AR; 3rd (650) by Lexile; 4th by DRA; 2-3 by Scholastic. I suppose some fourth graders might enjoy it, but I think it reads kind of young for that. There are chapters, but also large black and white pictures on almost every page. I'd definitely check out the first book before buying them
sight unseen for a child over 8 years old. I appreciate that they're not super expensive, and the smaller size makes the book easier for him to hold. All in all this is a series worth checking out for young readers.
Nov 14, 2021 Elise Six rated it really liked it I bought this book for my niblings for Halloween and
we just now got around to reading it. it's a chapter book of almost a hundred pages, with illustrations on each page. we split it between two days (but only read two chapters the first day and then read the last eight the next day haha). I thought the book was interesting. you find out early on that Zeke IS an alien, and his next-door neighbor, Harris, picks up on it. Harris tries to talk to his best friend, Roxy, and his parents about it, but I thought the book was interesting. you find out early on that Zeke IS an alien, and his next-door neighbor, Harris, picks up on it. Harris tries to talk to his best
friend, Roxy, and his parents about it, but they don't believe him. the book clearly wants to address xenophobia and human intolerance of those different from them, and there were some great lines from Roxy and Harris's mom. the first time Zeke explains a cultural difference to his class (he whistles outside the door instead of knocking), Harris says, "weird, huh?" to Roxy and she replies, "I think it's kind of interesting." a different time, Roxy says, "Just because someone is different doesn't
mean they're weird" and another time his mom says, "He might be different, but that's no reason not to be his friend." these are great messages for kids. and maybe it's a bit more accessible or interesting for them bc they know Zeke actually IS an alien, while the characters in the book don't. I expect in the subsequent books, Harris will learn more about Zeke and they'll become better friends as Harris connects with him more and sees past their differences. my last note is that
Harris and his family are Black, while Roxy is Latine (based on her last name being Martinez and the way she's illustrated), so I think it's significant that both these characters who become friends with Zeke likely have their own experiences feeling different or othered. Harris's mom lightly mentions this at one point, so that adds an interesting dynamic to the story. it presents a great opportunity for adults to discuss xenophobia, racism, and othering to the kids they read to or with. all
three children might share that reality, even though their identities are distinct.
Oct 18, 2018 Abigail Day rated it it was amazing The New Kid, a book apart of The Alien Next Door
series is a fun science fiction book for students grades 3 and up. However, students in 1st and 2nd grade would also greatly enjoy the story, it would just most likely be difficult for them to read independently. This small chapter book is about a boy alien moving to a new school and a new planet. He is struggling to fit in because he finds everything is so different than it was at his last school. While he is trying to fit in at school a classmat
The New Kid, a book apart of The Alien Next Door series is a fun science fiction book for students grades 3 and up. However, students in 1st and 2nd grade would also greatly enjoy the story, it would just most likely be difficult for them to read independently. This small chapter book is about a boy alien moving to a new school and a new planet. He is struggling to fit in because he finds everything is so different than it was at his last school. While he
is trying to fit in at school a classmate of the boy alien is suspicious that the new student might actually be an alien. The suspicious classmate is constantly looking for clues that might uncover the new student's secret.
Well, that was... hmm... Having a black family with a son who meets the main character, having a girl who befriends boys, a main character who is semi-relatable, creating a planet that is actually below Earth somewhere,
and giving the main character a unique name like 'Zekelebraxis' are all pluses... The overall message of this book is to be nice and give everyone a chance. That's fine, nice, and definitely a positive message, but that's...pretty much all this book is. Sure, Zeke is secretly an a Having a black family with a son who meets the main character, having a girl who befriends boys, a main character who is semi-relatable,
creating a planet that is actually below Earth somewhere, and giving the main character a unique name like 'Zekelebraxis' are all pluses... The overall message of this book is to be nice and give everyone a chance. That's fine, nice, and definitely a positive message, but that's...pretty much all this book is. Sure, Zeke is secretly an alien from planet Targas who eats a fruit called dweelop and can morph into anything at will, but that's about as interesting as it gets. The cover of this book
is another misleading one. It implies that Harris peaks into Zeke's living room window at some point and sees parts of Zeke's true from, and yet, that never happens... They go to school, learn, go to recess, hang out outside of school, and for the most part, live pretty ordinary lives... but this felt more like a mix of a mental health commercial and a be-nice-to-everyone sermon from a watered-down liberal church than it did an alien story. (shrugs) At least the stuff from their extraterrestrial
lives is interesting. 2 stars. P.S., the planet Zeke and his parents Xad and Quar visited before Earth is called 'Charbock.' Pretty sure the author was inspired by the pokémon Arbok.
We’ve been searching for a series to capture my 7-year-old second-grader’s attention. Junie B. Jones was the first series that he wanted to devour, and we’ve
introduced other highly recommended series- Dog Man, Captain Underpants, The Bad Guys, etc- and the reception (so far) has been lukewarm. I happened to pull this off the shelf at our local bookstore, and the description sparked his interest. Within a few days, he had read both books, and re-read the first book twice over. I went back for th I happened to pull this off the shelf at our local bookstore, and the description sparked his interest. Within a few days, he had read both books, and re-read the first book twice over. I went back for the third book, which he finished that same night. I had planned to reward him with a book a week but
decided to bite the bullet and purchase the rest of the series. This is a fantastic series for early readers. The premise is engaging, and the books are well-paced. The characters are diverse. My son typically shows off how quickly he can read, but struggles with comprehension. This is the first series that my son has been able to comprehend without needing guidance. I'm thrilled, and he’s hooked!
Thanks to the @kidlitexchange for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own. The Alien Next Door is a fun chapter book for early readers. When Zeke moves in next door, Harris
knows something is up. From Zeke’s strange lunch to the odd way he “takes notes”, Harris is convinced Zeke is an alien and will stop at nothing to prove his theory. This early chapter book is filled with plenty of pictures, simple sentences, and quirky characters. Reminiscent to the Branches series by Scholastic, The Alien Next Door is a fun chapter
book for early readers. When Zeke moves in next door, Harris knows something is up. From Zeke’s strange lunch to the odd way he “takes notes”, Harris is convinced Zeke is an alien and will stop at nothing to prove his theory. This early chapter book is filled with plenty of pictures, simple sentences, and quirky characters. Reminiscent to the Branches series by Scholastic, The Alien Next Door is geared towards younger students transitioning into chapter books. Recommended for grades
2-3. As well as readers in grades 4-6 who need support with text stamina or comprehension.
I read this because it was on the Florida Sunshine State Young Readers Award Jr. List for 2019-2020, and quite honestly it is not for me, and I won't be continuing the series. However, I am an adult and therefore am not
the target audience.
Mar 31, 2019 Sheila rated it really liked it Harris is sure there is something weird about Zeke, the new kid who
moved in next door. Roxy thinks he is just being unfriendly. But Harris has clues from the sci-fi movies he likes to watch with his dad. So he is sure Zeke is an alien but how does he prove it? I enjoyed this tale. I liked the diversity in the story. Harris is fun as he tries to get people to believe him about Zeke but there always seems to be a logical explanation for Zeke's action. The world building is good. I look forward to I enjoyed this tale. I liked the diversity in the story. Harris is fun as he tries to get people to believe him about Zeke but there always seems to be a logical explanation for Zeke's action. The world building is good. I look forward to reading more
in the series.
The New Kid was a great start to The Alien Next Door series! It featured great images, simple sentences, short/easy to read chapters that would be perfect for an early reader. It was interesting enough to hold my attention as an adult to read it through in one sitting. I really liked the quirky aspects of how the alien family blends into life on Earth. I'm interested in reading book 2 to see what Harris uncovers about Zeke's family! The New Kid was a great start to The Alien Next Door series! It featured great images, simple sentences, short/easy to read chapters that would be perfect for an early reader. It was interesting enough to hold my attention as an adult to read it through in one sitting. I really liked the quirky aspects of how the alien family blends into life on Earth. I'm interested in reading book 2 to see what Harris uncovers about Zeke's family! ...more
Sep 21, 2017 Lynn rated it liked it First book in a beginning chapter book series about a disguised alien family studying life
on Earth and the son being the new kid in school. Appealing story with some nice humor. Comic illustrations add to the fun. Slightly longer sentences contain simple phrases and the vocabulary is well chosen for the level.
Aug 24, 2019 Max rated it it was amazing A kid named Zeke moved to a new school. In science class he used his powers to make a rainbow. In the end Harris know's Zeke is an alien. I like Zeke because he is an alien and I like aliens. I would recommend it because it is funny. I did like the book. My favorite part is chapter 10 because they went to Harris's house and played video games. A kid named Zeke moved to a new school. In science class he used his powers to make a rainbow. In the end Harris know's Zeke is an alien. I like Zeke because he is an alien and I like aliens. I would recommend it because it is funny. I did like the book. My favorite part is chapter 10 because they went to Harris's house and played video games. ...more
There is a new kid in school and Harris doesn’t trust him. Zeke can write things down using only his mind, balance upside down on just one finger, and create rainbows in chemistry class. Is Zeke just really smart and talented or is there something almost inhuman about him? Harris will have a chance to find out soon because Zeke is coming over to his house afterschool.
Dec 23, 2021 Anthony rated it liked it When the new kid named Zeke moves in next door, and joins Harris Walker's class at Jefferson Elementary School, Harris is convinced that he is an Alien from outer space, and is determined to prove his point. It won't be an easy task, since no one believes him, not even his best friend Roxy, or his parents. When the new kid named Zeke moves in next door, and joins Harris Walker's class at Jefferson Elementary School, Harris is convinced that he is an Alien from outer space, and is determined to prove his point. It won't be an easy task, since no one believes him, not even his best friend Roxy, or his parents. ...more
Not bad! A middle-of-the-road primary series about a boy who suspects his next door neighbour is an alien and tries to prove it throughout the book. It didn't blow my mind or anything, but it's a good
recommendation for early readers. - Kelsey - Kelsey ...more
While I did not take this into account when giving a rating, I found the bizarre printing issues with my copy distracting. The characters' pigmentation would change dramatically from one page to the next. Or maybe there were more characters in the story than I realized...... While I did not take this into account when giving a rating, I found the bizarre printing issues with my copy distracting. The characters' pigmentation would change dramatically from one page to the next. Or maybe there were more characters in the story than I realized...... ...more
May 07, 2019 Sherrie rated it liked it This is the 14 book I’ve read of the 15 SSYRA Junior books for the 2019-2020 school year. Could the odd new kid really be an alien? The other students are starting to get suspicious! This is the first book in a beginner reader chapter book series.
May 29, 2019 Andrea rated it it was ok Good for early chapter book readers, but the story is written as a typical, “you can’t find out the truth until the end of the series.” The illustrations are cute, but there isn’t much depth to the story.
Sep 12, 2017 Mary rated it liked it Cute start to a new early chapter book series. I think this would be popular at my library.
Oct 22, 2018 Liz rated it it was ok I found it a bit dull. Maybe the series gets better.
Feb 24, 2019 Tina rated it really liked it Aud really enjoyed it, I thought it was pretty fun and I appreciated the diversity of characters. Other books in the seriesRelated ArticlesNeed another excuse to treat yourself to a new book this week? We've got you covered with the buzziest new releases of the day. To create our... Welcome back. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. What age is the alien next door books for?When he gets to school, no one seems to notice anything strange or different about him except Harris, a kid obsessed with science fiction and aliens.
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Product Details.. Will there be a 9th Alien Next Door book?The Alien Next Door 9: The Marvelous Museum Paperback – October 4, 2022. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. In the ninth book of the Alien Next Door series, Harris, Roxy, and Zeke have one more adventure at an marvelous alien museum before heading back to Earth!
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