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Weird Kid

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( 921 ratings, 198 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Weird Kid by Greg van Eekhout, a shape-shifting alien has taken the form of a middle school boy struggling to fit into his new town and school. As he wrestles with his identity and new friendships, strange phenomena occur, threatening to upend the community. This touching and humorous tale explores themes of belonging and self-acceptance.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$1699
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're a fan of quirky, engaging stories that explore themes of identity and belonging. It combines elements of humour and adventure, making it perfect for young readers who love a good mystery with an out-of-this-world twist.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Jake Foster, a shapeshifting alien of goo disguised as a human, and his spunky friend Agnes investigate the mysterious takeover of their neighbors by "imblobsters" and uncover the reason Jake is losing control of his ability to keep his human shape.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

From the author of Cog and Voyage of the Dogs, Weird Kid is a hilarious and heartfelt homage to everyone who feels like they don’t belong. Perfect for fans of Gordon Korman and Stuart Gibbs.

Jake Wind is trying to stay under the radar. Whose radar? Anyone who might be too interested in the fact that he has shapeshifting abilities he can’t control. Or that his parents found him as a ball of goo when he was a baby.

Keeping his powers in check is crucial, though, if he wants to live a normal life and go to middle school instead of being homeschooled (and if he wants to avoid being kidnapped and experimented on, of course).

Things feel like they’re going his way when he survives his first day of school without transforming and makes a new friend. But when mysterious sinkholes start popping up around town—sinkholes filled with the same extraterrestrial substance as Jake—and his neighbours, classmates, and even his family start acting a little, well, weird, Jake will have to learn to use his powers in order to save his town.

"The short page count, humour, and action make this a good choice for reluctant readers. A solid purchase for school and public libraries." —School Library Journal

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Weird Kid by Greg van Eekhout is applauded for its engaging middle school humour intertwined with action and a meaningful metaphor about discovering one's identity. Reviewers describe it as a wacky and witty adventure, brimming with magic, mystery, and heart, as it delves into themes of self-discovery amid amusing alien antics. The book's mix of quirky scenarios, humour, and action makes it a standout choice, especially for readers who appreciate unconventional adventures.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780062970619

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 18 August 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: HarperCollins

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 194.0mm

Weight: 147g

Pages: 224

About the Author

Greg van Eekhout is also the author of Voyage of the Dogs, Cog, Weird Kid, and Fenris & Mott. He lives in San Diego, California with his astronomy/physics professor wife and two dogs. He's worked as an educational software developer, ice cream scooper, part-time college instructor, and telemarketer. Being a writer is the only job he's ever actually liked. You can find more about Greg at his website: www.writingandsnacks.com.

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