Stuck on Earth by David Klass



Image from RPL


Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Publication Date: March 2010
Age Group: Young Adult
Reviewer Source: Library

Synopsis of book from Amazon:
Ketchvar III’s mission is simple: travel to Planet Earth, inhabit the body of an average teenager, and determine if the human race should be annihilated. And so Ketchvar—who, to human eyes, looks just like a common snail—crawls into the brain of one Tom Filber and attempts to do his analysis. At first glance, Tom appears to be the perfect specimen—fourteen years old, good health, above average intelligence. But it soon becomes apparent that Tom Filber may be a little too average—gawky, awkward, and utterly abhorred by his peers. An alien within an alien’s skin, Ketchvar quickly finds himself wrapped up in the daily drama of teenage life—infuriating family members, raging bullies, and undeniably beautiful next-door neighbors. And the more entangled Ketchvar becomes, the harder it is to answer the question he was sent to Earth to resolve: Should the Sandovinians release the Gagnerian Death Ray and erase the human species for good? Or is it possible that Homo sapiens really are worth saving?

Personal thoughts on book:
I found many parts of this book hilarious. I could not help but laugh out loud. Ketchvar, the alien who invades Tom's body is surprised to find out that he is inhabiting a body of a boy who's nickname is "Alien"! Just Ketchvar's luck. Ketchvar tries to blend in but with his formal language people start to wonder why Tom is acting like an alien. Everyday Ketchvar reports to his mothership but when this reports are sent to the entire student body, Ketchvar questions if he is really an alien or is it in his imagination?

This book was a refreshing change from the typical alien invasion story. Teens starting high school will be able to relate to the trials of fitting in at school and having a crush on the girl next door. There is even an environmental message on preserving the planet that fits nicely in the story.

Overall I thought this book was good and would interest both boys and girls.

Violence/Disturbing images: Some bullying in and outside of school