Weird Kid

by Greg Van Eekhout (Author)

Reading Level: 6th − 7th Grade

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

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 neighbors, 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. 

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ALA/Booklist

 An unconventional adventure story for readers who enjoy quirky scenarios, droll humor, and weirdness triumphant.

Review quotes

Impeccably toned middle school humor, paired with action-packed hijinks and a poignant extended metaphor about finding one's identity, results in a heartfelt, pitch-perfect middle grade novel. — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A wacky, witty, action-packed alien adventure with a poignant message about being your best self." — John David Anderson, author of Posted

"Greg van Eekhout brings magic, mystery, humor, and weird science to his wonderful WEIRD KID! Devious and fun -and highly recommended!"
Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Rot & Ruin

No one mixes gonzo with heartfelt like Greg van Eekhout. Amid wacky aliens, secret organizations, and larger-than-life guitar solos, is one kid just trying to figure out who he is. I was rooting for Jake on every page, and you will be, too! — Jenn Reese, author of A Game of Fox & Squirrels

Exciting and intriguing twist on science-fiction tropes. A standout SF adventure." — Kirkus Reviews

An unconventional adventure story for readers who enjoy quirky scenarios, droll humor, and weirdness triumphant. — Booklist

A rewarding story with a protagonist who lives up to the title and then some...hilarious. — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

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

Praise for Cog: "A page-turning novel of friendship, family, and standing up for what's right." — Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Cog is a gem of a robot, and his robotic observations are comedic gold. Readers will be charmed by this sci-fi tale of free choice, hot dogs, and fun word problems." — Booklist

"Van Eekhout brings considerable heart and wisdom to this coming-of-age tale. A thought-provoking tale for younger readers about hubris and what it means to be human." — Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Voyage of the Dogs: "Fast-moving, funny, and suspenseful. A deep-space furry adventure with heart and humor." — Kirkus Reviews

"Who's a good boy? Lopside and the canine crew of the starship Laika! This dogs in space romp will make you sit up and beg for more." — Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee

"A crackling page-turner about courage and wonder, full of warmth and heart and characters who jump off the page. It's my favorite book of the year." — Rae Carson, New York Times bestselling author of the Girl of Fire & Thorns series

"Dogs in space? Who knew we needed that? But Greg van Eekhout proves we did! Voyage of the Dogs is a delight, and kids are going to love it." — Spencer Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of Woof

"Dog-lovers and space enthusiasts will gravitate to Van Eekhout's riveting book." — Booklist

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780062970619
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
HarperCollins
Publication date
July 05, 2022
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV039060 - Juvenile Fiction | Social Themes | Friendship
JUV019000 - Juvenile Fiction | Humorous Stories
JUV001000 - Juvenile Fiction | Action & Adventure
JUV071000 - Juvenile Fiction | Superheroes
JUV053010 - Juvenile Fiction | Science Fiction | Alien Contact
Library of Congress categories
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