Meteor Men

Gr 8 Up—A meteorite falls on Alden's parents' property and soon the orphaned teen encounters the alien organism that used the rock as transport to the planet. The alien is one of many that has landed on Earth, and governments and scientists try to determine their intent as Alden tries to learn how to communicate with the one in his woods, as well as find his friend who disappeared just after the landfall. Parker combines the familiar concept with gentle domesticity and deliberate humanism, thus circumventing cliché and providing an accessible perspective to the logical and realistic extensions of such an event. He gives every character involved a recognizable humanity beyond their role in the story—soldiers and scientists are more than just stand-ins for exposition or authority—and this helps make the story complex and affecting. The artwork has a rumpled, lived-in feel that suits and supports this tone and yet also delivers some cleverly executed spectacle to heighten the drama and provide some scale and perspective. The ending is optimistic and disquieting, and will likely provoke strong reactions and discussion.—Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH