The True Meaning of Smekday

Gr 5—7—Alex Rex's novel (Hyperion, 2007) about the months that follow an alien invasion of Earth is both humorous and politically relevant, with themes of broken treaties, false promises, and the rights of "discoverers" to replace the current "backward" culture with their own, even changing the names of holidays. Bahni Turpin brings just the right amount of humor and indignation in her reading, especially in the voice of 11-year-old Gratuity "Tip" Tucci, who tells the tale with insight, sarcasm, and innocence, and J. Lo, the Boov alien who Tip meets while trying to find her mother who was abducted. Tip reads an essay she wrote for a time-capsule contest, and continues the story after she wins first place and is encouraged to tell more. While caught up in her story, initially trying to catch up with the other humans who have all be transported to a reservation type situation in Florida, and then later moving to Arizona because of a change in the treaty, she remembers to apologize for using bad words and tries to clarify confusing or unbelievable points, always in direct contact with listeners. Turpin is masterful in realizing her emotions, fears, longings, and disappointments. What is most impressive is that she also conveys these "human feelings" in the otherworldly voice of J. Lo, and seriously states his funny and unexpected malapropisms. Listeners will be swept up in the adventure of these two mismatched friends.—Edie Ching, Washington Latin Public Charter School, DC