Title: Alien Invasion and Other Inconveniences Author: Brian Yansky
ISBN: 9780763643843 Pages: 227
Publisher: Candlewick Press, Massachusetts, 2010
Readers Annotation:
Every single person Jesse ever knew was wiped out by the aliens in a single moment. As a result, the aliens assume the remainder of human civilization will be submissive, but Jesse has other plans.
Every single person Jesse ever knew was wiped out by the aliens in a single moment. As a result, the aliens assume the remainder of human civilization will be submissive, but Jesse has other plans.
Author Information:
Adopted as a child, Brian Yansky grew up in Iowa. He's earned a BA and MFA in writing from Vermont College. Some of his works include My Road Trip to the Pretty Girl Capital of the World, and Wonders of the World. Yansky has published adult stories in Literal Latte, The Crescent Review, The Nebraska Review, The Palo Alto Review, Chiron, and others.
Brian currently teaches writing as an assistant Professor at Austin Community College, and resides in Austin, Texas. He is married to Frances Yansky, who is also an author and a children's illustrator. Brian recently announced his next book in the Alien Invasion series called Fighting Alien Nation.
http://www.brianyansky.com/about.html
Plot Summary:
Jesse starts off his day ordinarily, sitting next to his best friend and taking his usual classes in his very normal high school. Then, in the blink of an eye, his world is shattered. Everyone Jesse knows is gone, as the alien Sanginian nation has conquered Earth. The aliens enslave the remaining humans they call 'product', and communicate to them through telepathy. The evil Lord Vertenomous is the Sanginian's leader on Earth, and has kept many of the slaves for himself.
Jesse is scared, but he is also determined to change his life of slavery. He meets a group of friends during his enslavement: Lauren, a sweet girl that Jesse develops a crush on, Michael, a star athlete who is now Jesse's roommate, and Lindsey, a fashion model. Jesse discovers that his mental powers have been growing, and he meets a girl in a dream that he is able to communicate with. Jesse learns from his dream-girl that there are rebel colonies outside of his prison. Utilizing the advice that his father gave him many years earlier, Jesse and his friends embark on a journey searching for hope in the survival of humankind.
Brian currently teaches writing as an assistant Professor at Austin Community College, and resides in Austin, Texas. He is married to Frances Yansky, who is also an author and a children's illustrator. Brian recently announced his next book in the Alien Invasion series called Fighting Alien Nation.
http://www.brianyansky.com/about.html
Plot Summary:
Jesse starts off his day ordinarily, sitting next to his best friend and taking his usual classes in his very normal high school. Then, in the blink of an eye, his world is shattered. Everyone Jesse knows is gone, as the alien Sanginian nation has conquered Earth. The aliens enslave the remaining humans they call 'product', and communicate to them through telepathy. The evil Lord Vertenomous is the Sanginian's leader on Earth, and has kept many of the slaves for himself.
Jesse is scared, but he is also determined to change his life of slavery. He meets a group of friends during his enslavement: Lauren, a sweet girl that Jesse develops a crush on, Michael, a star athlete who is now Jesse's roommate, and Lindsey, a fashion model. Jesse discovers that his mental powers have been growing, and he meets a girl in a dream that he is able to communicate with. Jesse learns from his dream-girl that there are rebel colonies outside of his prison. Utilizing the advice that his father gave him many years earlier, Jesse and his friends embark on a journey searching for hope in the survival of humankind.
Critical Evaluation:
This entertaining science fiction story is set in the present day. The author explores the possibility of communication via telepathy, which itself is very intriguing. As the story is told from the main character Jesse's perspective, readers can truly understand his struggles. Although a fast paced book, there are heavy underlying themes to pique a reader's interest. This includes slavery, technology, colonization, and relationships. The story is also reminiscent of British Colonialism and Imperialism, and the spirit that lead to the American Revolution and Emancipation Proclamation. Letters from Lord Vertenomous to his people give the audience insight into the alien nation and its hatred for humans. Lastly, the heartbreaking interchanges between Jesse and the memories of conversations with his late father create an emotional depth that is sure to captivate the reader.
This entertaining science fiction story is set in the present day. The author explores the possibility of communication via telepathy, which itself is very intriguing. As the story is told from the main character Jesse's perspective, readers can truly understand his struggles. Although a fast paced book, there are heavy underlying themes to pique a reader's interest. This includes slavery, technology, colonization, and relationships. The story is also reminiscent of British Colonialism and Imperialism, and the spirit that lead to the American Revolution and Emancipation Proclamation. Letters from Lord Vertenomous to his people give the audience insight into the alien nation and its hatred for humans. Lastly, the heartbreaking interchanges between Jesse and the memories of conversations with his late father create an emotional depth that is sure to captivate the reader.
Genre: Science-Fiction
Curriculum Ties: American History-slavery
Booktalking Ideas:
1. Within an instant, the world as Jesse knew it was totally obliterated by aliens. Do you ever fear that there might one day be this type of attack or Armageddon?
2. After being in the presence of the aliens for some time, Jesse and his friends develop telepathic abilities. Do you believe people who claim they have telepathy?
1. Within an instant, the world as Jesse knew it was totally obliterated by aliens. Do you ever fear that there might one day be this type of attack or Armageddon?
2. After being in the presence of the aliens for some time, Jesse and his friends develop telepathic abilities. Do you believe people who claim they have telepathy?
Reading Level/Interest Age: 13+
Challenge Issue: none
Why I chose this item: I felt it was necessary to include a science fiction book in my collection to broaden the genre selection.
Further Series Reading: Fighting Alien Nation
Alien Invasion and Other Inconveniences Book Trailer
Further Series Reading: Fighting Alien Nation
Alien Invasion and Other Inconveniences Book Trailer
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