Something cool happening in Ferrous City? Not a chance.
Until one day . . . when self-proclaimed genius inventor Ethan Fairmont runs into an abandoned car factory to avoid a local bully and accidentally stumbles across his ex-best friend Kareem, new kid Juan Carlos, and an extraterrestrial visitor. Cheese (the alien) is stuck on Earth in need of some serious repairs, spicy snacks—and absolute, total secrecy. That’s easier said than done when mysterious agents descend on Ferrous City to search for Cheese. With time running out and their family and friends in potential danger, can Ethan, Kareem, and Juan Carlos pull off an intergalactic rescue before they’re all found out?
+++++++++++++++++++++
You may be phoning home thinking this sounds like that other alien, E.T., but Ethan Fairmont provides it’s own charm.
The first person narration is very kid-like and believable. Ethan is a sixth grader with a lot on his mind. Sports is not a part of that equation. What does carry Ethan forward is creating inventions, a passion he loves.
When the spaceship that looks like a large pinball is discovered along with its occupant, Cheese, Ethan’s connection grows and he has to help. Making the story even more interesting is Ethan is black and racial profiling is a backdrop. His parents remind him of how to deal with the police in one engaging chapter.
The climatic ending is both gripping and satisfying. Perfect for those readers who may not gravitate toward reading. They will be hooked after spending time with Ethan. Something Interesting DOES HAPPEN to Ethan Fairmont in this planned series.
PAGE COUNT: 240 BOOK BIRTHDAY: October 4, 2022
FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: NOTHING INTERESTING EVER HAPPENS TO ETHAN FAIRMONT
- Ethan has friendship and bully problems and how it all came together was a real plus for the plot.
- The parents had their hands full with Ethan and two older brothers, but their caring ways always shined in helping Ethan become a good person.
- A town having to deal with a closed factory is a reality in our present world. How it came to be better was briefly covered but hopefully readers will get more in the sequel.
- The gadgets Ethan created were a fun tie-in to the story. I do need to get a Handy-Bot 3.0. It would make a great Christmas gift.
- A goofy, charming, and an all out fast read many will enjoy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Author and award-winning filmmaker, Nick Brooks hails from Washington, DC. In 2020 he graduated from the University of Southern California’s TV and Film Production program, earning both the prestigious George Lucas Scholar Award and the James Bridges and Jack Larson Award for Writing and Directing.
Truly a multihyphenate, Nick has an extensive background in songwriting and recording, and is most noted for working with G.O.O.D Music artist, Tony Williams. He recently acted as Lyricist for the rap film, THE CYPHER, executive produced by Ben Corey Jones. The film made its world premiere at the2020 Tribeca Film Fest and was acquired by HBO.
As a storyteller he strives to tell stories that are timely and timeless.
(For more Visit Nick’s Author Website)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Comments are welcome below. Be sure to visit all the other posts on this week’s edition of Marvelous Middle Grade Monday
Always in the Middle... 
It sounds a very entertaining read, yet touches on a few serious topics, and I like the sound of the gadgets! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
This sounds fun!
An entertaining story with some big topics, like bullying. Like the stranded alien with his craft. What is a Handy-Bot 3.0? Couldn’t find it on amazon, but found a picture on google. It’s a household gadget?
The Handy-Bot is the device Ethan invents for his senior neighbor. It never works exactly like he wants but keeps perfecting it so it will clean her house. It’s a fictional creation but maybe someday you’ll find it on Amazon.
I want a Handy-Bot 3.0 too and I don’t even know what it is (yet)! Thanks for the review. Will have to check this on out.
Sounds like this is another winner!
Sounds like a fun book.
The title is great. It really grabbed my attention. The book sounds like a lot of fun. It isn’t the sort of book I would normally pick up, but I’m going to look for it. Thanks for your review.
This sounds like a really fun MG graphic novel, Greg. I’m curious – did you find the resolution to Ethan’s bullying problem satisfying and convincing and would they also be satisfying and convincing to MG kids facing similar problems?