A mystery for upper middle graders (ages 10-14) who enjoy a unique sci-fi plot. Thirteen-year-old Ava narrates the story and it’s pretty unbelievable.

Ava lives with her Uncle Pete at the Extraterrestrial Zoo. Many years ago extraterrestrials arrived on Earth. Her parents helped hatch the aliens and the government agreed to let them be cared for and put on the display at their new idea for a zoo. The unique creatures have always been a part of Ava’s life.

Unfortunately, Mom died in a car accident and Dad disappeared shortly thereafter. Taking care of the 32 ELB’s (Extraterrestrial Living Beings) has become a huge task for for Ava and her uncle so he hires an intern to help out, 14-year-old Harley.

Ava is furious and disrespects Harley every chance she gets, feeling this clueless boy has no place at their alien zoo. A place she knows best. What comes next is a terrible storm that destroys the zoo, sending the extraterrestrials loose in the woods of Maine. Ava must find them all as they can’t survive on their own.

Harley becomes a bit more likeable to Ava since he knows about hiking in the woods and is willing to help. The surprise twists and turns in this engaging plot keep the plot moving forward at a rapid pace. No spoilers here but there are a few deaths and injuries including the worst during a climatic ending.

THE EXTRATERRESTRIAL ZOO is escapist fare at its best. The story wraps up nicely and leaves the door wide open for a sequel.

BOOK BIRTHDAY: March 4, 2025 PAGE COUNT: 240

FIVE MORE THINGS TO LIKE ABOUT: The Extraterrestrial Zoo by Samantha van Leer

1. The full background about the Ava’s Mom, Dad, Harley, and Uncle Pete is revealed over the course of the story and helps change reader’s perception of each character. A great technique to keep the surprises coming.
2. I found Ava rather obnoxious at first but was solidly in her corner by the end of the story. A very believable MC and one readers will admire.
3. Young readers who enjoy science will like the science related terms used throughout the story.
4. A heartwarming sense of friendship and family is a strong remembrance after closing the book for the last time.
5. The ELB’s are all unique in their appearance and behaviors. Their abilities can be used for good or bad in a life saving way and were a fun part of the story.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

SAMANTHA VAN LEER is the co-author of the New York Time’s best-selling novels Between the Lines and Off the Page, which she recently helped adapt into an off-Broadway musical that premiered in 2022.  A graduate of Vassar College, she also holds a Masters in Education and was previously a fourth grade teacher.  She now writes full time in San Antonio, Texas with her husband, Frankie, their daughter, Stevie, and their chaotic puppy, Obi Juan Kenobi, who is most likely up to no good. (for more visit Samantha’s Author Web Page)

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