CLUB EARTH

In this wise and funny sequel to My Life Among the Aliens (1996), Will, Robby, and their parents agree to open their house as a resort for aliens, who are far more enamored of the mother’s macrobiotic cooking than her family is. Knowing that she will end up with all the work, she is less than thrilled with the arrangement, but the males in the family think it will be great, at least until the eccentric aliens begin showing up. They have to be entertained, watched over, and cleaned up after. When one guest, Alphonse, shows no signs of leaving, the family conspires to get rid of him and to get out of their agreement. Written with a big dose of kid-friendly humor, this novel is much like its predecessor. Gauthier carefully plots episodic action, lacing it with plenty of witty commentary on family life, food, chores, pets, and other youthful concerns. (Fiction. 8-12)