Sleator (The Beasties, 1997, etc.) offers a strained mix of aliens and time travel in this tepid work of science fiction. When Annie, 15, is entrusted with two mysterious boxes by her secretive, young-looking Uncle Marco, her reaction is entirely understandable: She opens both. The first crate releases a crab-like creature that asexually reproduces in the basement of her Aunt Ruth’s house; the second, in her bedroom, reveals a clock-like device that can slow the flow of time. Of course, the boxes are somehow connected—the clock, which the crab-creatures refer to as “Lord,” enables them to erect a miniature palace within a very short time. Rather than focus on the aliens, the story shifts to the evil Crutchley Development Corporation, which, while buying up local houses to erect a super mall, discovers the secret in Annie’s basement, and steals the clock device. With her friend, Henry, Annie escapes the clutches of Crutchley employees and relatives, and returns with the clock, which, Uncle Marco divulges, is the key to his youthful appearance. As the Crutchley team bursts in, the crab creatures create a vortex through which the three humans escape. That lets Sleator off the hook for the moment, without providing any real explanation, and negates all chances for a satisfying ending. Readers will have to wait to see if there’s a sequel. (Fiction. 10-12)
Pub Date: May 1, 1998
ISBN: 0-525-46012-8
Page Count: 189
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1998
A slight tale of a shapeshifting extraterrestrial cop that enlists the aid of shrimpy seventh-grader Frank Dunn to repair its flying saucer and recapture an escaped prisoner. Appearing as a fire hydrant, a visiting cousin, dogs, and various household objects, the Good Guy checks out likely hideouts, helps with Frank's schoolwork, and scares off bullies; in return, Frank fingers the Bad Guy, who's masquerading as a neighborhood chum. Brittain is just going through the motions here: Both shapeshifters have arbitrary, convenient constraints on their ability; the fugitive barely appears and, though billed as a fiendish supercriminal, displays few signs of intelligence; the spaceship is repaired with janitor's tools plus two bags of coal; several scenes are obvious fillers; and the story ends precipitately after a contrived battle. (Fiction. 10-12)
Pub Date: May 30, 1994
ISBN: 0-06-024238-8
Page Count: 108
Publisher: HarperCollins
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1994
BOOK REVIEW
When Grandpa's housekeeper, Doff, must return to England to care for her aged mother, the change is almost impossible for Amy to accept; her parents died when she was a baby, and affectionate, sensible Doff has always cared for her. In the weeks before Doff leaves, other transitions also trouble the sixth grader: Best friend Roger is preoccupied with boys' soccer; off-and-on friend Sukie is too quirky to be dependable; and bright, pretty new classmate Violetta is becoming Amy's first close female friend, despite oddities that at first set her apart—especially, an anxious, dependent mother who's on a hopeless quest for Violetta's long-departed dad. An excess of detail, realistic but not especially telling, slows Amy's narrative; and though the characters are essentially believable, they aren't realized in any depth and, disconcertingly, the author poses some puzzles that she never resolves. Is Sukie really ill, or just a habitual malingerer, and if so, why? More important, what causes Violetta's mother's turnaround? (The hints given are too vague for their crucial role in the conclusion.) Most effective are the girls' growing mutual understanding and Amy's gradual turn from irrational anger to acknowledgment of Doff's need to go to her own family. Too many promising themes go undeveloped here; still, enjoyable light fiction. (Fiction. 10- 12)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 1994
ISBN: 0-525-65158-6
Page Count: 162
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1994
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