Harrison Harrison, aka Aitch, is 11 and a bit nerdy. His friends, Ally and Mo, are smarter. Aitch narrates this story of how the three, along with Aitch’s dog, Oddjob, are contacted by aliens. Mo has an interest in UFOs and has started to receive personal messages from aliens through fridge magnets. Ally and Aitch don’t believe him, of course, but Ally convinces Aitch to at least be kind.
Nerds vs Aliens is structured in two parts: Broccoli (the necessary build-up veggies) and Chocolate Mud Cake (the pay-off dessert). Shape-shifting aliens do appear. They have plans for the planet. This prompts the three kids to develop their own plans (Oddjob also has an ‘odd job’) – all of which is designed to save the planet (from ourselves, rather than aliens).
There’s a meta-narrative with tips on writing (and impressing teachers), but the book doesn’t take itself too seriously. This is enormous fun.
Reviewed by Bob Moore
Age Guide 8+
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Barry Jonsberg has won numerous awards for his books, both nationally and internationally. He has been published in twenty countries and translated into many languages. His bestselling novel, My Life As An Alphabet, was made into an award-winning film, H is For Happiness, released throughout the world to great critical acclaim.
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