Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth

Reviewed by: Jill O'Connor - North Yarmouth Academy, Yarmouth, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

From the opening sequence to the last page, this graphic novel is fun and engaging. Aimed at upper elementary students, this book could be appreciated by readers through middle school and even into high school. The opening chapter uses the exclamation "AAAAAAHH!" to its fullest extent drawing the reader right into the action. Hilo is a boy who has fallen from the sky and DJ is the boy who found him. The two hit it off and, along with their friend Gina, try to solve the mystery of Hilo's appearance and his mission on Earth. There are friendship issues, family dynamics, feats of bravery and sacrifice, robots, and lots of humor. There are also flashbacks that start to tell Hilo's story - these are clearly delineated and shouldn't be a problem for young readers to recognize. This is book one in what looks to be a very promising series. Highly recommend.

Overall Book Score: very good