Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

Set in Scotland, this reads as comical realistic fiction that happens to have an alien as the main character. Prez lived with his granddad until grandad's dementia made it unsafe. Prez now lives at the Children's Temporary Accommodation. He is unsure where his granddad is living and has not spoken a word since. For the summer, Prez is sent to the noisy, loving, Blythes family on a farm in the country for the summer. When the doorbell rings one evening (the Blythes don't have one), Prez comes face-to-face with Sputnik, who wears goggles, a yellow backpack and a kilt. Sputnik is an alien who is able to read Prez's mind. He is on a mission to help Prez save the planet by finding 10 reasons to save it. Sputnik, who appears as a dog to everyone else, creates mischief and mayhem as gravity is bent, front loaders become light-year speed vehicles, hay bales float and TV remotes change the time continuum. Underlying Sputnik's comical antics and the witty discourse of the Blythes is a heartfelt story about finding a voice and a home connection when life's circumstances provide otherwise.

Overall Book Score: excellent