The Kid Who Came From Space

Twelve-year-old Ethan's sister Tammy disappears on Christmas Day, leaving the local community mystified. While others assume she has been abducted, Ethan encounters an alien named Hellyann who reveals the truth about Tammy's whereabouts. Ethan teams up with Hellyann and his friend Iggy to attempt a rescue mission, but they face obstacles from both earthly and otherworldly sources. Their quest becomes a race against time as they navigate between two worlds while trying to avoid detection from authorities. The story combines science fiction elements with family dynamics and friendship. Through Ethan's perspective, the novel explores themes of sibling bonds, trust, and the question of what makes someone truly human.

Readers describe this middle-grade science fiction novel as heartwarming and humorous while dealing with themes of family and belonging. Parents note it works well as a read-aloud book for ages 8-12. Readers highlighted: - Fast-paced plot that holds children's attention - Balance of emotional moments with light comedy - Relatable sibling relationship dynamics - Scientific concepts explained in kid-friendly ways Common criticisms: - Some found the first few chapters slow - A few readers felt the ending was rushed - Several mentioned the story gets confusing in parts Ratings: Goodreads: 4.3/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon UK: 4.7/5 (550+ ratings) Amazon US: 4.6/5 (150+ ratings) Sample reader comment: "My 10-year-old couldn't put it down. The blend of science fiction with real family dynamics made it feel both fantastical and grounded." - Goodreads reviewer

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🌟 The book was written during the 2018 'Beast from the East' snowstorm in the UK, which inspired many of the winter scenes in the story. 🛸 Author Ross Welford extensively researched UFO sightings in Northumberland, where the story is set, discovering the region has one of the highest rates of reported extraterrestrial activity in Britain. 🔄 The story features twins (Ethan and Tammy), reflecting Welford's fascination with identical twins and their unique bond - a theme he's explored in other works. 🌍 The alien character, Hellyann, was inspired by Welford's interest in how different cultures interpret the concept of family, particularly focusing on non-Western perspectives. 📚 The book was shortlisted for the 2020 Blue Peter Book Award, which celebrates the best children's literature as voted for by young readers themselves.