Boom by Mark Haddon

Haddon, Mark. 2010 (U.S.) Boom. David Fickling Books. New York: New York.
ISBN: 9780385751872

Science Fiction
Grades 4 - 8

Haddon impressed the literary world with his first novel, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time that found its way into adult reading and listening. Boom, while lacking the more adult like fare of his previous book, is a rollicking great Science Fiction read that is sure to please the younger readers. Set in England and Scotland, James (aka Jimbo) and his best friend Charlie find out that two of their teachers are actually aliens who are on a quest to take over the world. When Charlie suddenly disappears, Jimbo and his sister Becky begin the quest to rescue Charlie, setting off a chain of events that eventually culminates in the destruction of the alien's portal and with Jimbo and Charlie reunited.

The consistent humor, interesting story, and never ending events will keep the readers entertained as well as connecting with the main character as Jimbo relates the events through a first person narrative. It is an excellent acquisition for any library collection as good Science Fiction novels can be hard to come by for this age level. This reviewer looks forward to the audio book of this novel which hopefully will convey the humor and personality of Jimbo.

First published in 1992 under the title Gridzbi Spudevetch, it has been extensively rewritten and retitled.