Boom by Mark Haddon

Boom

Author:  Mark Haddon

Publisher:  Listening Library (Audio); Unabridged edition (May 11, 2010)

ISBN:  978-0739381373

Genre: Science Fiction

This book is for Ages: 10 up

AR Points:      5.0

Subjects/Themes: Friends, Family, Space, Aliens, United Kingdom

Plot Summary:  When Jimbo’s sister tells him he is going to be expelled from school, He and his best friend, Charlie decide to bug the teachers’ lounge.  They hear 2 teachers talking in a completely unrecognizable language and acting in a very alien manner.  Charlie is intrigued and starts to investigate.  When Charlie goes missing, Jimbo knows it is up to him to find and save Charlie and maybe even the Earth.

Review: Marc Haddon’s book is a fun romp good for a giggle.  Jimbo is fun; Charlie is great; the aliens are silly, and scary.  The book is written with a British audience in mind and so readers may encounter some interesting and fun cultural slang.  This book is a rewrite of Haddon’s earlier work Gridzbi Spudvetch! (Walker, 1994).  

If you like this book you may also like:  Hitchiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams  although it is for a slightly older audience.