Reading Metrics
Description
When aliens kidnap Leo and his artist friend Tim, Leo must figure out why these visitors from outer space are specifically interested in Tim's artistic abilities. As the aliens hold them aboard their spacecraft, Leo investigates the creatures' true motives while trying to protect his friend from whatever plans they have in store. This science fiction story explores themes of friendship and identity as Leo races against time to uncover the aliens' mysterious purpose.
Quick Summary
If you're looking for a quick, creepy sci-fi read that gets weirder and weirder in the best way, this one's for you. William Sleator has always been great at writing stories that start out sounding almost normal and then gradually become completely bizarre, and this fits that mold perfectly two friends get abducted by aliens who seem obsessed with one of them for reasons that take a while to figure out. Kids who enjoy slightly unsettling mysteries with a touch of alien weirdness will likely devour this, and it's especially good for readers who like figuring out puzzles alongside the characters. The book does lean into some genuinely creepy moments, so it's probably best for middle graders who aren't too sensitive to mild sci-fi thrills. Compared to something like R.L. Stine's Goosebumps series or Dan Gutman's more accessible sci-fi, this has a bit more substance while still being a fast, fun read.