Aliens in Disguise: The Intergalactic Bed & Breakfast

Gr 4–7—Aliens sauntering down Main Street in Forest Grove, Washington? Grandma accepting an award as Intergalactic Hotelier of the Year? In the third book (Disney Hyperion, 2013) in the series, Smith again delivers a comedy that is sure to tickle the antennae of listeners who enjoy a good extraterrestrial story. One small alien questions the naming of corn dogs: "So, humans think that sounds tasty? To name food stuffs after their cute little domesticated life companions?" When Grandma and Tate are called away from the Intergalactic Bed and Breakfast, David and Amy are left in charge of the Tourists. What could possibly go wrong with a couple of middle schoolers running a hotel for aliens? Things really heat up when members of the Spaceship and UFO Observation Society become convinced that the Bed and Breakfast is not all that it seems. Will they ruin the secret that Grandma has worked all of her life to keep? Is Grandma in trouble? Smith's sarcastic sense of humor is perfect for a tale about space aliens. Todd Haberkorn masterfully narrates the novel, incorporating many voices that bring the story to life. Readers are quickly drawn into the plot. The many narrative twists and turns allow for potential predicting exercises and video projects.—Terri Perper, Middletown Public Library, MD