Stinker from Space

Bibliographic information:

Service, Pamela F.  Stinker from Space.  New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1988, p.83.

Brief plot description:

Did you ever wonder what would happen if an alien crashed on Earth?  This is the story of Tsynq Ur who crashes to Earth and must find a body to inhabit because his is badly damaged.  He chooses a creature with black fur and two white stripes down its back, a small brain and even something resembling hands.  Karen had recently moved and has no friends.  She loves space and anything having to do with aliens and space travel.  While in the woods playing she sees a skunk and starts backing away.  He began communicating with her telepathically.  He told her where he was from and that he needed help repairing his ship.  While listening to the evening news Tsynq decides that he could steal the Space Shuttle to return home.  Will he be able to return home?  What are the consequences of their actions? 

Brief review:

I enjoyed this book because it tells a story in a creative and different way.   I think it could be used as a read aloud or individually.  It would appeal to tweens in grades fourth through sixth.  I think the thing to be learned from this book is to accept others even though they may be different.  It also stresses that friends help each other. 

Genre label:

Modern Fantasy

Reading level/interest level:

4^th-6^th grade

Similar materials in style content, theme or characters:

Going Through the Gate by Janet S. Anderson

My Teach Flunked the Planet by Bruce Coville

Lost in Cyberspace by Richard Peck