Sci-Fi Junior High reaches reluctant young readers

From the dedication page of Sci-Fi Junior High it’s obvious that its creators are devotees of the classic science fiction properties. From Stan Lee, Space Ghost, Chewbacca, Burt Ward and more they go about thanking all of them for what they contributed to society. Thanks, is also what 8 year old science fiction fans will be saying to the authors after they read Sci-Fi Junior High too.

This is story of Kelvin, a middle school aged boy whose family has just moved to a new space station.  His mother is a neuroscientist and his father is a robotics engineer, but Kelvin is supposedly smarter than both of them. However, middle school is the same wherever you go, even if it’s in outer space. There are food fights, strange friendships, bad dad jokes, study groups, embarrassing parents and lots and lots of robots.

Each chapter in Sci-Fi Junior High is approximately 12 pages long and has a mixture of different sized illustrations. There is also lots of action in the story and a plot that moves very quickly. The layout will appear similar to those books in the Wimpy Kid series. It’s not that every book for reluctant readers happens in that universe, but they do have common threads.

Sci-Fi Junior High is more bookish than that series. It’s written in a very common font and is easy for young readers to follow. There are a couple of instances where the conversation takes place using the characters heads as talking emojis. Those instance will be welcomed by young readers and help vary the book’s presentation.

In many ways the distinct chapters in the book make it easier to follow and more of a complete story. The book also has more action and comedy than other books that appeal to that age. It’s geared toward middle school students, but grades 2 and up will be able to navigate the words minimal assistance.

Between the illustrations, silly story, action and characters this is a book series that will have a limited interest range. It’s too basic and silly for high school, but ages 8-12 will be entertained and parents can be as ease knowing that their kids are reading.

Sci-Fi Junior High is illustrated by John Martin and written by Scott Seegert. It’s a Jimmy Book from James Patterson who has a series of different books about robots, treasure, adventure and things that will draw middle school students in.