We’re Not from Here follows Lan, who is with a group of humans who have left Earth due to it not being inhabitable anymore. They are looking for a new home and have found a possible solution in the Planet of Choom. Choom has three other species, with the most populous one being a group that looks like large mosquitoes and the others looking like fluffy marshmallow people. Lan, their younger sister, and their parents are sent to the planet on a trial basis to try to integrate at schools and jobs. The messages portrayed through these scenarios are about trying to stay strong in the face of feeling different and alone. As the plot progresses we see more and more acceptance by the other species. Ila, the younger sister, also develops more of a self confidence and confidence with the strangers. Lan and Ila focus on the importance of comedy and the arts in their efforts to gain a home on Choom.

We’re Not from Here provides parallels to many modern day issues and themes. The three species of Choom and the human family are used to tell stories of immigration and discrimination. There are also messages about the media being biased when the humans are shown on television. They are shown as violent with their words being distorted. Another theme is the expression/suppression of emotions. The leaders of Choom are believers that all emotions are bad because they make people hard to control. This story provides a light lens for some of these heavier topics.

The reading level is appropriate for the target audience while including words to stretch vocabulary. The writing is descriptive and uses frequent simile to help set the scene. This story would be ideal for 4^th and 5^th graders especially those interested in science fiction. Some controversial elements could include the mention in passing of the death and violence of certain groups of humans before arriving at Choom.

Reviewed by Kathleen Powers, Winslow Public Library, Winslow, ME