The Area 51 Files by Julie Buxbaum, Lavanya Naidu
Series: The Area 51 Files, #1, #1
Published by Delacorte Press on September 13, 2022
ISBN: 059342946X
Pages: 304
Genres: Fantasy, Humor, Mystery
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

In Julie Buxbaum’s humorous novel, Sky Patel finds herself living in Area 51 with her pet hedgehog and her uncle who she has never met. She isn’t sure what to make of the stranger she now lives with or the many aliens who cohabitate with humans in her new community. She quickly befriends her neighbor Elvis, a friendly alien who shows her the ropes of Area 51. The two work together to try to solve the kidnapping of 3 aliens who go missing at the exact time Sky arrives. They need to investigate their suspects, including Zane, the school bully, Sky’s uncle, and members of the police force, without being caught and thrown in jail.

Readers in grades 4-6 will really enjoy this fast-paced book. Sky is a fun character who enjoys potty humor, pizza, and bending the rules. Readers can relate to her loneliness and her discovery of what it means to have, and be, a friend. Her crazy quest to find the kidnappers will keep readers’ attention and illustrations scattered throughout the novel add to the humor and pace of the story. A fun read and a great beginning to a new series.

Reviewed by Lindsay Varnum, Orono Public Library