Stuck On Earth by David Klass

Bibliography
Klass, D. (2010). Stuck on Earth. New York: Frances Foster Books.

227 pages

Plot
Ketchevar, a snail-like alien is sent from his planet to determine if the human race on Earth is worth saving. The worth of Earth is decided based upon Ketchevar’s experience in a test subject. Upon arriving to Earth, Ketchevar notices a young 14 year old boy, and in attempting to keep his subject random; Ketchevar inserts himself through Tom Filber’s nose and then brain. Ketchevar hopes to infiltrate Tom Filber’s daily life, however all is not as normal as Ketchevar expected. Tom’s family is divided, his mom feels trapped in a marriage she did not expect, his father is out of work and drinking, and his sister is constantly fighting with Tom. This is nothing compared to what’s in store for Ketchevar. Suddenly, Ketchevar is in for the ride of his life, as he must dodge Tom’s family, bullies at school, and Tom’s growing attraction for the girl next door. How can he be objective?

Review
Klass’ novel allows readers to take an objective view of Tom’s life and through him, their own. The author does an excellent job invoking emotion throughout the story, while keeping an indifferent tone. Above all, it is the characters that really impact the reader. Klass knows how to create a sympathetic character both in Tom and Ketchevar without becoming overly dramatic. Tom is the quintessential outcast, called an alien by his peers, which allows Ketchevar more success in his mission than would have been possible had he chosen a more socially accepted peer. Ketchevar’s attempts to stay objective often collide with his own feelings of superiority and then fear that he may be a figment of Tom’s imagination. Ultimately, a very thought provoking and witty read.

Genre
Science Fiction

Reading Level/Interest Level
I would recommend this book to readers in grades 6 – 8.

Similar Content
I had a hard time coming up with similar content.
War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
Invasion of the Body Snatchers by Jack Finney
The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Personal thoughts
I really liked this book, but I found it a bit depressing, too. Tom’s life is one of just getting by until Ketchevar takes over. Ketchevar forces Tom to start living his life first hand, however at the end, Tom just seems a bit shell-shocked. I really liked Ketchevar’s character and thought the author did an excellent job.

Subjects/themes
The Human Condition
Family Life
Friendship
Conservation

Awards
Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year
Texas Lone Star Reading List
Vermont Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award Master List

Series information
No known sequels.

Character names/descriptions
Ketchevar: A snail-like alien sent to Earth to determine whether or not Earth is worth saving. He will implant himself into a human boy to try to objectively determine his mission.

Tom Filber: The young boy whom Ketchevar takes over.

Michelle: Tom’s next door neighbor with whom he has a crush on.

Jason: One of the richest kids at Tom’s school, and a bully.

Annotation
What if an alien took over your brain? Tom Filber is about to find out.