Revenge of the Star Survivors

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Middle school meets the Dark Side in this painfully funny survival story of social misfit Clark Sherman. When Clark crash-lands on the inhospitable planet of Festus Middle School, he soon learns the natives don’t take kindly to newcomers . . . particularly ones who practice Jedi mind tricks and follow nerdy TV shows like Star Survivors. As he faces a conspiring group of violent bullies, browbeaten teachers and a fiendish principal, Clark knows he’ll be lucky just to survive eighth grade.

Then, hope appears on the horizon: there is Les, the enigmatic boy who seems to disappear at will; Ricki, a fellow Star Survivors fan; and the independent-minded librarian, Ms. Beacon. When Clark and his newfound allies are imperiled, he gathers his courage and the consequences of his actions ripple through the galaxy in life-altering ways.--from the publisher

978-0823436675 320 pages Ages 10-14

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Clark Sherman moves to a new school because his parents have gotten better jobs, but his experience in a new 8th grade is disastrous. His records from his previous school are messed up, so he ends up in remedial classes, including an independent study in the library with the fantastic Ms. Beacon. His days are spent avoiding the oppressive bullies, especially Ty Hunter. He has phys ed twice a day even though he would rather be reading sci fi novels or watching Star Survivors on television. He connects briefly with cute girl Stephanie, but she thinks he is a special needs student, and her friends laugh at her for talking to him. He eventually meets Les, who is similarly geeky, and who knows secret ways in and out of the school. A girl in his independent study, Ricki, is a bit odd (her parents throw a fit when Clark calls the house), but eventually the two join forces with Les. The principal is a mini-despot who is trying to get Ms. Beacon kicked out while also protecting Ty Hunter, who is a good athlete, but the trio is able to uncover evidence and bring justice to the school and social approbation to themselves. Strengths: This certainly hits on the traditional geek interests, and is funny. It's also realistic in the way that Clark (which is a perfectly reasonable name; I don't understand why everyone kept talking about how unusual it was) hides his troubles from his parents. I loved all of the Star Survivors quotes and episode names, which pay tribute to actual sci fi series. Les and Ricki are intriguing characters, and it's great to see a strong group of friends. I also liked the empathy they showed towards Ty at the end. Ms. Beacon is a great, no nonsense librarian. Weaknesses: Perhaps schools in Texas are vastly different, and if this is the case, I fear for the children there. So many things in this book are unrealistic. Clark's schedule would not have been so messed up, the principal wouldn't have been so conniving, the bully wouldn't have been allowed free reign, and the whole firing of Ms. Beacon is against just about

every union contract. I also thought Ricki and Les' family situations were horrible. Ricki is portrayed as being adopted from Korea by controlling parents who don't love her or know what to do with her. She also spends several periods a day hiding in the school bathroom. While I understand the humorous aspect of portraying schools in this way, I personally find it more disturbing than funny. What I really think: For the right student, this would be a fantastic book. A few years ago, I had a student who would have loved this. Since I currently don't have many students who would appreciate it, I think I will pass on purchasing, largely because of the unrealistic (for Ohio) situations. 
Recommended by;  Karen Yingling; Library Media Specialist, Ohio USA
See more of her recommendations:  https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com

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