From School Library Journal
Grade 5-7-This sequel to Can of Worms (Avon, 1999) is just as enjoyable as the first book. Quarterback Scott "the Mighty" Schreiber is in the middle of a vital game when he is blindsided by a hideous screeching noise that nobody else seems to hear. As he barrels toward the end zone, he suddenly finds himself flying-and not because of the enemy tackles. Scott is in mental contact with a crash-landed alien, a Lyra who is being pursued by the evil Shards. Lyras are the most talented singers in the galaxy and have the musical ability to influence other species. The Shard forces see this power as the ultimate weapon, and are desperate to get their hands (or claws) on one of these winged creatures. Scott encounters musical prodigy Stacia, the only other human who can hear the alien SOS and, together, they locate the Lyra's mate, hidden on Earth with their nest of eggs. With the help of Ditka, a space security cop who resembles a large furry dog, Scott and Stacia must rescue the eggs before the Shard agents destroy them all. Football and musical themes are interwoven throughout the story and there is even a hint of adolescent romance. The language is brisk and realistic, with lots of middle-school wisecracks. This winning combination of sports, science fiction, and humor also provides a subtle message on the nature of freedom and heroism.
Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Gr. 5-7. In
Can of Worms (1999), children met Scott Schreiber, his nerdy alien-seeking friend, Mike Pillsbury, and a cast of characters representing various intergalactic races, both good and evil. In this book, Scott begins to have hallucinations during the middle of a football game and develops superhuman powers, which eventually lead him and friends to the Lyra, a peaceful but powerful birdlike alien and her eggs. But Scott isn't the only one looking for the Lyra; watching every move are members of a dangerous race of conquerors, the Shards. Although this can stand alone, familiarity with
Worms will clarify a few things, and Scott's hallucinations and references to the many alien races may be confusing to some children. But the funny take on a world full of weird aliens and on young people out to save the universe will attract a readership, especially children who liked Bill Brittain's
Shape-Changer (1994).
Catherine AndronikCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
