From School Library Journal
Grade 2–5—Is Julian Rodriguez a youngster who has been frustrated by his parents one too many times or is he really an officer of a Space Federation on a very trying intergalactic, fact-finding mission? After being sent to his room by his "stupid maternal unit," Julian reports to the Mothership the humiliation he has experienced at the hands of his earthling parents, teachers, and classmates. The last straw is, of course, being forced to "dispose of a large canister, filled to the brim with humanoid refuse," which leads to his "trash crisis on Earth." The cartoonlike illustrations give the book the look of an edgy graphic novel, and the lightning bolt on Julian's green shirt gives the protagonist a superhero vibe. The story should appeal to young readers who like Jeff Kinney's "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" (Abrams) but aren't yet ready for a longer novel.—
Kathleen Meulen, Sakai Intermediate School, Bainbridge Island, WA Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Product Description
Julian Rodriguez is on a mission for the Mothership. He's been sent to Earth to study human lifeforms and their bizarre habits--from their disgusting diet (orange sticks named carrots, flavorless liquid called water, and the revolting substance known as vegi-dogs) to their repressive treatment of their young (forcing them to carry out menial tasks known as chores, withholding access to the great cultural masterpieces called cartoons). When Julian's Maternal Unit assigns a hideous task, it's nearly too much for the hardened space veteran to bear--but he finds his courage at last.
See all Editorial Reviews