It's time to head to space on beyond...again! Today's read, however, should mix facts and fiction in a creative way to draw readers more toward STEM...and possible life in space?
Let's just open it up and take a peek!
THE UFO FILES
Notes on an Extraterrestrial Encounter
by Kathryn Hulick
Illustrated Weston Wei
Wide Eyed Editions
Middle Grade Science Fiction
112 pages
ages 9 to 12
COMING SEPTEMBER 4th!!!
The UFO Files are the recently de-classified notes on a moment that captivates the arrival of an alien spacecraft on Planet Earth.
The year is 2033. An investigator known only as Polaris has compiled this report into every aspect of the spaceship and the beings that built it. Piece by piece, uncover a thrilling narrative of courage and curiosity during this closest of encounters, while delving into the cutting-edge science and technology that help Polaris understand – and welcome – these visitors from a distant star system.
Read the torn-out headlines announcing an unexplained radio signal from outer space, then learn all about the electromagnetic spectrum and how we use it to communicate. Come face to face with the flying drones that emerge from the spacecraft, then delve into how dragonflies have mastered the art of flight. And as the mystery of who or what lies within the spaceship unfolds, discover the animals on Earth – including glowing squid and photosynthetic sea slugs – that are so strange as to be almost alien.
Every beat of the story is supported by clear, concise explanations of mind-blowing science for 9–12-year-olds, as well as out-of-this-world illustrations by Weston Wei.
Other topics
Nuclear fusion and clean energy
The year is 2033. An investigator known only as Polaris has compiled this report into every aspect of the spaceship and the beings that built it. Piece by piece, uncover a thrilling narrative of courage and curiosity during this closest of encounters, while delving into the cutting-edge science and technology that help Polaris understand – and welcome – these visitors from a distant star system.
Read the torn-out headlines announcing an unexplained radio signal from outer space, then learn all about the electromagnetic spectrum and how we use it to communicate. Come face to face with the flying drones that emerge from the spacecraft, then delve into how dragonflies have mastered the art of flight. And as the mystery of who or what lies within the spaceship unfolds, discover the animals on Earth – including glowing squid and photosynthetic sea slugs – that are so strange as to be almost alien.
Every beat of the story is supported by clear, concise explanations of mind-blowing science for 9–12-year-olds, as well as out-of-this-world illustrations by Weston Wei.
Other topics
Nuclear fusion and clean energy
Using AI to decode an unknown language
Exoplanets, stars and astronomy
The Fermi paradox and the likelihood of alien life
How rockets fly
Many, many more The UFO Files is not just a compelling sci-fi story or a primer on core STEM subjects – it's both at once! Above all, it is a celebration of scientific curiosity, tolerance and the awe that comes when we open our minds to the stars and wonder whether we are not alone.
MY TIDBITS
Fiction and nonfiction mix in an exciting story about a future, alien encounter.
Starting with an unexplained radio signal from outer space, this book follows a hypothetical alien encounter from the very first moments of possible signals all the way through a personal meeting and more. Unlike usual science fictions tales, this one snuggles up to facts and tries to present the story as if it would truly take place. Through fictional articles, interviews, text exchanges, and more, readers follow the scientists as they make first contact and try to communicate with the alien life forms. During this tale, various areas of science are mentioned and described in snippets on the edge of the pages.
This is a clever way to have readers dive a little deeper into various aspects of science, learn a little about many topics, and still, keep an edge of tension thanks to the fictive tale. By using the various media formats, it maintains a technical atmosphere while still letting the imagination (thanks to the aliens) flow. There's even a light language and more for readers to research and discover right along with the scientists. The information covers a span of scientific fields and topics, showing how everything can interweave. Plus, there's something new for almost every reader of the age group to discover. Unfortunately, some of the information is a little outdated, and the basic explanations to things such as 3D printing and drones aren't new to many middle graders. But other aspects give a quick and light deep-dive into lesser known areas.
The writing and set-up work very well for the age group and draw in. There are terms to stretch the word knowledge, and it is a read which takes a bit of thought thanks to the information. Mostly, this book inspires as it invites readers to dream about the possibility of finding life in the stars. There are also messages surrounding tolerance and respect of life to give a little more goodness on that level.
It's a fun way to awaken the desire to learn more about space and life, and have readers dreaming of what the future might hold.
Kathryn Hulick is a freelance writer, editor and former Peace Corps volunteer. She writes regularly for Science News for Students and Muse magazine. She has also published numerous nonfiction books on topics such as video games, artificial intelligence, energy technology and dinosaurs. Hulick’s favorite part of writing about science is getting to speak with researchers in many different fields. Once, she spoke with an expert on parallel universes while he was shoveling snow from his driveway. Another time, she called a biologist who was out in the field in Africa, watching a herd of elephants. In addition to writing, she enjoys hiking, gardening, painting and reading. Hulick lives in Massachusetts with her husband, son and dog.
Weston Wei is an illustrator from China who now lives in New York City. Weston’s visual practices focus on communicating stories and emotions. His arts aim to build an immediate and direct emotional connection with his audience. Influenced by surrealist art, fashion styling, and pop culture, he loves drawing figures with vivid colors and meticulous details. He describes himself as a 55% extrovert and 45% introvert, which is why he chose to live in the most crowded city in the world but spent lots of time in his room and drawing alone.
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