My oldest kid suggested that I read this, that it would be a quick and strange read. He was right on both counts.

A middle-grade adventure with alien imposters. Supposedly reworked in 2007, but felt like a book from the 80s in terms of tired gender politics. Probably pretty engaging for kids of the right age? ( )

Jimbo and Charlie are ordinary school kids in England who overhear two of their teachers talking in a strange language. They investigate further discovering strangers details and putting their lives into danger. I'm not saying it's aliens...but, aliens? Jimbo and his sister Becky have to unite to rescue Charlie on an adventure that takes them out of this world. This book is quirky and fun. ( )

It was stupid, insane, suicidal idea. Which makes it quite hard to explain shy I decided to help. I guess it boils down to this. Charlie was my best friend I missed him. And I couldn't think of anything better to do. Really stupid reasons which were never going to impress the police, the headmistress or my parents.
Looking back, I reckon this was the moment when my whole life started to go pear-shaped... boom!

Plus a half star. I really liked it. I love lot's of things about his children's books from Agent Z and the Penguin from Mars onwards. One is the way the girls and boys are all active agents - things happen to them but they always put a finger, or a fist in to make a difference to the outcome. May or may not work but they go on acting. And also the way he pushes situations beyond normal and into farce. Makes me laugh and cheer the characters on. ( )

Boom! is a high-speed, funny science fiction novel for kids by the author of THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME. He writes, "This book was first published in 192 under the title Gridzbi Spudvetch!" It's an easy read, and the first half, when Jimbo Kidd and his friend Charlie discover that two of their teachers speak an alien language, was excellent. The second part of the book, at the Isle of Skye, feels hasty and improbable, as if the author were racing to finish things up somehow. I still enjoyed it and recommend it to kids who like action, science fiction, and humor. However, it is nothing like THE CURIOUS INCIDENT at all, in case you were wondering. ( )