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"Weird Kid"

Written by Greg Van Eekhout
       
    
        
Image Source: Amazon
"Weird Kid" is about 12 year old Jake but isn't a normal human being, in fact he is a pile of good that can shapeshifter. His parents found him in the woods and raised him as a human. Jake is starting middle school and needs to keep his true identity a secret but he's having trouble keeping his human shape. Suddenly there are strange things happening in town. Sinkholes filled with goo start appearing all over and people start acting weird. With the help of Agnes, his new found friend, the pair try to figure out what's happening to the people, what the goo is and why Jake can hear humming that no one else can.
        The story moves from reality to the imaginative without looking credibility. The story includes the universal theme of identity that is relatable to children, even if they aren't an alien themselves! The story is very fast paced and filled with humor due to the unlimited possibilities with the "imblobsters". Van Eekhout keeps you guessing while Jake and Agnes try to figure out what is going on. 


Van Eekhout, Greg. Weird Kid. Harper, 2021. 199 pages. TR. $7.99, ISBN 978-0-06-297061-9.
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