Alien in a Bottle

Mackel, Kathy. (2004) New York: Harper Collins Publishers. 0-06-029281-4

PLOT SUMMARY

Sean Winger is a young, budding glassblowing artist. He discovers a bottle in the ocean which isn't just a bottle, but a spaceship with two aliens. The aliens are being pursued by an unhappy crew, the commander of which, is being plagued by nightmares because of a dream ring he bought from one of the two aliens that Sean found. With the help of his brainiac friend Olivia, they are able to keep the band of aliens from destroying each other and themselves.

CRITICAL EVALUATION

Sean Winger seems to think the world is against him, which if I remember correctly, was pretty much how I was when I was his age. To me he was an extremely annoying character, but to tweens and young teens, he might be someone to whom they can more easily relate. He has conflicts with parents, conflicts with the girl he likes, conflicts with the aliens, and is trying to define himself through his art. Tweens are also struggling with similar conflicts and learning about who they are and who they want to be, that they'll be able to find sympathy in a character that they can understand.

Pacing is quick and moves from alien dream sequences to the present seamlessly through use of italics. This book also explores the importance of relationships and friendships for people, and that it takes more than just a physical presence to create a bond between people (or aliens.)

READER'S ANNOTATION

Sean Winger can't seem to make his parents understand how important the art of glassblowing is to him. When he finds a bottle in the ocean, he finally has the key he needs to create art that will save him from living a life of mediocrity. Unfortunately that key comes with an alien who does what he can, without even trying, to disrupt Sean's plans. With help from his friend Olivia, he will be able to change his life, and also save the alien from a group of angry, disgruntled aliens.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathy Mackel coaches ASA Junior Olympics Softball and also writes kids books. She began her writing career as a technical writer, and started writing for kids after taking classes for a master's program that she nearly quit because she didn't have as much writing experience as the others in her class. She is also a screenwriter and wrote the script for a Disney movie based on her book Can of Worms.

GENRE

Sci-Fi/Fiction

CURRICULUM TIES

none

BOOKTALKING IDEAS

Use props i.e. bottle to represent spaceship, a speck on your face to represent an alien.

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

10-16

CHALLENGE ISSUES

none

WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK?

The main character is one to whom tweens and young teens can relate because of his conflicts and struggles. He isn't a tragic character, but one who has to deal with everyday issues in ways that kids will be familiar.