Aliens attacking the world is more than serious business, but even high stakes can be accompanied with giggles galore.

Jimmy is twelve-years-old and not exactly the most popular kid at school, but he does have a great fantasy and is determined to protect his eight-year-old sister no matter what…well, his mom would kill him if he didn’t, so that may not count. When a strange object falls from the sky and crashes into a lake near the school, odd things start happening. The adults are acting more than strange, and his own teacher is rounding up all the kids together into rooms. Maybe, to cook them? After all, it is an alien invasion! It’s his job to save the world. Now, he just needs to figure out how and that with a rag-tag group of kids and an alien-escapee, and that while protecting his sister.

Imagination shifts into hyper-drive in this slightly ridiculous and oh-so-fast-paced read about a very unexpected alien invasion. The first pages/prologue set the tone as Jimmy introduces himself directly to the reader. He reveals that he’s in prison and gives a tiny bit of background to the entire situation. Then, the first chapter heads back in time and allows the reader to get a handle on Jimmy’s home and school life right before the aliens first land. There is a bit cliché introduction with Jimmy as the odd kid, who faces bullying and other school troubles, but that’s also where cliché ends.

More than a few aliens are involved in the invasion, and each has its own appearance and qualities. There is a simple illustration of each alien as it appears in the story. These carry originality and hold a slightly humorous twist. This matches nicely to the tale’s atmosphere. While Jimmy and his friends face one unexpected moment after the other, every moment is also fun with quirky reactions and witty dialogue.

There are a few messages surrounding friendship, bullies, and pushing past one’s own comfort zone, but this read is mostly about fun.

Note: The flip-book is found only in the paper/hard copies of this novel. Ebook copies do include a link for those who want to see it...just digitally.

I Hate It When Aliens Do That is a thrilling middle-grade novel that follows Jimmy Turkelson, a shy seventh grader, as he unexpectedly becomes Earth's last hope against an alien invasion. The story combines the familiar struggles of middle school—bullies and feeling invisible—with an extraordinary alien threat, making for an exciting and engaging read. What I really enjoyed about this book was Jimmy's transformation from a timid kid to a courageous hero, showing that anyone can step up when it matters most. It's an inspiring tale for young readers, filled with action and heart, and a reminder that sometimes, the underdog can save the world.

Aliens, school bullies, and saving the world? Sign me up! 🌎👽 I Hate It When Aliens Do That is the kind of book that makes you cheer, laugh, and bite your nails all at once! Jimmy isn’t your usual hero; he’s more the hide-in-the-locker type, but man, does he get a wild ride! From dodging water-stealing aliens to teaming up with the coolest extraterrestrial sidekick, this book is a blast. If you’re like me and dig stories where the little guy gets to shine, you gotta read this. Jimmy and his crew are total squad goals. Plus, who doesn’t love a good alien invasion? 🚀✨