Karen McCombie

Who said friends have to match to matter? When the Star Boy's space-pod crashes in the grounds of Fairfield Academy he knows he must seek shelter. Taking refuge in the school's boiler room to await rescue he discovers that the room's small window is the perfect place to watch humans go by. The Star Boy knows about humans from his Earth lessons but no one from his planet has ever studied them up close. Now he has the perfect opportunity. There are two humans in particular that catch his attention - a boy called Wes and a girl named Kiki. But as his curiosity grows so does his courage and, making a momentous decision, the Star Boy follows Wes and Kiki into class ... and into their lives. A warm and otherworldly story about finding friendship in the most unlikely of places, for fans of Tamsin Winter, Cath Howe and Ross Welford.

How To Be A Human

It's a fun book , except it wasn't necessarily a page turner or anything, which I looked for. The three main characters actually come together in the middle of the book and at the ending of this part, the story actually begins. However, it is a children's book instead of a ya, so it's pretty good.
I enjoyed it but it's not a wow factor.

Anjana Madhusoodanan

Publishing Date: 5 August 2021

Rating: 4.5/5⭐

Synopsis: Entering 7th grade, Kiki is in with the popular kids now, but in a unfortunate dress up mishap, Kiki loses all her friends. That's when she meets Wes, a home schooled kid who's new to class. They soon become friends.
When Star boy's (Stan) space pod crashes on the grounds of Fairfield academy, Stan decides to take shelter in the school's boiler room till he can return to his world. Delighted at the opportunity to study humans at such close proximity, Stan starts observing the students at the academy. That's when Kiki and Wes catch his attention. Stan follows them to class and thus begins a great adventure.

Review: A heartwarming, sweet, funny, happy middle grade fantasy/sci-fi book about 3 unlikely friends. A beautiful book about the true meaning of humanity, friendship, family, loyalty, kindness and bravery. Perfect for young audiences of age 8-13.

The book deals with struggles of transitioning from year 6 to year 7 so well. The stress and friendships of high school are covered to the point.

Another reason to like this book is Aliens! 

Stan (our cute little alien) reminds us of the little joys of being human. The small things we take for granted but are actually so beautiful. I love an outsiders perspective on everyday dealings of human life. This book reminds all of us to find happiness in the little miracles of our everyday life.

Multiple narratives made this story even more appealing to me. And the author succeeded in giving all three of them their distinct narrative. We could easily tell who was telling the story but reading the change in narrative. I loved seeing the world from each of their pov but Star boy's was my favourite.

I also love how friendship and family was portrayed in the books.

I hope to see a sequel to this book because I feel like the ending was set to accommodate a second book.

Even though as an adult the story was a bit predictable for me but as a kid, I'd have loved it! And that is the preferred market of this middle-grade book. So I'd say it's done a great job. Would definitely recommend it.

How To Be A Human

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