Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth - by Frank Cottrell Boyce (Paperback)

About the Book

Originally published: London: Macmillan Children's Books, 2016.

Book Synopsis

A one-of-a-kind story of heart, humor, and finding one's place in the universe.

Prez knows that the best way to keep track of things is to make a list. That's important when you have a grandfather who is constantly forgetting. And it's even more important when your grandfather can't care for you anymore and you have to go live with a foster family out in the country.

Prez is still learning to fit in at his new home when he answers the door to meet Sputnik--a kid who is more than a little strange. First, he can hear what Prez is thinking. Second, he looks like a dog to everyone except Prez. Third, he can manipulate the laws of space and time. Sputnik, it turns out is an alien, and he's got a mission that requires Prez's help: the Earth has been marked for destruction, and the only way they can stop it is to come up with ten reasons why the planet should be saved.

Thus begins one of the most fun and eventful summers of Prez's life, as he and Sputnik set out on a journey to compile the most important list Prez has ever made--and discover just what makes our world so remarkable.

Review Quotes

Praise for The Astounding Broccoli Boy: "Humorous and fast-paced, this distinctive tale with well-developed characters will appeal to those readers who have ever searched for their own superpowers." - School Library Journal (starred review)
Praise for Cosmic: "With echoes of Roald Dahl, the novel ends with an elegant punch line, and a touching endorsement of filial love." - New York Times Book Review
Praise for Framed: "Boyce plants a terrific message about the power of art to inspire and transform. Charming and hilarious." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Praise for Millions: "Stunningly original. A book of such wealth is valuable indeed." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (starred review)
★ "Cottrell Boyce invites readers to suspend belief while going on a physics-defying, mind-bending adventure that's sure to appeal to a wide audience. Begging to be read aloud and full of escapades, humor, and spunk, this is a stand-alone gem." - School Library Journal (starred review)
"A funny and touching story about a boy who, through a transformative summer, learns to expand his definitions of family and home." - Publishers Weekly
★ "A raucous adventure with a heart of gold." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)