How To Be a Human #2: How To Hide An Alien – Karen McCombie

“I’m exceptionally ecstatic to be in your company again!” 

When Star Boy crash landed into Wes and Kiki’s life in How To Be a Human, he quickly proved he was worthy of his three hearts. While he’s still very new to Earth, having arrived “eight hundred and fifty-three thousand and two hundred seconds ago”, Star Boy is doing his best to learn all of the rules about being human.

Meanwhile, Wes and Kiki are learning that hiding a “trainee human” isn’t easy. It doesn’t help that Star Boy has started glitching. Luckily they have Eddie, the owner of the Electrical Emporium and my favourite character, to help them.

When they’re not dealing with the fallout from the events of the first book, Wes and Kiki are trying their best to cope with difficult family situations.

Star Boy, Wes and Kiki may have vastly different backgrounds but they’re all struggling to find their place in the world. Together they’ll learn about empathy and how powerful acts of kindness can be. 

This book is a timely reminder that there are still good people in the world who are willing to go out of their way to help others. Both books made me want to see the world as Star Boy does, full of wonders waiting for me to discover them.

While you could read this book as a standalone, I’d recommend you read How To Be a Human first. 

I adore this found family and hope I get the opportunity to spend more time with them. I really want to see Star Boy attending school with Wes and Kiki.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Stripes Publishing, an imprint of Little Tiger Group, for the opportunity to read this book.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

Life isn’t easy, especially if you’re from another planet…

With his space-pod destroyed, the Star Boy is adapting to life on Earth with help from his friends Kiki and Wes, but Kiki’s long list of don’ts is a constant reminder of how hard it is to pass for a convincing human.

But more troubling for the Star Boy is the strange pings and pangs he’s experiencing, and the hard-to-hide electrical surges that are worrying his human rescuers. And when the Star Boy accidentally channels his true form on to the whiteboard of every class at Riverside Academy, things reach a whole new level of panic. With frenzied reports of an alien sighting trending on social media, how can Kiki and Wes keep their friend safe?

How To Be a Human – Karen McCombie

“It was ALIENS! I watched them out of my bedroom window!”

This is a heartwarming story of what happens when a boy from another world meets two aliens from Earth.

Star Boy has taught himself some of Earth’s languages and has learned some things about its inhabitants from the Master but he’s never had the opportunity to observe them this closely before.

Kiki has a new group of friends at Riverside Academy. She loves being part of the Popular Crew but she feels bad about ditching her old friends.

Wes used to be homeschooled and doesn’t fit in at Riverside Academy. Although he hasn’t made any friends yet, the bullies have definitely noticed him.

Together these two lonely humans and Star Boy will learn what it means to be human, the wonders that exist all around us and the value of friendship. I adored Star Boy, whose enthusiasm for all things Earth could very well make you see the things you take for granted in a whole new light. I’m certain that it’s no coincidence that he has three hearts.

Although adult me found this story very predictable, I stilled smiled every time Star Boy encountered some new reason to be joyful. Kid me would have been enthralled, no doubt searching the skies for a new alien friend. Both me’s are hoping for a sequel.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Stripes Publishing, an imprint of Little Tiger Group, for the opportunity to read this book.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Once Upon a Blurb

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.