How To Be A Human
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By Karen McCombie
avg rating
5 reviews
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.
TweetReviews
Loved this book for an alternative sci-fi. Really enjoyed the main characters and their stories, tackled issues many of our children are facing.
It is a good book about changes.
In this book, an alien Star boy comes to earth and makes friends with two humans called Wes and Kiki. At the end he decides to stay on Earth. This book was very interesting.
amazing
How to be a Human is a heart-warming, humorous and joyous adventure that celebrates genuine friendships, finding the courage to be true to yourself and the wonder of the small things that are often taken for granted.
Kiki has been ditched by the Popular Crew at Fairfield Academy and is feeling hurt and humiliated by their meanness. Wes, who has been home-schooled, has moved to Fairfield during the summer and finds himself on his own, and a target for bullies. The Star Boy has crash-landed during an unexpected storm outside their school, and is hiding out in the boiler room until he is rescued …
The Star Boy is curious and is amazed by the natural environment, but what he really wants to do is study humans, so when he sees a Human Girl, he makes a decision to observe more closely, and it is not long before he enters into the lives of Kiki and Wes who are beginning to form a tentative connection. Can these three navigate the bonds of new friendships through shared and new experiences, trust and honesty?
This is a gorgeously touching and humorous story of navigating friendship, sprinkled with mayhem, hilarity and pertinent observations, that kept me utterly captivated throughout.
I adored the Star Boy – a.k.a. Stan Boyd – who has a real innocent quality and a refreshing honesty, as he explores what it is to be a human, taking joy in his rather unusual wish list, like travelling on a bus and visiting the Discount Carpet Warehouse. His obvious delight in his new experiences and friendships is infectious and brought a ready smile. Despite not being human, his perceptive observations on human relationships and his own understanding of what genuine friendship entails were spot on! I can’t wait to follow his next adventure!
Both Kiki and Wes are incredibly sympathetic characters, both having found the transition to secondary school difficult. Wes finds himself the target of bullies and is finding it hard to make friends, trying to deal with the bullying on his own. Kiki has turned her back on her old friends from primary school in order to be part of the popular group, but finds herself on the receiving end of their nastiness when she makes a mistake. They are brought together through shared connections, through their need to help the Star Boy and their search for real friendship.
This is a wonderfully heartfelt and laugh-out-loud adventure that is perfect for readers of 9+.
Thank you to Little Tiger for a copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
