FAR OUT!
by
Anne Bustard
Children's Historical Fiction / Family / Mystery / Humor / Sci-Fi Inspired / 8-12 years
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Date of Publication: April 18, 2023
Number of Pages: 224 pages
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From the author of Blue Skies comes a lively middle grade novel set in 1960s Texas about a young, alien-loving girl trying to clear her grandmother’s good name in this mystery that has humor, hijinks, and heart in equal measure.It’s 1964, the Space Race is well underway, and eleven-year-old Magnolia Jean Crook and the other residents of Totter, Texas, are over the moon about UFOs.
The whole town is gearing up for the First Annual Come on Down Day—in just one week, they are hoping to host any and all space aliens who would like to visit Earth. But right before the kick-off party, a meteorite goes missing—and MJ’s beloved grandmother Mimi, who is the vice president of the Totter Unidentified Flying Object Organization, is the prime suspect.
MJ is desperate to show the town that this Crook is not a thief. The only problem is that there is a lot of evidence against her, and Mimi herself isn’t helping things. She’s acting suspiciously, pulling disappearing acts, and worst of all, can’t seem to answer any questions about where she was or what she was doing.
But much like UFOs, extraterrestrial visitations, and sending people to space, the impossible has been known to happen.
My Review:
Far Out! is the story of Magnolia Jean and her friend Nick as they try to prove that MJ's grandmother is innocent of meteorite theft. The town they live in is obsessed with extraterrestrials and are hosting a special event. This middle grade story is a mystery, but also a story of family, friendship, and small towns.
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the setting. I love the small Texas town vibe it has and that its set in the 1960s, as this is a time period I haven't read a lot in youth literature. I also love that this is a bit of an unorthodox mystery with a space theme to it. There is a lot of space history and mystery in Texas so this is a fun combination.
The characters are cute and believable. MJ is doing her best to be supportive of her grandmother, who is showing significant signs of aging. She is struggling with her father's role as a law enforcement official and her sense of duty to her family during the mysterious theft. Her friends and classmates are also interesting, as a couple of them have some stand out personalities.
The mystery is very intriguing and isn't given away very quickly, leading to extended suspense and intrigue for the story. This was one I didn't fully piece together, which is very refreshing for me. I was able to just kind of kick back and enjoy the story as it unfolded. I think this is a very fun book that young readers will enjoy - especially if they're into UFO themes! I give Far Out! a Lone Star rating of ✯✯✯✯ stars.
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She is the author of the middle-grade novels, Blue Skies and Anywhere But Paradise, as well as two picture books, RAD! and Buddy: The Story of Buddy Holly, which was an Ira Children’s Book award Notable and a Bank Street Book of the Year.
Hawaii-born, she divided her time between Texas and Canada.
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THREE WINNERS:
Signed hardcover copy of Far Out!
(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 3/31/23)
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Great review! I am ALL about the mysteries that you can just kick back & enjoy without being hit over the head with obvious clues. Thanks for sharing!
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