Book Band: Grey - Ideal for ages 8+ A thought-provoking comedy about being an alien from prize-winning Zanib Mian. Maxx is an alien: a real one - from the planet Zerg. He's on Earth to research these strange things called emotions that humans have (and eat as much chocolate as he can). But some of the humans seem to think Maxx's new human friend Jibreel is an alien too, and Maxx just can't figure it out. Why would coming from another country make you an alien?! This funny science-fiction story is a perfect way to tackle difficult topics like racism and refugees with children. It has hilarious black-and-white illustrations from Sernur Isik throughout, and is ideal for children who are developing as readers. The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with book-banded stories to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2 by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence. With engaging illustrations and online guided reading notes written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), this series is ideal for home and school. For more information visit www.bloomsburyreaders.com. 'Any list that brings together such a quality line up of authors is going to be welcomed ... Bloomsbury Readers are aimed squarely at children in Key Stage 2 and designed to support them as they start reading independently and while they continue to gain confidence and understanding.' Books for Keeps

A thought-provoking comedy about being an alien from prize-winning Zanib Mian. The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with book-banded stories by award-winning authors like Geraldine McCaughrean and Patrice Lawrence and features online guided reading notes by the CLPE, ideal for getting children reading independently in Key Stage 2.

About the Author
Zanib Mian is an accomplished children's author whose books have featured on BBC's Cbeebies Bedtime Stories and The Guardian for their contribution to diversity in children's literature. Zanib studied Molecular Cell Biology at University College London and went on to teach Science in secondary schools before she made the decision to give up the career to create change within children's publishing. She felt that diverse characters from all minorities and backgrounds weren't being fully represented in books for young children. She launched Sweet Apple Publishers with a clear commitment to publishing inclusive books, many of which she has authored herself. She is the author of the Little Rebels Prize winner The Muslims and the Planet Omar series for Hachette.

Reviews
Zanib Mian has a wonderful way with speech - the story is told through Maxx's exuberant first person narrative, and it's an absolute treat, funny, acute and full of heart, even before Maxx has learned emotions. [...] A story with lots for readers to discuss and contemplate, and a great book for sharing. * Books for Keeps *
Zanib Mian has a real gift for comedy and dialogue too and this is extremely funny, while at the same time it makes some very serious points. In the new Bloomsbury Readers series, the story is perfect for children growing reading confidence and understanding, with short chapters and frequent illustrations. -- LoveReading4Kids * Chosen as Star Book for July 2020 *
This is an engaging tale of friendship with enough laughs to keep it on the right side of cheesy. -- Children's Books Ireland * Editor's Choice, Mind Yourself Reading Guide *
An ideal way to begin a conversation about our worries either as a class or with individual children, this is likely to be an invaluable addition to classroom bookshelves over the coming months. -- Starlight and Stories * starlightandstories.com *



Book Information
ISBN 9781472973900
Author Zanib Mian
Format Paperback
Page Count 96
Imprint Bloomsbury Education
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 100g