We Do Not Welcome Our Ten-Year-Old Overlord

Gr 3-6–Middle grade science fiction at its best set in an alternative Canberra, Australia, of 1975. Nix has created a set of characters who must band together to defeat an enemy whose true identity will shock readers at the novel’s conclusion. Twelve-year-old Kim and his best friend Bennie meet up every evening to ride down to the lake. Their 10-year-old sisters, Eila and Maddie, usually tag along. When they all think they have discovered a head floating in the lake, Eila takes charge and wades in. Touching the “head” unleashes chaos that nearly destroys their community. A series of mysterious, sometimes disturbing events drives Kim to the conclusion that the glowing ball (Eila calls it Aster) is not a benevolent entity. Animals end up dead, human beings with chronic conditions no longer have those ailments, and Aster becomes more and more intertwined with Eila’s life. When the orb grants Eila mind-control powers, Kim is convinced that Aster is not to be trusted. Eventually Kim’s D&D friends join in his quest to defeat this malevolent force, leading to a fast-paced finish.