The Invasion by K. A. Applegate
MG Sci-Fi. 184 Pages. 5 Stars
Synopsis:
Sometimes weird things happen to people. Ask Jake. He may tell you about the night he and his friends saw the strange light in the sky. He may even tell you about what happened when they realized the “light” was only a plane — from another planet. Here’s where Jake’s story gets a little weird. It’s where they’re told that the human race is under attack — and given the chance to fight back.
Now Jake, Rachel, Cassie, Tobias, and Marco have the power to morph into any animal they choose. And they must use that power to outsmart an evil that is greater than anything the world has ever seen…
My Review:
I loved this series as a kid. Man, I read so many of these! I’ve collected a few of them over the years, but this reread makes me really want to find the whole set and complete my collection.
My youngest brother is a bit of a reluctant reader. I asked him what types of stories he does like, because I know he’s enjoyed a few books and he sort of dips his toes into reading on occasion. I’d like to foster the habit and grow that love of lifelong learning and reading in him. So, after hearing what it was he said he liked in stories, I hand-picked a few books I’m hoping will be easy wins that intrigue him and give us something to discuss together. This was the first of what I hope will become a habit of buddy reading with me.
Upon rereading this, I have to admit, I felt all the nostalgia. But also, I forgot just how page-turning this is! I admittedly reread it in a single night and, yes, as an adult (who already knows the story, mind you) I stayed up past my bedtime to finish this little gem.
These five friends brought me right back to my childhood and the sneak attack alien invasion was just as compelling the second time around. What a cool idea! A high action story with short chapters and cliff hangers that keep the pacing up and the reader engaged. I love the relationships between these characters and how they’re thrust into a world of deciding if they are willing to do what’s right at deep personal costs. Heroes in the making.
And the everyday setting of the homes, school, and zoo really make it easy to imagine this is a threat that could be real, in your own backyard. It’s a neat premise and watching these kids get into unhinged situations to collect DNA is entertainment at its finest, especially for a kid.
I was delighted to so thoroughly enjoy rereading this for myself, and I hope to hear the teenage boy didn’t hate it either 😉
This is only the beginning and I’m beginning to suspect a full read through of the series may be in order!
Content: some paranormal violence (aliens fight, kids run from animals in a zoo, kids battle the aliens, etc.), hints of a school crush, and no foul language. Themes of parasitic relationships, hostile alien invasion, and secrets. Suitable for kids.
More
The first book in the Animorphs series is The Invasion (5 Stars)
Book 2 is The Visitor
There are 54 books in the series and you can see a full list on Goodreads here.
These books can be read as standalones for the most part, but there is an overarching story threaded throughout the whole series. You should start with The Invasion and you should not read the final book in the series until the very end.
On GraceBought
If you liked this book, you may also like these other MG titles:
Children of Exile, The Misadventured Summer of Tumbleweed Thompson, Keeper of the Lost Cities, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Please Return to the Lands of Luxury
or try this YA sci-fi with similar large cast, subtle danger vibes: