Weird Kid (Hardcover)
July/August 2021 Kids Indie Next List
“Ever feel like you don’t belong? Maybe you’re actually an alien made of goo that shifts into being a seal or screech owl when you hear a certain frequency. This adventurous and funny novel plays this straight, with fantastic results. Plus, butt jokes, so everyone wins!”
— Robin Stern, Books Inc., San Francisco, CA
Staff Reviews
Greg van Eekhout’s Weird Kid is the kind of book you could put in the hands of almost any young reader and soon you’d hear the soft chuckles of delight in seeing a fully-formed kid (12-year old Jake) with a bit of a shape-shifting problem trying to navigate middle school while not growing extra thumbs or feathers in front of his unsuspecting classmates. Unexplained sinkholes, butt jokes, blob-shifting goo and maybe-nefarious government agents ratchet up the action & humor. One of the many strengths of this book is the strong, non-romantic, bond between the comic-book loving duo of protagonist Jake and his friend, Agnes, who both relate to crime solving/investigative superheroes Night Kite and Star Hammer. There is so much to love packed in this book – family, music, guitars, comics, & of course, van Eekhout’s signature canine companion.
— From Staff Picks by Maureen
From the author of Cog and Voyage of the Dogs, Weird Kid is a hilarious and heartfelt homage to everyone who feels like they don’t belong. Perfect for fans of Gordon Korman and Stuart Gibbs.
Jake Wind is trying to stay under the radar. Whose radar? Anyone who might be too interested in the fact that he has shapeshifting abilities he can’t control. Or that his parents found him as a ball of goo when he was a baby.
Keeping his powers in check is crucial, though, if he wants to live a normal life and go to middle school instead of being homeschooled (and if he wants to avoid being kidnapped and experimented on, of course).
Things feel like they’re going his way when he survives his first day of school without transforming and makes a new friend. But when mysterious sinkholes start popping up around town—sinkholes filled with the same extraterrestrial substance as Jake—and his neighbors, classmates, and even his family start acting a little, well, weird, Jake will have to learn to use his powers in order to save his town.
"The short page count, humor, and action make this a good choice for reluctant readers. A solid purchase for school and public libraries." —School Library Journal
Greg van Eekhout lives in San Diego, California, with his astronomy/physics professor wife and two dogs. He’s worked as an educational software developer, ice-cream scooper, part-time college instructor, and telemarketer. Being a writer is the only job he’s ever actually liked. You can find more about Greg at his website: www.writingandsnacks.com.
"Impeccably toned middle school humor, paired with action-packed hijinks and a poignant extended metaphor about finding one’s identity, results in a heartfelt, pitch-perfect middle grade novel." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A wacky, witty, action-packed alien adventure with a poignant message about being your best self.” — John David Anderson, author of Posted
“Greg van Eekhout brings magic, mystery, humor, and weird science to his wonderful WEIRD KID! Devious and fun –and highly recommended!”
— Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Rot & Ruin
"No one mixes gonzo with heartfelt like Greg van Eekhout. Amid wacky aliens, secret organizations, and larger-than-life guitar solos, is one kid just trying to figure out who he is. I was rooting for Jake on every page, and you will be, too!" — Jenn Reese, author of A Game of Fox & Squirrels
"Exciting and intriguing twist on science-fiction tropes. A standout SF adventure.” — Kirkus Reviews
"An unconventional adventure story for readers who enjoy quirky scenarios, droll humor, and weirdness triumphant." — Booklist
"A rewarding story with a protagonist who lives up to the title and then some...hilarious." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
"The short page count, humor, and action make this a good choice for reluctant readers. A solid purchase for school and public libraries." — School Library Journal
Praise for Cog: “A page-turning novel of friendship, family, and standing up for what’s right.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Cog is a gem of a robot, and his robotic observations are comedic gold. Readers will be charmed by this sci-fi tale of free choice, hot dogs, and fun word problems.” — Booklist
“Van Eekhout brings considerable heart and wisdom to this coming-of-age tale. A thought-provoking tale for younger readers about hubris and what it means to be human.” — Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Voyage of the Dogs: “Fast-moving, funny, and suspenseful. A deep-space furry adventure with heart and humor.” — Kirkus Reviews
“Who’s a good boy? Lopside and the canine crew of the starship Laika! This dogs in space romp will make you sit up and beg for more.” — Alan Gratz, New York Times bestselling author of Refugee
“A crackling page-turner about courage and wonder, full of warmth and heart and characters who jump off the page. It’s my favorite book of the year.” — Rae Carson, New York Times bestselling author of the Girl of Fire & Thorns series
“Dogs in space? Who knew we needed that? But Greg van Eekhout proves we did! Voyage of the Dogs is a delight, and kids are going to love it.” — Spencer Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of Woof
“Dog-lovers and space enthusiasts will gravitate to Van Eekhout’s riveting book.” — Booklist
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