PRESS 1 FOR INVASION, by J. A. Dauber, Aladdin, Sept. 9, 2025, Hardcover, $17.99 (ages 8-12)
A kid who just wanted a cell phone ends up being responsible for saving the world from an alien invasion in Press 1 for Invasion, by J. A. Dauber.
Ten-year-old Matt really wants a phone, but his parents won’t let him have one. When he finds one just lying on the sidewalk, he naturally picks it up and claims it for himself. But when Matt uses his new phone to take pictures, they show the crossing guard in front of his school as a monster. But that can’t be right…can it?
Matt soon learns that: a) his lunch lady is also a monster (actually, an alien); b) an invasion of Earth is due to take place within the next few days; and c) the lunch lady is having cold feet (well, tentacles) about the whole thing and wants his help. Matt and his friend Marcela join forces with her to save the planet.
Battles in their school cafeteria and high above the Earth’s atmosphere place them in very close encounters with alien pets and the business end of a gigantic oven. As the danger mounts, Matt and Marcela must ask themselves what they’re willing to risk to save their friends, their family, and their world. —Synopsis provided by Aladdin
Press 1 for Invasion is an adventurous middle-grade alien-invasion novel that’s lighthearted and full of twists sure to appeal to a wide selection of readers.
Author by J. A. Dauber perfectly captures Matt’s voice, making him come alive from the first pages of Press 1 for Invasion.
Daubner’s explanation for the invasion is perfectly plausible, or at least make sense. Of course, aliens are after kids, they are the tastiest of treats. Obviously, aliens have tech that disguises them. And why wouldn’t having two different eye colors make Matt able to see extraterrestrials.
The story moves quickly with short chapters and bright text that would be enjoyable to read aloud as a class. But it’s nice as a solitary read, too. Either way, giggles will ensue.
Press 1 for Invasion is just plain fun.
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