Teachers vs Aliens vs the Kids! is a delightful read that combines the everyday challenges of school life with the excitement of an alien adventure. Steve Williams has crafted a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a must-read for young fans of science fiction and adventure.

I received an electronic ARC from Duckworth Books through NetGalley.
The title alone will attract mid to upper elementary level readers, and when combined with the cover, it will pull in various types of readers.
We meet Finley on a typical day as he heads for school. He describes himself as cowardly, but readers see how much bravery he possesses as the story unfolds. Williams keeps the tone light as typical types of classmates and school staff are introduced. The day is interrupted in a rather surprising manner when an alien spaceship lands in the schoolyard and aliens begin attacking teachers and students alike. The grossness of their methods and the ways Finley destroys them will entertain readers. I appreciate the short chapter format as it will pull in reluctant readers too. The ending is not in doubt as Finley and his team not defeat the aliens who arrive but figure out the alien that was among them at the school. The author gives a tease for the next book in the series and it looks like it will be a fun holiday read.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. I liked the various facts throughout the book and that even if you don’t think you can do it; you probably can. I liked how Finley kept trying regardless of how it looked.

This is perfect! My daughter has recently started her reading journey, so I have added a few books to my ipad mini for her to read on kindle when on the go. The cover is so cute and I love the colors / illustrations! She was very excited to read this because of the cover!

This is another book that my 9-year-old and I read together. He loves graphic novels so that's what he thought this was going to be based on the cover. It isn't but it does have some great pictures. We are not quite ready to move to books with only words.

This book follows Finley, a boy who loves his mind diamonds, learning, and his best friend Lyra. Finley gets picked on a lot for being nerdy, but Lyra has his back. On the day the kids were going to the museum, they were attacked by aliens, and it is up to Finley to save the day. Finley does not want to save the day; he wants to hide for 80 years until someone comes and saves the school, but Finley keeps finding himself in precarious situations. As a kid with clear anxiety, he makes lists and draws to help him calm and compile his thoughts. He makes drawings of the aliens and the weakness he stumbles upon. This book is about how using your brain can be just as effective, or more so, than using muscles or attacking physically. Sometimes you just have to pay attention and learn about the world around you. My son didn't like how it ended because he wants that glory to be there forever. He thought the book was hilarious, loved all the booger references, and rooted for Finley the whole way. He also thought guinea pig raisins were a brilliant idea. As an American kid, there were some phrases he asked about, but not many that he didn't understand. He rates this book a 5 out of 5.

A great book for mid to upper elementary school kids! Right from the start you meet Finley as he heads to school. It's an ordinary day... until aliens attack! The author keeps the story light and fun, with relatable characters and a lot of humor. Finely's bravery is inspiring, and the story is full of adventure. Plus, the short chapters are great for young readers. Thanks to Duckworth Books and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC for my unbiased review.

Fun adventure aimed at younger readers learning chapter books. Finley isn't a superhero. He's am average kid who makes smart decisions. The lessons and vocabulary are perfect for kids to learn. Not too adult, not too young. This is a clever use for those learning sight words and definitions versus simple sentence structure. Lots of age appropriate jokes and little moments of "me too" mutterings.

Totally a book I'd rec to a 7 or 8 year old.

Thanks to NetGalley, Steve Williams and Farrago for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Teachers vs Aliens vs the Kids! by Steve Williams, Illustrated by Ellie O’Shea
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Overview
Steve Williams’ Teachers vs Aliens vs the Kids! is a riotous, action-packed middle-grade adventure that blends sci-fi chaos with schoolyard humor. Illustrated by Ellie O’Shea, the book catapults readers into Little Oak School, where an alien invasion disrupts a mundane assembly, thrusting bookworm Finley Swinnerton and his classmates into a battle for survival. With its fast-paced narrative, quirky characters, and themes of teamwork and courage, the book offers a fresh take on the “kids save the day” trope while appealing to reluctant readers through accessible language and dynamic visuals.

Strengths
Engaging Premise and Pacing: The novel’s high-stakes alien invasion, juxtaposed with the familiar setting of a school, creates immediate intrigue. Williams masterfully balances humor and tension, ensuring the plot never lags—a critical strength for its target age group (8–12 years).

Character Dynamics: Finley’s transformation from a timid bookworm to an unlikely leader is compelling, offering relatability for introverted readers. The ensemble cast—including eccentric teachers and bickering aliens—adds layers of comedy and camaraderie.

Illustrations as Narrative Tools: O’Shea’s lively black-and-white illustrations amplify the story’s energy, breaking up text and providing visual cues for key scenes. This integration supports emerging readers and enhances the book’s playful tone.

Themes of Agency and Unity: The children’s rebellion against both aliens and dismissive adults subtly critiques hierarchical authority, empowering young readers to trust their ingenuity. The resolution underscores collaboration over brute force.

Classroom Appeal: With its school setting and witty dialogue, the book is ripe for read-aloud sessions or literacy units on sci-fi and humor. Teachers could leverage its themes for discussions on problem-solving or empathy.

Limitations
Underdeveloped Antagonists: The aliens’ motives and culture feel thinly sketched, leaning heavily on slapstick villainy. Deeper world-building (e.g., alien societal norms) could have added richness without sacrificing pace.

Predictable Tropes: Some plot beats (e.g., the “unlikely hero” arc) follow familiar middle-grade templates, which may leave older readers craving more subversion.

Limited Emotional Depth: While fun, the story prioritizes action over introspection. A subplot exploring Finley’s home life or friendships could have added emotional resonance.

Pedagogical and Cultural Value
Reluctant Reader Hook: The book’s brevity, humor, and illustrations make it an effective gateway to longer sci-fi/fantasy series (e.g., Aliens Love Underpants for younger readers or Planet Omar for nuanced themes).
Critical Thinking Prompts: Scenes where kids outsmart adults and aliens could spark debates about authority and creativity in classrooms.
Inclusivity Potential: While the core cast lacks explicit diversity, the story’s universal themes invite discussions on representation in adventure narratives.

Comparison to Similar Works
Compared to My Teacher Is an Alien (Bruce Coville), Williams’ take is less philosophical but more frenetically entertaining. It shares DNA with Kid Normal (Greg James) in its absurdity but stands out for its dual focus on kid-adult-alien dynamics.

Conclusion
Teachers vs Aliens vs the Kids! is a buoyant, crowd-pleasing romp that succeeds in marrying laughter with lighthearted thrills. While it doesn’t break new ground in middle-grade sci-fi, its infectious energy and relatable heroes make it a standout for fans of school-based adventures. Williams’ debut, bolstered by O’Shea’s art, promises a potential series ripe for further exploration of Finley’s world.

Acknowledgments
Thank you to NetGalley and Steve Williams for providing an advance review copy. This access allowed for a thorough engagement with a book that celebrates the chaos and courage of childhood—and the absurdity of alien math teachers.

Final Verdict
A stellar choice for libraries and classrooms, especially where humor and fast-paced storytelling are needed to ignite a love of reading. Subtract half a star for missed depth, but add a gold star for pure fun.