Description: "Originally sent to Earth to observe and gather data, a trio of extraterrestrial smartass-holograph-research-units (SMHRs) discovers an interdimensional tear that allows negative energy into our world. Overstepping their mission, the SMHRs go off-script and decide to intervene by erasing this 'bad order' and restoring the natural 'good order' to Earth. Ill-equipped to fix this situation--because they have no consciousness--they recruit four youngsters to save the planet: Albert, the youngest, who, when in utero, encountered the dimension that contains all positive and negative thoughts and does not speak; his compassionate sister, Mary, with whom he communicates telepathically; Mary's clever best friend, Brit; and Brit's brave older brother. The emphasis here is on solving the problem rather than detailing the grisly consequences of it, which include paralyzing mass pessimism and uncontrolled violence spread through a red mist. Humor, particularly surrounding the SMHRs' appearance (their attempts to take human form are sloppily executed) breaks the tension, while short chapters with exciting cliffhangers propel the plot at a quick pace." -- The Horn Book Magazine "When 13-year-old Mary and her best friend, Brit, discover a mysterious red mist in the woods that overwhelms those nearby with negative thoughts, they'll need the help of Brit's older brother, Lars; Mary's younger brother, Albie; and three poorly disguised aliens to save their town and maybe the world from the interdimensional tear. Ultimately, their best weapon against the darkness is the light within themselves, and it's their everyday superpowers--being brave, clever, and kind--that save the day. The ridiculous aliens are a humorous highlight . . . might be a good fit for reluctant readers with its quick pacing, silly characters, and feel-good message." -- Booklist

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