SPHDZ

Scieszka, J. (2010). //SPHDZ book #1!//. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster.

SPHDZ (Spaceheadz) tells the story about Michael, a new kid in a NYC school, who is paired with 2 other new kids (aliens) from another country (which is actually another world). They are there because they think Michael can help them convince people to become SPHDZ so Earth won't be turned off. It is a hysterical story about Michael and the aliens trying to stay out of trouble and save Earth.
 * Summary:**


 * Grade Level:** 3-6
 * Reading Level:** 4.2

1.1.6 Read, view, and listen for information presented in any format (e.g., textual, visual, media, digital) in order to make inferences and gather meaning 1.1.8 Demonstrate mastery of technology tools for accessing information and pursuing inquiry 1.4.1 Seek appropriate help when it is needed
 * Standards for the 21st Century Learner:**
 * 1. Inquire, think critically, and gain knowledge**

3.1.2 Participate and collaborate as members of a social and intellectual network of learners 3.2.2 Show social responsibility by participating actively with others in learning situations and by contributing questions and ideas during group discussions 3.3.7 Respect the principles of intellectual freedom
 * 3. Share knowledge and participate ethically and productively as members of our democratic society**

4.1.4 Seek information for personal learning in a variety of formats and genres 4.1.7 Use social networks and information tools to gather and share information 4.3.1 Participate in the social exchange of ideas, both electronically and in person 4.3.2 Recognize that resources are created for a variety of purposes 4.3.3 Seek opportunities for pursuing personal and aesthetic growth 4.3.4 Practice safe and ethical behaviors in personal electronic communication and interaction
 * 4. Pursue personal and aesthetic growth**

This book is the perfect option for the tech savvy student and the student who has been reading graphic/comic novels and is ready to move on to the more stereotypical novel format. For the tech savvy reader, there is an actual website that the text refers to where they can become SPHDZ themselves. The site includes games, SPHD name generator and many other components mentioned in the book. For the graphic novel reader, there are still plenty zany illustrations to keep them from getting overwhelmed, but there is also an increased amount of text**.**
 * Student's Personal Literature Selection:**

Michael's first day in fifth grade is not going well. A new school is bad enough, but the teacher has partnered him with two extremely weird kids. Bob and Jennifer tell Michael that they are Spaceheadz from another planet and that they need his help to save the world. They explain that Earth is in danger of being turned off, depriving the interstellar civilizations of our tasty TV and radio waves. Led by Major Fluffy, the class hamster and mission commander, they must recruit 3.14 million (+1) Earthling brainwaves to join in one giant SPHDZ wave to keep the planet online. However, Agent Umber of the secretive Anti-Alien Agency is on their trail. Umber, the most inept spy since Maxwell Smart, hopes that Michael can lead him to the ETs. Michael wants to save the Earth—but does that mean helping the Spaceheadz or turning them in? As in Scieskza's "Time Warp Trio" series (Viking), comically twisted contemporary cultural references abound. The young aliens speak primarily in TV advertising slogans, which fit remarkably—and hilariously—into the dialogue. Real commercial products, from George Foreman grills to Charmin™ toilet tissue, are put to exotic extraterrestrial uses. The intriguing book design includes chapter headings in English and SPHDZ characters, occasional white-on-black pages, and SPHDZ "stickers" scattered throughout the text. The black-and-white cartoon illustrations are often integrated into the text layout, giving the book a graphic-novel feel. Four creative, well-designed websites contribute important information to the story. Science-fiction fans with a taste for off-the-wall humor will be eager to join the SPHDZ movement.—Elaine E. Knight, Lincoln Elementary Schools, IL
 * School Library Journal Review 2010: (from Mackin)**