Too Many Interesting Things Are Happening to Ethan Fairmont

Book excerpt: Nick Brooks, award-winning filmmaker and author of Promise Boys, mixes out-of-this-world sci-fi with contemporary themes of friendship, community, and social justice in this hit middle-grade series. Ferrous City is suddenly a lot more interesting—in fact, a little too interesting for Ethan Fairmont. Ethan’s beloved neighborhood is full of new faces. Lifelong residents are being priced out of their homes, and new businesses are replacing old favorites. At school, Ethan finds a rival in new-kid Fatima, an inventor who is just as science savvy as him. She even has TWO patents! Then there’s the mysterious real estate agent with way too many questions for Ethan. Not to mention the extraterrestrial-obsessed Jodie and his “Aliens Are Here” club. It’s all too much for Ethan and he begins to miss Cheese, his adorable six-eyed alien pal, even more. Fortunately for Ethan and his friends Kareem and Juan Carlos, distraction comes in the form of a top-secret project. Cheese left a communication device under Ethan’s bed before exiting the planet. There’s just one problem: they can’t figure out how it works! As Ferrous City continues to change and eyes are everywhere, will the trio be able to keep their secret and reach Cheese, or is something nefarious brewing right next door? E.T. meets Stranger Things in the second title of this unforgettable sci-fi adventure series, perfect for readers ages 8 to 12.