07/10/2023
Employing abundant research and humorous b&w sketches, McAnulty and Miles (Save the People) discuss the steps that scientists have taken to prove—or disprove—the possibility of life beyond Earth in this curiosity-stoking work. The author begins with an explanation of the Fermi paradox, or the “where is everyone?” quandary named after Italian physicist Enrico Fermi (1901–1954), which explores the idea that if technologically advanced beings existed beyond Earth, “we would have noticed them by now. They’re not here, so they must not exist.” Subsequent chapters offer contextualizing information about Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus (1473–1543) and Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei’s (1564–1642) early telescopes, Sputnik and Apollo launches, listening devices seeking alien transmissions, rumored UFO sightings and abductions, and insights into projected space missions as far out as 2040. Lighthearted jokes pepper conversational prose: “Now you may be asking, ‘What is a paradox?’ (Not to be confused with a ‘pair of docs,’ which is two physicians).” By highlighting sometimes contradictory hypotheses prevalent in the scientific community, McAnulty concludes that there is no concrete answer regarding the existence of alien life-forms, excitedly reminding readers that “the hunt has just begun” in this fascinating read. Ages 10–up. (Sept.)
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2023
*“Thoroughly clear, engaging, and fun…A superb resource for budding astronomers or a fascinating read for any kid.”—School Library Journal, starred review
*"In a wide-ranging consideration of the titular question...McAnulty lays out breezy but substantial histories of the universe, astronomy, and space exploration, along with logical and mathematical arguments...for the probability that we are not (or, conversely, might well be) alone."—Booklist, starred review
“Clear and fascinating . . . Terrific science for skeptics and hopeful sky watchers.”—Kirkus Review
“Employing abundant research and humorous b&w sketches, McAnulty and Miles (Save the People) discuss the steps that scientists have taken to prove—or disprove—the possibility of life beyond Earth in this curiosity-stoking work.”—Publishers Weekly
"McAnulty expertly walks you through the past, present and future of the search for alien life. Where are the Aliens? is the perfect book for any Homo sapiens hoping to better understand our place in the universe and whether we're the only ones here!"—Emily Calandrelli, host of Netflix’s Emily’s Wonder Lab and author of Stay Curious and Keep Exploring
Praise for Save the People: “One of the best non-fiction books I've read in a long time.”—Alan Gratz, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Two Degrees
“Stacy McAnulty has done the impossible: writing a book about mass extinction that is a joy to read. Save the People is engaging, funny, affecting and delightful. You’ll never have more fun learning science.”
—Stuart Gibbs, bestselling author of the Spy School series
“Serious science and great gags, with a bit of hope thrown in.”
—Steve Sheinkin, author of Bomb and Fallout
“A lighthearted look at global catastrophe. (Think The Uninhabitable Earth meets Captain Underpants.)”
—New York Times Book Review
*“This book is full of dire facts, but it’s not doom and gloom. Its lively, conversational tone with plenty of jocular asides keeps it unintimidating and accessible… Lively writing, pertinent science, and an urgent topic make this a must-read for all.”
—Kirkus Review, starred review
*"A casual but damning account of the future of our species, bound to turn many youngsters into climate activists."
—School Library Journal, starred review
"Cheeky banter wrapped around accessible science, a pages-long time line, charts, graphs, a bibliography, and extensive chapter notes contribute to this fresh take on saving our planet."
—Booklist
"What could easily come off as an apocalyptic, science-based horror story, author Stacy McAnulty instead handles with humor . . . backed by thorough research which is documented in an extensive notes section."
—School Library Connection
★ 11/10/2023
Gr 4–8—Whether tracing the history of the known universe or explaining the Fermi paradox—the mathematical concept that, if intergalactic travel were possible, Earth should have been visited by now—McAnulty's narrative is thoroughly clear, engaging, and fun. One chapter outlines the SETI project, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, another examines some of the history of UFO research. The tone throughout is informal, meandering, sometimes veering into corny (physicist Fermi is characterized as "a smarty-pants who won scholarships and studied at notable European universities"), appealing to the younger end of the likely age range, though it should engage many middle school readers. Illustrations are simple but effective and contribute to a consistently upbeat style. "Fun fact" boxes and sidebar texts, such as a profile of astronomer Jill Tarter or an explanation of naming conventions for exoplanets, provide complementary information and balance the often heady concepts of the main text. Extensive back matter includes comprehensive source notes, as well as a bibliography of favorite resources, a time line, glossary, and list of acronyms. McAnulty allows that no women or people of color were involved in the early days of SETI because "few non-white men were admitted to study in the STEM fields." VERDICT A superb resource for budding astronomers or a fascinating read for any kid with an interest, highly recommended for libraries serving elementary and middle school students.—Bob Hassett
2023-06-21
If we aren’t alone in the universe, then where is everybody?
McAnulty gives a shoutout to Fermi’s classic question, going on to examine the science and math that suggest—or refute—the possibility of life beyond Earth. With a brief roundup of facts as examples (the Earth is round, vaccines save lives), she is careful to demonstrate what is scientific consensus vs. speculation. The result is a compact but comprehensive overview of the history and current status of extraterrestrial exploration, whether via telescope, space probe, calculation, or imagination. McAnulty acknowledges the viewpoints of those (including astronomer Stephen Webb) who might be regarded as “Only Earth-ers” as well as those, whom she calls “Life Beyond Earth-ers,” who believe that life could be found elsewhere in the universe. She points out that a definitive answer is not currently available to us. The overviews of the history of astronomy (including the work of Copernicus, Galileo, and John Herschel) and space science and flight, focusing particularly on the later 19th century to the present, are clear and fascinating. Looks at Roswell, Area 51, and other unexplained encounters are included, contextualized with factual explanations and offered with a big grain of salt. The list of resources is very good, as are the meticulous source notes that offer ways for readers to further pursue the discussion. McAnulty’s informal, conversational style keeps the delivery of information entertaining and nicely paced.
Terrific science for skeptics and hopeful sky watchers. (timeline, acronyms, glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 9-14)