Eighth Grade vs. the Machines

Description

After the entire population of Earth's solar system is whisked away by alien technology, Jack and his classmates and teachers aboard the PSS 118 are the only humans left. It's up to them to find and rescue the rest of humanity--if they can avoid the aliens hunting them down, steer clear of a robot civil war, and figure out who among them might be a traitor. "Hilarious, high-stakes, un-put-downable fun."--Jarrett Lerner, author of the EngiNerds series "Another amazing trip across the galaxy with the students of PSS 118!"-- Monica Tesler, author of the Bounders series

Joshua S. Levy was born and raised in Florida. After teaching middle school (yes, including seventh and eighth grade) for a little while, Josh went to law school. He lives with his wife and children in New Jersey, where he practices as a lawyer. Unfortunately, outer space doesn't come up in court nearly as often as he'd like.

"Public School Ship 118 is ready to launch. The crew of students and teachers has been grounded on Earth while rebuilding the ship after a harrowing escape from the Minister, an evil alien Queen who made the rest of the human race vanish. This sequel to Seventh Grade vs. the Galaxy once more follows underdogs Jack, Ari, and Becka as they work together to find the missing global population. Instead of a glorious return to space, PSS 118 is captured by a robot army under secret orders from the Minister. Former allies and new friends join the battle against the oppressive Minister and her tyrannical plans. This middle grade space opera is heavy on the action, with fight and chase scenes dominating the narrative. As in the first installment, the irreverent sense of humor and obvious nods to sci-fi tropes keep the tone lighthearted and comedic. Fans of the genre will appreciate the numerous references to futuristic tech and weaponry. Romance between Ari and Becka is briefly hinted at; overall, friendship and collaboration dominate. The three main protagonists are cued as white. VERDICT A goofy, fast-paced interstellar adventure. Recommended for purchase where the first title is popular."--School Library Journal -- "Journal" (11/1/2021 12:00:00 AM) "Six months ago, Jacksonville Graham and his entire school were whisked across the galaxy and into a heated confrontation with a nefarious alien race. Now, they have arrived back on Earth, but every one of their human friends and family has disappeared without a trace. Repairing their damaged vessel--the PSS 118--is only the first of the problems they must solve; together, Jack and his classmates must bravely navigate the unknowns of the universe to outsmart the dreaded Minister and bring their loved ones back home. This second in its series picks up shortly after the first book ends, focusing once again on Jack, who has recently entered the eighth grade. Reminders of events from the first book are interjected in helpful moments in this narrative, but it is best for readers to have experienced Jack's seventh grade adventure before reading this one. The dynamic in this story shifts from the first book to include perspectives from two of Jack's friends, Ari and Becka, and their unique voices give readers a deeper understanding of what is happening while adding complexity to the storytelling. As the protagonists grow and mature, they are thrust into an even more important challenge in this book, requiring them to enhance their leadership qualities while puzzling out the solution to an unprecedented problem. Even in the reaches of space, bullies abound, and it requires teamwork and camaraderie for Jack and his friends to ensure the safety of those they love. Funny, action-packed, and thoroughly engaging, this accessible middle grade story welcomes readers into the future with open arms by frequently breaking the fourth wall and incorporating characters who are at once familiar and relatable. This is a delightful addition to library collections for middle grade readers with an interest in sci-fi literature, friendship, and humor. Reviewer Rating 5" -Children's Literature -- "Website" (7/8/2022 12:00:00 AM) "The students of Public School Spaceship 118 face threats both new and continuing as they get set to hunt for the rest of the human race--which has mysteriously vanished. Though he barely gives the main plotline set up in Seventh Grade vs. the Galaxy (2019) a nudge forward, Levy does pitch his three main characters--Jack, Becka, and Ari--into a nonstop whirl of captures, escapes, betrayals, exchanges of blaster fire, racing hoverbikes, and fresh tussles with both interstellar queen bee the Minister and school bully Hunter. Repaired at last and outfitted with upgraded weaponry, the school lifts off from the depopulated Earth . . . and is immediately hijacked by rebellious robots who have taken over a gigantic space mall and declared independence. Along with tucking in clear signs (from a robot buccaneer complete with peg leg to encounters with a furry alien and her moms from the planet Meerkat Prime) that despite all the gunplay none of this should be taken too seriously, the author closes with a broad hint that either someone has a hidden agenda or it's all been just a VR simulation. Curiosity about which it is, plus the nonstop action, may keep readers forging on as cryptic clues lead from a library planet to a second uninhabited world yet to be visited. Aside from occasional name cues, markers of race or ethnicity are minimal; the three leads read as White. Thin on character and plot development but action aplenty."--Kirkus Reviews -- "Journal" (8/15/2021 12:00:00 AM)