I love it when a book surpasses my expectations! And this book just kept getting better and better as I read through it. Set in the 1950s in a Texas town, the story starts when the military invades the town of Soledad. No one knows why, but us readers see the events unfold from the POV of Pineda, a Cuban American boy, who discovers someone (or something) in his barn.

There were so many layers to this story! It was action packed but I also loved the themes of friendship, acceptance, identity, courage that really came together beautifully ... which I wasn't expecting from an adventure book about aliens.

I want to comment on something else that may set this book apart. This book had "Moon Over Manifest" vibes. I love these types of books. Where you have an entire town coming together and putting aside their differences for a greater shared cause. And you get to love all the side characters as they show their own perspectives and experiences. This one was extra special as there POV chapters from each of the side characters towards the end of the book.

I expect to see it on my favorites when I do year end wrap ups and I consider this a strong Newbery contender!

Recommended for ages 9+.