Using his trusty laptop to communicate with the (probably imaginary) mother ship, space traveler Julian Rodriguez resumes his unhappy reports about earthlings. This time, it is Thanksgiving that nearly compels him to vaporize the planet. The humiliation of being pinched by "genetically linked mini-brains" (relatives), the lunacy of having to interact with "Obnoxatron" (his twin cousins), the uncomfortable "ceremonial costume" he is forced to don e earthly indignities shall never cease! Crammed with drawings so angular readers will have to slow down to untangle them, this entry in the Julian Rodriguez series is even sharper and funnier than the first.

In his second "episode," Julian continues to believe he has been sent to Earth to observe and report on human behavior, this time as people celebrate Thanksgiving. In addition to facing parental indignities, Julian suffers through a visit from the extended family ("genetically linked mini-brains"). The amusing text is well paired with squiggly-lined black-and-white illustrations, including cartoon panels, accented with orange.

Gr 2-5 In this follow-up to Trash Crisis on Earth (Scholastic, 2008), Julian is still acting like an undercover operative for a galactic federation placed on Earth to observe human family rituals. This story focuses on the arrival of relatives for Thanksgiving dinner. Julian is required to sleep in the basement when company occupies his room, play football with his twin cousins, dress formally for dinner, and endure the indignity of having his cheek spit-cleaned by a solicitous nana. Illustrated in black, white, and orange, the pen-and-ink drawings have a scrabbly energy that looks messy at first blush, but provides clear storytelling throughout. The alternating format of the inquiring computer and Julian's report to the federation provides solid read-aloud opportunities. The potential humor exists in the contrast between the ordinariness of the events and the dry, anthropological tone of the descriptions of them, and the arch regard Julian has for humankind. The comic-book panels and narrative balloons are kept to a minimum; this is less of a graphic novel than an illustrated book with some comic-book elements. Benjamin Russell, Belmont High School, NH