I always enjoy David Lubar’s books. They are always fun with great characters and plots. This one is right on the mark for middle grade students who are looking for some entertaining science fiction.

I really like Nicholas. He just really wants to do the right thing, but somehow that always seems to backfire on him. It really isn’t his fault that the aliens he meets interpret his intentions so wrongly. And it all started with a simple misunderstanding too. But Nicholas takes it all in stride, even when a package of ground meet starts to talk to him! I’m not sure I could have been so smooth with that one.

Henrietta was perfect. She talked and acted exactly like I imagined a gerbil would if they could talk. She was a great sidekick and really helped Nicholas out when he needed it. Jeef was a bit harder to take. I just wasn’t sure about how a package of ground beef could suddenly be sentient, but I just decided to go with it. Jeef made for an interesting character.

Nicholas becomes friends with two aliens who were fun to read about. Clave was a social media hound who rescued Nicholas and helps him to understand and navigate through the universe. He was also funny and clever, even though his obsession to always be posting often got them into trouble. Spot was also a good hearted character that often helped Clave and Nicholas out of some tight spots.

The plot was well done, with good pacing and lots of action. Some of the science could be questionable, but the creativity of the worlds and cultures that Nicholas encounters certainly makes up for that. The style is definitely a homage to Douglas Adams. He gets the humor and fun of Hitchhikers Guide without becoming Douglas Adams. Most middle schoolers will not get this, but as an adult I thought it was fabulous. It might get some kids interested in Douglas Adams books which is always a plus.

Overall, this was a fantastically funny read that kept a smile on my face even after I was done.

Nicholas is a seventh grader who gets in trouble in school, probably because his parents are off traveling and he is living on his own, having finagled his way out of staying with an aunt and uncle. No matter-- he is soon whisked away into space, along with his hamster, Henrietta, and a package of ground beef. He accidentally smashes some Craborzi, who are trying to take him, and some of their technology makes Henrietta self-aware and makes her able to talk to Nicholas. The same is true of the package of ground beef, which Nicholas dubs "Jeef". Considered a brutal assasin, Nicholas is now on the run. With the help of Menmar space pirate Clave, the trio start their adventure through space. Having to deal with President Nixon, Zefinoran planet torchers, and beagle headed Beradaxians isn't easy, nor is Jeef's lack of refrigeration, but the group manages to survive and, oh, yeah, Nicholas gets crowned Emperor of the Universe, which will make the second book in the series interesting indeed!

Strengths: Like Lubar's Weenies short story collections, this is packed with funny thoughts and lines. Henrietta is absolutely adorable, and Clave's desire to rule the intergalactic social media world an inspiration. Nicholas is just clueless enough to get himself into scrapes, but smart enough to get himself out. The variety of space aliens and different planets and technologies is impressive. This was a fun, quick read.
Weaknesses: This falls on the elementary side of the Pilkey line. I think it was the talking package of ground beef that pushed it over. Middle school students would only buy that if the packaged of ground beef stabbed someone in a violent and gory manner!