Thanks to Steve Small man, NetGalley, and the publisher for a free copy of the book.

Maggie and Arthur are growing up and learning that sometimes different interests can limit time together. Maggie doesn't really understand or approve of no longer being the odd twosome. Meanwhile Arthur is excited to join a new group of friends who love science too.

This was a fun, fast read that teaches lessons on how to be independent but still close friends. That it's okay to find different facts and hobbies interesting. For a young readers, this is the perfect example because ultimately they find a compromise. And both still care about each other's happiness.

Made for parents with kids transitioning from lower elementary ages to second and third grade.

It was pretty good. Some parts were not engaging for my kids. The ebook version was formatted oddly, so it was difficult to navigate.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a great kids chapter book. This series is so much fun and kids will love it. I hope for more books in this series to be shared with kids.

Very cute, but not my fave Maggie Sparks!

Overall: 4⭐
Plot/Lesson:° 4📍
Smiles: 4😂
Illustrations: 4 🖌️
Suggested Ages: 5 - 8 y/o

Themes:
STEM/Space, big feelings when encountering bias perceived or real, magic, and friendship!

A's” Review:^
Chuck wasn't very nice and Mommy says we can still be polite and kind. That those two words don't have to mean nice. I think I understand the difference. But I know I understand the difference between how Maggie feels when Arthur seems to ignore her for his Space friends.

I like to read a lot and sometimes my friends just want to play on the playground instead of reading with me. But I just have to remember, "Only I can control me". So I can choose to let people's actors hurt my feeling OR I can choose to ignore that. Sometimes people like different things and they don't mean to leave people out.

C's Review:*
(Full review to come)

"Mom's” Review:
While I really enjoyed the story overall, I'm not sure I cared for how one adult-character interacted with the children. I understand this was meant to be a contrast for modeling good and bad behaviors but adults not acting as adults in children's literature never sits right with me. At the age this book is geared towards, I'm not sure they'll understand the nuance quite yet.

Regardless, that was the biggest lesson/discussion with the girls that stemmed from the book - those teachable moments are always a bonus. And I did enjoy the real space facts sprinkled throughout the story.

Dad's” Review:
(Full review to come!)

Thank you to Steve Smallman, Esther Hernando, Jolly Fish Press, & NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
All opinions are our own.

° = Our Plot/Lesson rating is how well the kiddos picked up on the morals/lessons learned or well received the facts were.
^ = A, "Ready to Read" level 3, voracious reader
* = C, learning her letters, but memorizes stories well!

I received an electronic ARC from North Star Editions through NetGalley.
Maggie is back and having some difficulty figuring out her friendship with Arthur. He has joined the science club and has become more serious. When they all go on a field trip, she stands up for him and then uses her magic to help him. However, things go wrong and readers see how quickly rumors can start. As expected, her grandfather is able to fix everything in the end.
A delightful and fun filled series for mid elementary level readers.

A magical mix of friendship, science, and spacey fun!"
Maggie Sparks is back—and this time, she’s trying to fit in with Arthur’s science-loving friends. With her usual spark (and a touch of magic), Maggie brings a sweet and funny story about being yourself, supporting your friends, and believing in big dreams—even outer space ones! Perfect for young readers who love a little STEM with their spells.

Maggie Sparks and the Alien Invasion was my first introduction to the Maggie Sparks series. It was very fun! I enjoyed the underlying themes of being accepted for who you are, standing up to bullies, and engaging with your friend's interests even if they are not what you are interested in. I thought the storyline was fun and the illustrations went along perfectly. I would highly recommend this book!