Space Race

The plot may sound familiar: father and son aliens come to Earth to observe us humans. But the way the story develops is very much Waugh's own. For we find Thomas and his father just at the moment their mission is supposed to end. At first 11 year-old Thomas, who has grown into his human shape and life, resists. Then, in a bizarre accident, he is separated from his father, and time is running out for them to find one another and reach their spacecraft. While Waugh does what is necessary to make the science fiction work, she is rather shakier on the contemporary street and school life of 11 year-olds. Never mind, the drama is in the race against time; and the emotional interest is in the relationship of father and son, their loyalties to one another, and their separate hopes and obligations. Here, Waugh is sure-footed, and will keep 8-10 year-olds on the edge of their seats, as their sympathies swing back and forth, and the outcome remains in doubt to the very end. It is a pity the book does not have a more exciting title and cover.