The Invasion (Animorphs Book 1)

This is the way to get kids hooked on a series, folks! In fact, it’s the book series that got me hooked on reading as a young kid in the ‘90s, and I’m so glad Scholastic is starting a reissue of the series. If any of you knows an 8-10 year-old boy who is reluctant to read, throw him the first “Animorphs” book and wham! He’ll be hooked!

There are a multitude of things that make the series so wonderful. First and foremost, these five kids have one cool power. The ability to morph into any animal in the universe (not just the planet!) is something that I think any kid, or grown-up for that matter, would love. Who wouldn’t want to be able to fly miles high as a hawk, or swim fathoms deep as a dolphin? Find me one person.

Next, this series incorporates some pretty cool sci-fi action. The Animorphs have to save the world from an extraterrestrial invasion, all with the help of another alien species. Throw in a few space ships, literally out-of-this-world alien warriors, and some high-powered laser beams and you’ve got enough sci-fi thrills to keep any kid occupied for hours.

What I think is most important about these books is they incorporate important themes for young readers to think about. These include issues of identity, family, friendship, honesty, integrity, etc., etc., etc. The list goes on and on. That a book series can tackle such important lessons all while maintaining a steady level of sci-fi entertainment is pretty admirable.

“Animorphs #1: The Invasion” is the perfect beginning to this amazing series. K.A. Applegate gives readers just enough detail on this stellar intergalactic battle she has created to really get you hooked. Now if only I could find an Andalite somewhere, I’d love to get my hands on a morphing cube!