The Visitor (Animorphs #2)

So many children’s series get a bad rep for being money-making machines rather than enriching children’s minds with important themes. Instead critics argue that series like The Babysitter’s Club, Goosebumps, and Animorphs are just mindless forms of entertainment, or the literary equivalent of SpongeBob (who I love by the way). K.A. Applegate’s Animorphs series helps prove otherwise with the introduction of important themes from the second book on.

In "Animorphs #2: The Visitor," Applegate delivers the mature theme of a teen’s need for parental guidance. Rachel’s friend Melissa is the daughter of assistant principal Chapman, one of the leading Human-Controllers on Earth. To make matters worse, Melissa’s mama is also being controlled by an evil alien slug. This enslavement has led to Melissa’s parents no longer showing love and guidance to their daughter. Melissa is in such a funk, understandably, that she is unable to function in school, gymnastics, and friendships. Rachel learns through some stealthy cat morph spying that Melissa’s dad does in fact love her and chose to volunteer for Yeerk enslavement on the condition that his daughter would be left alone by the aliens. Upon discovering this, Rachel leaves an anonymous note for Melissa to let her know that her parents really do love her, giving Melissa a much-needed emotional boost.

Now, if Animorphs was just going to be all glitz, glam and explosions, Rachel would have simply morphed into some saber-toothed beast and ripped Chapman to shreds. Instead, the book delivers the message not only of the need for parental guidance and love, but the importance of friends helping friends in need through Rachel’s determination to help Melissa.

Debunking critics, "Animorphs #2: The Visitor" is not just a flash in the pan. The book offers a quick glimpse into the thoughtful themes the entire series presents, helping enrich young readers’ minds while also serving up loads of sci-fi entertainment.