On GoodReads, a former primary school teacher has this to say about what she calls "a brilliant story that will really appeal to early readers of chaptered books":
"As a teacher, I could easily have used this story to help children explore relationships, to decide on an alternative alien invading force and how to counteract them, to rewrite specific sections from an alternative viewpoint (e.g. that of the aliens or Ferdinand) . . . . etc. Lots of potential activities from a brilliant story that children will enjoy reading independently."
This is the kind of review that can ruin me as a kids' author. Alien Invasion in My Backyard is a story about robots, aliens, Earth-saving heroics, and spelunking! If kids knew a teacher thought it could be used constructively and enjoyably in the classroom, they'd push it to the side of the plate like so much steamed broccoli.
So, educators: I'm glad if you enjoy the book, and thrilled if you think you can use it to help kids learn. And please spread the word. But if any kids catch you with this information, DENY EVERYTHING.