Super Spare Parts and the Nemerons from the Twelfth Quadrant

When Sam finds out that the doctor who created his prosthetic legs, hand and eye, also fixes up animals, he is amazed. He is even more amazed when he is shown the power their robotic attachments have. The Megaspares are saving the world and Sam is invited to join them.

Meanwhile, Marty and Pedro (a talking parrot), the eyes and ears of the streets, are observing four aliens disguised as tough boys, cause havoc around town.

This story is full of amazing gadgets - the kind that any kid spy would dream of. Pitched as a middle school story, the word ‘dick’ is scattered throughout. I was a little uncomfortable with the squeezing of a goldfish that was mistaken as a gadget and there is also a reference to an X-rated shop, which I think would go over many younger children’s heads. However, there are some super smart ideas such as ‘Volograms’ which are more advanced than holograms as they give out vibrations. This sparked an inquiry question for me and I have discovered that Volograms really are being developed.

Besides stopping the Aliens destroying the world by blowing up poo ponds, Sam is also navigating his friendship with Leo, who feels a little left behind by his friend’s new powers, as well as trying to impress Britney Morgan.

I think that the book will appeal to children who like a fast paced, plot driven story with words being used in a clever and humorous way.

Title: Super Spare Parts and the Nemerons from the Twelfth Quadrant

Author: C.J. Parker

Illustrator: Theo Macdonald

Publisher: Ahoy! ((Cuba Press)

ISBN: 9780995119710

RRP: $25

Format: paperback

Date of Publication: January 2019

Ages: 11+

Reviewer: Kirsten Puddick, Librarian, Holy Cross School, Wellington

How highly are you recommending this book? Recommended

What’s the book’s opening sentence? Sam stared around the huge room, wanting to appear cool, as if what he was seeing was normal – even though it wasn’t.