The Truth About Martians

Narrator Lincoln Hoppe conveys a range of emotions in this historical fiction reminiscent of E.T. and set in 1947 Roswell, New Mexico. One night, after witnessing a crash next to his ranch, 11-year-old Mylo, whose brother has recently died, hears a mysterious voice in his head "whisper-scream" for help. Mylo and his best friend, Dibs, venture into the desert and find the wreckage of a flying saucer. Hoppe's portrayal of Mylo is thoughtful and serious, while Dibs's openhearted enthusiasm and swagger bring humor. These contrasts effectively balance Mylo's heartrending grief with the more adventurous aspects of the story. Listeners will relate to the boys' genuine friendship, though contemporary listeners may be jarred by a scene that describes playing "cowboys and Indians." S.C. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine