Earthlog, My Not So Normal Sixth Grade Year

by Dan H. Lawrence

Middle school feels like an alien planet for Jayden—awkward, chubby, and struggling to fit in after a summer of changes. But everything flips upside down when aliens arrive on Earth, and Zin, a curious extraterrestrial, becomes his new friend.

Together, they face school drama, dodgeball disasters, video game challenges, and even the Spring Fling—proving that being different might just make you extraordinary.

Packed with humor, heart, and a dash of sci-fi, Earthlog, My Not So Normal Sixth Grade Year is a relatable and fun-filled adventure about friendship, embracing who you are, and finding your place in the universe. Perfect for readers who love middle-grade adventures, laugh-out-loud moments, and unforgettable characters, this story is one you won’t want to miss!

122 pages, Paperback

Published June 26, 2025

About the author

Dr. Dan H. Lawrence is an author, librarian, educator, and lifelong learner who has spent nearly three decades working across libraries, nonprofits, and higher education. Across genres, he writes to inspire reflection, courage, and hope.

His fiction includes Earthlog, My Not So Normal Sixth Grade Year and the upcoming Logistical Edge trilogy—imaginative middle-grade and YA sci-fi stories that explore identity, resilience, and connection.

His nonfiction is intended for those navigating complex systems and tough decisions in values-driven fields. Dan writes for people who lead with care—whether they hold a title or not—and offers tools for showing up with clarity, courage, and integrity.

Dan lives in Colorado with his wife and son. He enjoys reading, traveling, woodcarving, and experimenting with a variety of musical instruments—enthusiastically, if not always skillfully.

Reviews

[Margaret]

I received a ARC free from Book Sirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
Wow! So well written.
Inspirational! Dealing with bullies. Teaching we should accept others for who they are. We are all different. Unique.

So well written.

[Book Enchanted]

Reading Earthlog, My Not So Normal Sixth Grade Year by Dan H. Lawrence felt like stepping back into those painfully awkward yet unforgettable middle school days, except this time there was an alien sitting at the lunch table. From the very first chapter, I found myself smiling because Jayden’s struggles, feeling out of place, noticing changes in his body, watching friendships shift, felt so authentic. It reminded me of how overwhelming those years can be, when even something as small as dodgeball feels like a defining moment.

But what made the story stand out for me was Zin. The way Lawrence wrote this alien character, fumbling through middle school culture while trying to understand humans, made me laugh out loud, but it also stirred something deeper. Watching Jayden and Zin build a friendship despite their obvious differences made me think about my own experiences of feeling “different” and how finding the right people to accept you can change everything.

The book managed to balance humor with heart. One page had me chuckling at cafeteria disasters, while the next left me reflecting on what it really means to belong. As I read, I found myself rooting not only for Jayden to reclaim his confidence, but also for Zin to feel at home in a place that didn’t exactly welcome outsiders easily.

By the end, I felt uplifted. This wasn’t just a funny middle grade story, it was a warm reminder that differences are worth celebrating.

[Sneha]

Sixth grade is already a circus, new body, shifting friendships, and way too much dodgeball. But Jayden’s year? Let’s just say “normal” left the chat the second Earth made first contact with aliens. 👽

Enter Zin, the alien exchange student nobody saw coming. Watching him try to survive cafeteria food, bullies, and a middle school dance? Absolute comedy gold. But somewhere between the awkward lunches and disasters, he and Jayden prove that being different isn’t weird, it’s powerful.

This book had me cracking up one minute and nodding along the next. It’s funny, smart, and sneaks in a big heart-to-heart lesson about belonging and owning your quirks. Basically, it’s the middle-grade story we all wish we had while suffering through puberty and gym class.

Dan H. Lawrence totally nailed the “growing up is awkward but also kinda epic” vibe. The mix of humor, friendship, and aliens makes Earthlog the kind of read that sticks with you. Teachers, parents, and honestly anyone who survived middle school, grab this one.

Aliens make middle school better. Period.

[Mike]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Let me start by saying that I am an adult, and this book is clearly targeted to an elementary school demographic. So this review is based on the perspective of someone in the targeted demographic.

Jayden is going into middle school, and his entire world has been turned upside down. He is no longer the athlete he use to be, he's gained a bit of weight, and he also got glasses (and not the cool kind). This may not seem like a big deal, but his friends, also trying to fit in, have decided that they don't have much in common anymore. Jayden feels like a complete outsider, that is, until he meets Zin, an alien kid.

This book sends a good message for those at an impressionable age. It covers topics of embracing what makes each of us unique, pushing back at bullies, and being accepting of those who are different from us.

[Debby]

This is a great story about middle-grade awkwardness! Written in journal form, Jayden writes down what it's like thinking that everyone in the whole school knows where they fit in, and he is the only odd man out. . . just like we have all felt at one time or another. So he gives up and just does what he loves, then an alien joins his school, even more odd than he is. A relatable character and a distinctive new friend have you excited to see what they will face next. A story for all, misfits or not! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am happy to share my thoughts about the story with you.