The Rudest Alien on Earth

by Jane Leslie Conly

Earth isn’t just another planet—it might be a place to call home

In Oluu’s world, the young are programmed to take advice from the Wise Ones, load it into their systems, and follow it. Oluu does not always run so smoothly, and the Wise Ones worry about her carelessness. In spite of these concerns, Oluu is given a chance to redeem herself when she is sent on a research mission to Earth. This time, however, she must follow rules, or face the consequences.

Oluu takes on several different forms while she begins to learn about life on Earth. When she first meets Molly Harkin, she is an energetic Border collie, and although Molly tries to look out for her new and unusual dog friend, Oluu gets into trouble before long and must choose a new form. She spends time as a bird, and, to Molly’s delight, as a pony. But no matter which form she takes, Oluu can’t seem to help attracting dangerous attention. When a boy named Jack becomes a little too interested in a certain pony, Molly doesn’t know whether she’ll ever see either of them again.

272 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2002

About the author

Daughter of author Robert C. O'Brien.

Reviews

[Shannon]

read this book in fourth grade and it must have been good because I'm a freshmen and can still remember it!

[Samarth]

Oluu, an independent-minded, impulsive young alien, lands on a Vermont farm and, in very short order, breaks every rule established by the Wise Ones in her galaxy. Rather than "wait and watch," for example, the invisible Oluu decides to assume the shape of the border collie she spies, which belongs to 10-year-old Molly's family. Molly, of course, is amazed when the new dog mimics her speech and eventually begins communicating with her in English. When the dog incarnation gets Oluu into trouble, she changes into a bird; subsequent identities include a fly, pony, cat, etc. Violating more rules ("Tell no one"; "Do not under any circumstances form an attachment to the subject matter"), Oluu reveals her identity and befriends not only Molly but her lonely, brainy friend Jack, who shares Oluu's math power. Disaster comes when Jack gets hit by a car and loses most of his memory.

[Hayley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Author: Jane Leslie Conly
Illustrator: Loren Long
Genre: Science Fiction
Grade Level: 5.3
Lexile: 810L

Summary: This is the story of Oluu, a hardheaded young alien who upsets the elders from her galaxy. Oluu is sent on a research mission to Earth where she takes the forms of various animals and continues trying to break rules. Against orders she reveals herself to new friends and starts to learn their customs. Unfortunately, no matter what Uluu can’t seem to stop getting dangerous attention. Teachers can use this book to help students see how people from other cultures are accepted. Personally I think it would be a confusing book to have students read.

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so funny, esp Oluu. She's so rude. But she's so funny. I hope you understnad. The plot's not very good, and very predictable, but heartwarming. You know, I don't get the end. What does Mrs. Turner have to do with it? What did Oluu choose? Who is Luna? Who is the grandmother? I don't get the end.

[Kate Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

A playful alien assumes the shape of several earth organisms, but soon ignores the strict rules of her mission and reveals herself to a human child.

[Susan Kienlen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book. I think it was interesting how the alien described things on earth. I liked how the 2 children reacted to the alien.

[Cheyanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is one of the most akward books I have ever read. I like, however, The settings and the characters.