The Computer Nut

by Betsy Byars

Kate discovers a secret admirer when an intruder, who identifies himself BB-9, an alien comedian monitoring Earth's computer network, ties into her home computer

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Middle Grade, Novels

153 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Betsy Byars was an American author of children's books. She wrote over sixty books for young people. Her first novel was published in 1962. Her novel Summer of the Swans won the 1971 Newbery Medal. She also received a National Book Award for Young People's Literature for The Night Swimmers and an Edgar Award for Wanted ... Mud Blossom!!

Daughters Betsy Duffey and Laurie Myers are also writers.

Reviews

[Heather]

A bizarre alien/computer book from the 80s. Weird.

[Ms. Yingling]

Library copy

I can't. I just can't. Kate is working on the computer in her father's office, drawing a picture of herself, when she gets a message. She has to go home, so can't get it until the next day. It turns out to be a space alien who wants to make contact, and tries to arrange to meet Kate and her friends. No! Kate! I don't know how you managed to get online (Prodigy? A university server?), but someone claiming to be alien? Clearly, predator. Run. Tell a trusted adult. Also, since the alien is CONSTANTLY TYPING IN ALL CAPS, it's clearly angry.

I am embarassed that I kept this even for a unit on historical fiction.

[An0ther]

The most 80's book I've ever read.

[Michele]

Review from when I was a children's librarian. Kate, a lover of computers, received a strange message from a secret admirer. Convinced it is an alien but hoping for her crush Willie Lomax, she enlists the help of her best friend. She concocts a scheme which backfires and she almost makes an enemy of Willie. This is not Byar's best but it will probably keep kids reading. On the positive side, the computer nut/main character is a female.

[Codi Lessner]

Cute book. Definitely enjoyed it.

[Kelly]

Reminds me of the song "Deeper Understanding" by Kate Bush!

[Josiah]

This is one of the sweetest, most uniquely endearing books I have read in some time.

I don't know how Betsy Byars conjured this wonderfully imaginative story into existence, but I'm glad she did. Surprisingly humorous and touching, I feel that The Computer Nut succeeds in exceptional measure, adding charming dimension to the library of books authored by the one and only Betsy Byars.

The Computer Nut isn't one of Betsy Byars's best-known novels, but it shines with a light that is rare in the world of kid lit. I loved BB-9, Willie, and Kate (but especially BB-9), and to me this book will always be special.

[Elizabeth Gibbs]

I was disappointed in the lack of plot. The idea of meeting an alien on a computer was great but the dialog between the kids and the "alien" left a lot to be desired. This was published in 1984, before meeting people online became normal. Of course, even today it would be odd to hear someone claim to be an alien! This book had so much potential and I feel sad that it wasn't better.

Note: Two girls in the book were talking about Klinger from MASH. I thought it was cool that it was written during a time period when kids would know who Klinger was.

[Bella]

Well, this was an okay book. Really an easy read, I read it in about an hour. It's probably a fifth-grade level :P ... or lower, ha ha. This seems more fitting for an episode than a book, you know what I mean? I didn't really think it was fitting enough for a book, maybe something more like, a Wizards of Waverly Place episode or something, ha ha.

[Roberto Scarlato]

Corny, but entertaining. This book was a classic. A girl, finishing up homework on a business computer gets contacted by an extraterrestrial life form who suggests that he is visiting earth soon. They keep in communication throughout the whole book. Whether the alien is real or just a prank is really up to the reader to decide.

[L]

Betsy Byars was one of my favorite authors as a child. I remember reading and loving every one of her books I could find. This one turned up recently when I was cleaning, and was not one I remembered, but was lots of fun to read, even as an adult.

[Peas]

it was a great book!and very interesting!i just picked it up and didnt even read the backi didnt no wat would happen!it was really good its my favorite

[Brittney]

i totally love this book its awsewome i
cant believe i finished it

[Theo]

This was an ok book. I kinda liked it but not a lot.

[Pulkit]

cool

[Vishu]

This is a very interesting book by Betsy Byars. It is about a girl who talks with an alien.

[Jocelyn Montalvo Cullum]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14138349

[Katy]

Love BB. Reading all her books with my son.

[Catherine Mustread]

Young Readers Choice 1987 nominee - might seem dated a generation later.

[Readrunlive]

A very odd book from the 80s about an alien using a computer. Very strange.