Alien in My Pocket #4: On Impact!: The Fourth Adventure - A Science Comedy for Young Readers (Ages 6-10)

This must-read Alien in My Pocket book is the fourth in the series by Nate Ball, the host of PBS's Design Squad and Design Squad Nation. In this hilarious new adventure, Zack and his alien friend, Amp, learn about friction, deceleration, and how to soften a crash-landing.

When Zack McGee crashes his bike, he's stuck at home with his arm in a sling and his baseball season on the line. What's worse, his bike crashed because his four-inch-tall houseguest, Amp, experimented on the brakes! Now Zack is easy prey for his little brother, Taylor, who's determined to find out once and for all what mysteries Zack has hidden in his pocket.

Like every book in the Alien in My Pocket series, On Impact! mixes Common Core–aligned science and safe, hands-on experiments with a hilarious story that young readers will love.

Publishers Weekly said of Alien in My Pocket: Blast Off!: "With its screwball comedy and lively dialogue, the novel gives readers the opportunity to laugh as they learn."

Supports the Common Core State Standards

What happens when a bike crash turns into a hilarious science experiment, all while trying to hide a tiny blue alien?

• Secret Alien Hijinks: Zack has to keep his four-inch-tall friend Amp hidden, which is tough when Amp is the reason his bike has no brakes!
• Hands-On Experiments: Learn about friction and how to soften a crash landing with a fun, safe egg-drop experiment you can try yourself.
• Laugh-Out-Loud Humor: Perfect for young readers who love funny stories, with screwball comedy and a hero who just can’t catch a break.
• STEM for Young Readers: An exciting story that cleverly weaves in Common Core-aligned science concepts, making learning feel like an adventure.

Nate Ball is the host of the Emmy and Peabody award-winning PBS reality shows Design Squad and Design Squad Nation. An MIT graduate with a master’s in mechanical engineering, Nate is also the cofounder of Atlas Devices, a two-time All-American pole-vaulter, and a competitive beatboxer. He lives with his wife in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Macky Pamintuan is an accomplished artist who lives in the Philippines with his wife, Aymone; their baby girl, Alison; and a West Highland white terrier named Winter.