The UFO Files: Notes on an Alien Encounter

The UFO Files are the recently de-classified notes on a moment that captivates humanity: the arrival of an alien spacecraft on Planet Earth.

The year is 2033. An investigator known only as Polaris has compiled this report into every aspect of the spaceship and the beings that built it. Piece by piece, uncover a thrilling narrative of courage and curiosity during this closest of encounters, while delving into the cutting-edge science and technology that help Polaris understand – and welcome – these visitors from a distant star system.

Read the torn-out headlines announcing an unexplained radio signal from outer space, then learn all about the electromagnetic spectrum and how we use it to communicate. Come face to face with the flying drones that emerge from the spacecraft, then delve into how dragonflies have mastered the art of flight. And as the mystery of who or what lies within the spaceship unfolds, discover the animals on Earth – including glowing squid and photosynthetic sea slugs – that are so strange as to be almost alien.

Every beat of the story is supported by clear, concise explanations of mind-blowing science for 9–12-year-olds, as well as out-of-this-world illustrations by Weston Wei.

Other topics include:

• Nuclear fusion and clean energy
• Using AI to decode an unknown language
• Exoplanets, stars and astronomy
• The Fermi paradox and the likelihood of alien life
• How rockets fly
• Many, many more
  
  

The UFO Files is not just a compelling sci-fi story or a primer on core STEM subjects – it's both at once! Above all, it is a celebration of scientific curiosity, tolerance and the awe that comes when we open our minds to the stars and wonder whether we are not alone.

Kathryn Hulick is a freelance writer, editor and former Peace Corps volunteer. She writes regularly for Science News for Students and Muse magazine. She has also published numerous nonfiction books on topics such as video games, artificial intelligence, energy technology and dinosaurs. Hulick’s favorite part of writing about science is getting to speak with researchers in many different fields. Once, she spoke with an expert on parallel universes while he was shoveling snow from his driveway. Another time, she called a biologist who was out in the field in Africa, watching a herd of elephants. In addition to writing, she enjoys hiking, gardening, painting, and reading. Hulick lives in Massachusetts with her husband, son, and dog.

Weston Wei is an illustrator from China who now lives in New York City. Weston’s visual practices focus on communicating stories and emotions. His arts aim to build an immediate and direct emotional connection with his audience. Influenced by surrealist art, fashion styling, and pop culture, he loves drawing figures with vivid colors and meticulous details. He describes himself as a 55% extrovert and 45% introvert, which is why he chose to live in the most crowded city in the world but spent lots of time in his room and drawing alone.