Halfway across the Galaxy and Turn Left by Robin Klein

Friday Old Favourite

Blurb: "I don't think I can bear this exile,' said Mother on the family's second day on planet earth. 'It may not be for as long as we think,' replied X. 'At any moment Lox could beam us saying 'Come home, all if fogiven.' But it wasn't to be as easy as that. Even with their extraterrestrial powers, learning earth customs caused all sorts of problems for the crazy alien family from Zyrgon."

Why oh why oh why is this fabulous book out of print?  I despair.  Luckily I imagine you will be able to find a copy in a school library - this is where I found mine. If you have never read Halfway across the Galaxy and turn left you are in for a real treat and if you read it some time ago (as I did in 1985) I highly recommend you revisit this brilliant story. You could also look for the sequel Turn right for Zyrgon.

Why do I love Halfway Across the Galaxy and Turn left by Robin Klein first published in 1985.

Quirky and perfect character names: X; Qwrk; Dovis; Lox and Aunt Hecla.

A character you truly care about: X has moved her family halfway across the galaxy to escape the authorities on Zyrgon who suspect her father has been engaging in illegal gambling. X is the family organiser a role she takes very seriously. She has prepared and researched their new life on earth but there is so much she does not know. The responsibility of taking care of her family is just way to much for this young girl and then there is the awful bullying she must endure at school along with the constant fear of making mistakes on this new planet.

The individuality of each member of the family: Qwrk is a five year old genius who discovers he is also a spectacular musician; Dovis can levitate and recite poetry and she is so utterly beautiful every one who meets her is entranced; father is a talented gambler but he is also a brilliant cook; and mother is an amazing fashion designer. 

I re-read Halfway across the Galaxy and Turn left in one sitting today. I loved it all over again. In this blog post from 2015 you can read more about this book. Halfway across the Galaxy and Turn left would be a perfect class read aloud book for Grade 4 or 5. 

I have now discovered a Television series was made based on this book. There were 28 thirty minute episodes.