A shape-shifting stowaway, a motley crew of space pirates, and a gung-ho agent of an autocratic interstellar government walk into the galley of a spaceship.... Ripped from the lonely dark of deep space, Trouble remembers that they are on the run from something unknown, that they are seeking something--though they don't recall what--and that they are not just a shape-shifter, but the only one. When they are captured by StarLeague soldiers who are after a dangerous prison escapee, they turn into a dog and manage to get away, hitching a ride on the dilapidated cargo ship Hindsight. Trouble (now assuming the form of a pale, brown-haired human child) falls in with the ace crew of the intrepid Capt. Astra. Gradually, they come to find companionship among the crew of misfits--even a hitherto-unfamiliar sense of home. But when a surprise StarLeague attack prompts Trouble to make a truly monstrous shift, they and their new family must undertake the most dangerous mission of their lives. The story starts off a bit clumsily before settling into a conversational tone and slapdash action sequences. Once it hits its stride, however, it plows onward with admirable pluck, energetically wrestling with topics like love, family, forgiveness, and the definition of humanity--while simultaneously embarking on a space chase that would feel right at home in the world of Star Wars. Unexpectedly out of this world. (Science fiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Gr 4--8--A humorous science fiction adventure that is perfect for Star Wars fans looking for something new in the genre. Trouble is a shapeshifter who escaped from a prison and has no memory of their past. They stow away onboard a ship called the Hindsight disguised as a young white boy. But the Galactic Government, called Starleague, is after them, determined to bring Trouble back to the prison. To avoid a confrontation with Starleague, the Captain decides to help Trouble find the other shapeshifters. They must seek out an all-knowing being called "The Knowledge," who might have answers about the other shapeshifters and where Trouble came from. But a secret is revealed that will change everything. This is a new sci-fi classic for kids. Trouble's engaging narration seamlessly explains spaceship terms like bridge, hatch, mess, and galley. The vocabulary is perfectly blended in with an engaging, laugh-out-loud story that kids will enjoy. VERDICT A great choice for middle grade collections and for readers looking for humorous, action-packed science fiction.--Patrick Tierney, Pascoag P.L., RI