For kids who feel different or face bullies, this book offers a thrilling adventure with Sawyer, a boy embracing his unique dinosaur self while saving his friends from a galactic fate.
A parent should reach for this book when their child is feeling like an outcast or is struggling with being different. It uses a fun, fantastical premise to explore the very real pain of bullying and the power of self-acceptance. Sawyer is a normal kid until he suddenly sprouts a dinosaur tail and spikes right before fifth grade. This makes him an immediate target for bullies. But when his tormentors are mysteriously abducted by aliens, Sawyer must team up with his best friend and a new girl to save them. This exciting sci-fi adventure is perfect for middle grade readers. It masterfully balances humor and action with heartfelt lessons on empathy, friendship, and what it means to be brave enough to be yourself.
Bullying is the central sensitive topic. It is handled directly, showing the emotional pain and social isolation it causes, but without graphic physical violence. The approach is secular and focuses on interpersonal dynamics. The resolution is hopeful: Sawyer gains confidence and even finds a way to empathize with his bullies. The story uses a sci-fi metaphor (alien abduction) to create a situation where victims must save their aggressors, forcing a look at empathy and justice.
Ideal Reader
An 8 to 11 year old who feels different or "weird" for any reason, whether physical, social, or interest-based. It is especially good for a child who is struggling with mild to moderate bullying and needs an empowering story that is not preachy. It is also perfect for kids who simply love dinosaurs, aliens, and a good adventure.
Parent Prep
The book can be read cold. The bullying scenes are realistic in their emotional impact but not overly intense. A parent might want to be ready to discuss why the bullies act the way they do and Sawyer's choice to save them. The concept of a "dinosaur gene" is pure fiction, so no scientific prep is needed. The child comes home from school and says, "The kids were making fun of me today," or "No one wants to play with me." A child expressing anxiety about a physical feature they feel is strange (e.g., glasses, braces, height) would also be a trigger moment for this book.
Age Experience
An 8-year-old will likely focus on the fun premise: a boy with a tail! They will enjoy the action, the aliens, and the clear good versus bad dynamic. A 12-year-old will pick up more on the nuances of the social dynamics, the themes of empathy, the challenge of helping someone who has hurt you, and the importance of true friendship.
What Makes It Special
While many books tackle bullying, this one wraps the theme in a high concept, funny, and exciting sci-fi adventure. It avoids being a heavy "problem novel." The metaphor is effective because the focus is on the action plot, allowing the emotional lessons about self-acceptance and empathy to sink in naturally through an entertaining story.
Read plot summary
Sawyer sprouts a dinosaur tail and spikes before fifth grade due to a latent "dinosaur gene." He faces relentless bullying from kids like JP and his crew. When the bullies start vanishing, Sawyer, his best friend Elliot, and a new student named Sylvie discover they are being abducted by aliens for an intergalactic zoo. The trio must use their unique skills, including Sawyer's new abilities, to infiltrate the alien ship and rescue their tormentors.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Sawyer decides to rescue JP and the other bullies, even though they were very mean to him. Why do you think he made that choice? Would you have done the same thing?
2
At the beginning of the book, Sawyer tries hard to hide his tail and spikes. How does he feel about them by the end of the story? What do you think changed his perspective?
3
Elliot is a great friend to Sawyer from the very beginning. What are some of the specific things he says or does that show he is a loyal friend?
4
The new student, Sylvie, has a secret of her own. How does her secret help her understand what Sawyer is going through and help them on their mission?
5
If you had a dinosaur gene, what kind of dinosaur features would you want to have and why?
