When Kambia Elaine Flew in from Neptune (2000) (edit title/settings)

• Rated 4 stars

“so far i really like this book because its really funny and filled with action. my favorite character is grandmother augustine because she is very loyal to her grandchildren and she really makes me laugh.”

• Rated 5 stars

“I really liked this book. The subject matter might be very sensitive for some, I'll warn you about that. The characters are great, their lives are realistic, and they provide a window into a culture that some of us may not be familiar with. Again, some mature content, but a great read.”

• Rated 5 stars

“Very good book exploring the relationship between mothers and daughters as well as friendships, especially with the odd people we meet in life. Parents should be warned that this book does contain mature themes (child abuse, sexual abuse) and although it is written from the point of a fifth or sixth grader, is NOT appropriate for those grades. ”

• Rated 5 stars

“This book touches base with a tender topic, child sexual abuse. Most adults don't want children to read it. It is often believed that we should be protected from the real world, and horrible things that happen in it. But the truth is, we need to be shown what is really going on, so that we aren't living in some fantasy."When Kambia Elaine Flew In From Neptune" is so honest and unflinching, showing us the cruelities that can really happen there. Even though this book was an eye-opener for me, the author seemed to give it a sort of dream like haze espicially Kambia Elaine herself. I can't wiat to read her next book.”

• Rated 5 stars

“Once again I'm reading YA books since I work at a HS library. This book shows how young people can deal with abuse in different ways. The main character Shayla is not directly being abused, but she stands by her best friend promising to keep a secret until she can keep it no longer. There is drama in Shayla's life but she overcomes it through her writing and supportive mother and grandmother.”

• Rated 5 stars

“Very good book I loved it.”

• Rated 5 stars

“The book “When Kambia Elaine Flew in from Neptune” was written by Lori Williams. I decided to read this book because when I read the back cover it seems as though I’d really be interested in reading it. When the book first started off the main character, Shyla, talks about how her mother kicked her older sister out of the house for fooling around with a older boy and how her father who left them while back, all of a sudden comes back into town and tries to spend money on them. Shyla lives in a small town in Houston and she really wants to become a writer. Shyla gets a strange new neighbor named Kambia. Kambia is a young girl who tells awesome stories. Shyla knows that Kambia’s mom has a lot of men visiting the house and that Kambia doesn’t look to healthy. Shyla notices that Kambia has bruising in her inner thigh. What does this mean? Why would such a young girl have such vicious bruises? The author didn’t really do a good job with irony. I could predict everything that was going to happen. It was a good book but I feel that she rushed threw it. This wasn’t an challenging book to read at all. it’s a quick read. Id say this is a really good book. I would recommend this book to young teenage girls. That is because its kind of a girly book and I don’t think a guy could really relate to the things that happened throughout the story.
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• Rated 5 stars

“Loved it! Resist any urge to hurry through this book. Take the time to inhale the rich, poetic language! If you enjoyed The Secret Life of Bees, you will love this book. Young budding author valiantly struggles to honor promises she has made while her world turns upside down and learns to look beyond her first impressions of those around her. I was charmed by the strong bond and dynamics between three generations of African American women who maintain a family in face of many hardships. Poignant & heartwarming - I couldn't put it down!”

• Rated 5 stars

“I love this book. I recommend it to young people and adults alike. It's about abuse and friendship. The young protagonist doesn't understand why her new friend tells fantastic, scary tales at first. She thinks Kambia is weird but nice.

The author, Lori A. Williams is a fine writer who weaves a story that is compelling and hopeful. Her style is at times lyrical, and the book is a page turner. The reader waits anxiously for the light bulb to go off ,and for the girls to act despite their fears.”