This must-read Alien in My Pocket book is the fourth in the series by Nate Ball, the host of PBS's Design Squad and Design Squad Nation. In this hilarious new adventure, Zack and his alien friend, Amp, learn about friction, deceleration, and how to soften a crash-landing.

When Zack McGee crashes his bike, he's stuck at home with his arm in a sling and his baseball season on the line. What's worse, his bike crashed because his four-inch-tall houseguest, Amp, experimented on the brakes! Now Zack is easy prey for his little brother, Taylor, who's determined to find out once and for all what mysteries Zack has hidden in his pocket.

Like every book in the Alien in My Pocket series, On Impact! mixes Common Core–aligned science and safe, hands-on experiments with a hilarious story that young readers will love.

Publishers Weekly said of Alien in My Pocket: Blast Off!: "With its screwball comedy and lively dialogue, the novel gives readers the opportunity to laugh as they learn."

Supports the Common Core State Standards

Can Zack protect his secret, save his baseball season, and learn enough physics to help his alien friend—all while surviving his own little brother?

Real STEM Concepts: Follow along as Zack and Amp tackle a classic egg drop experiment to learn about impact and deceleration—and maybe even figure out how to land a spaceship.
Relatable Characters: From accident-prone Zack to his science-nerd little brother Taylor, these characters feel like real kids navigating some truly out-of-this-world problems.
Laugh-Out-Loud Humor: Filled with witty dialogue and screwball comedy, this story proves that learning physics can be hilarious, especially when a tiny blue alien is involved.
Perfect for Early Readers: With engaging illustrations and an action-packed plot, this is an ideal chapter book for kids ages 6-10 ready to move beyond beginner books.

Alien in My Pocket #4: On Impact!

Alien in My Pocket #4: On Impact!