This coming of age science fiction was such a great read! I loved reading from everyone’s perspective. The story has some unexpected plot twists that keep you on your toes! Carter has such a sweet nature and I love how much everyone grows in the story. You get to see what a difference it makes to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. I can’t wait to read more from Carpenter!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarla2021-01-02 14:39:352021-01-02 14:39:35Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Carla Clemmons
I found this YA sci-fi novel a real page turner and I was gripped by it from the start. The unique storyline follows Carter a redneck boy who does not believe in aliens, an Earth-obsessed alien and a robotic girl. All three of the teenagers must join together both working and accepting one another in order to conserve humanity. Carter’s dad believes in aliens but Carter never did until the girl he has a crush on starts doing strange and magical things that seem a bit out of this world. Meanwhile, Kokab dreams of becoming a ‘Perfect’ but her emotions are seen as a flaw until her planet faces extinction. Kokab’s sympathy then makes her the best ambassador to persuade humans to accept her people but her success will mean she will never become a ‘Perfect’. Ags also has a dream, of graduating from the Academy so she can become a guardian of Earth. She is eager to spend time on Earth as she is obsessed with all things human, so when she uncovers an impending invasion she is willing to risk everything to stop it. This is a fast paced novel with a lively plot and a storyline that flows well making it an enjoyable read. The characters and all interesting in their own right and each bring a different element to the overall story. The characters have been bought to life by the authors descriptive narrative and the wonderful world building bought the settings to life as well. I felt immersed in this story and found myself happily turning the pages well into the night as I could not put the book down. I am not usually a sci-fi fan but I thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2020-12-31 17:33:182020-12-31 18:16:28Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Jennifer Gordon
This is a story of three teenagers working towards a common goal, even if it is something which nobody else will believe, they are a human and two aliens, they are from different planets and have very different ideals, Carter is a human boy who refuses to believe in aliens, even though his dad has met one before and announced it on national television, Kokab is an alien who is robotic in nature and only wants to belong on her home planet, but her emotions are getting in the way and now her planet is about to be destroyed and she is the only one who can go to Earth as an ambassador so that she can get the humans to agree to take her race in and Ags is another alien who is in love with Earth, even though she has only studied it from afar with her mother, but when she learns of the invasion, she wants to stop it in any way she can.
The story starts with Carter, he is at a pool party with his swimming team and is being needled by them about aliens and whether his father still believes in them, it bothers him so much that he struggles to enjoy himself and leaves the party in the end and goes for a walk in the woods with his cousin and dog, this is when he sees the UFO, or at least it would be if aliens were real.
Kokab has been summoned to the offices where she was tested as a Youngling and designated as an almost, but not a perfect, it is because she can feel emotions, even though she shouldn’t do and as she enters the office of the Eldest One, he doesn’t look like any of the other perfects, but she shouldn’t even be thinking these thoughts in the first place. As the meeting progresses, some information is loaded up to the chip implanted in her brain which she will need for the mission she has been chosen for, including the reason why it needs to happen and she can do nothing but obey the demands which are to go to Earth, learn how to experience and understand the emotions the people exhibit and and prepare them for her people’s arrival. When she arrives and meets Carter and his dad, none of them know how important it will be for Kokab to learn about the emotions she is feeling.
Ags is learning how to drive the family ship and decides to go and get ready for the ceremony to graduate and become a guardian of Earth, the dress is uncomfortable as she prefers her Earth clothing instead, but she will put up with it for this one time. Ags meets up with her friend Yas and they go inside the building where the ceremony is held, she can;t help admiring the view, even though it is her home planet, she feels like she is more of a visitor and after the ceremony is finished, she has shaken the hand of the elder giving her her certificate as she becomes an official guardian of Earth, she takes part in the celebrations until she finds out about the invasion that puts a damper on her evening.
When the worlds of these three young people collide, it is a tough call to know what decisions are the right ones and they are all still too young really for the responsibilities they hold, but when they do collide, what will happen and will they be able to pull together to keep Earth safe? The only way to find out is to read away and follow the adventure.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2020-12-31 14:44:592020-12-31 14:44:59Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur
This was a quick read about respecting everyone’s differences. Although I would have loved to gain more development into the 3 characters, I enjoyed the sci-fi and magic aspects. At times, I felt that the pace of the book became inconsistent and dull at times.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rochelle Fergusonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRochelle Ferguson2020-12-31 09:15:572020-12-31 09:15:57Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Rochelle Ferguson
I really enjoyed this story. The author does a great job of making the characters engaging and believable. I thought at first it would be hard to follow 3 different characters and their stories but the author makes it very easy to keep up with each character. I love the sci-fi aspect of this story and also the magic around 2 of the characters.
The 3 characters in the book are a teenage boy who doesn’t believe in aliens, an alien who is sent to earth to help save her race, and a robot who’s job is to protect earth. Despite their differences they need to learn to respect each other and work together.
It’s a great story about people and their differences and how by respecting each other we can achieve great things
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2020-12-31 09:12:052020-12-31 09:12:05Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Kerry Carr
Wow! What can I say? Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter was such a ride of a novel and read. I was entrances from the first chapter and didn’t want to put this story down. There was so much character, and heart, sci-fi and suspense. This has quickly become a favorite read for me. I didn’t think I would like it as much when I first picked it up, but whew did Carpenter change my mind! Ags has to be my favorite character. She’s the most emotional, the one with the most character and heart, and she feels things so exuberantly and deeply, it was like reading through a child’s perspective almost. My only complaint is that there isn’t more! I desperately want a sequel to this novel!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rachel Mosshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRachel Moss2020-12-31 08:52:552020-12-31 08:52:55Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Rachel Moss
This book is considered a Young Adult, Sci-fi genre. Becoming Human is my first book by Amy Michelle Carpenter. This story is a fast paced sci-fi story that grabbed my attention from page one until the last page. I did finish this in one sitting. I found myself turning the pages faster and faster until the end. The characters are fully developed and fun to read about in their story. One is a boy who does not believe in aliens, an alien who is all about humans, and to round off the crew there is a robot. The three of them make the story wonderful. There is a lot of action, sci-fi and magical all rolled into a great read. The three characters are coming into their age and Ms. Carpenter does an awesome job keeping the plotline moving. I highly recommend this story for a fun entertaining read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Fishhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Fish2020-12-29 18:46:562020-12-29 19:39:10Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Erica Fish
This was a fantastic YA sci-fi read. As a person who’s been mainly a fantasy and historical fiction reader, I’ve been pushing myself to break into sci-fi this year. Becoming Human is exactly what I needed. Despite the outlandish settings, alien characters and impossible advanced technology, the story is a grounded exploration of the qualities of humanity. You get to explore the importance of individuality, diversity and fragility through the narrative of three teenagers from different worlds. I recommend Becoming Human to any young adult interested in sci-fi or any adult who is looking for a YA read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Wolbeckhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Wolbeck2020-12-29 01:05:372020-12-29 19:12:08Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Jennifer Wolbeck
Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter is a book that shows just how disastrous our lack of communication is. So many things that Carter should have said, so many things that Kokab should have been upfront about. To be fair though how could she have known, a life with no freewill. Ags certainly could have been more forthcoming but then she was ruled by her bias. Three different people that so rightfully portray our world in a small window. No communication, no freewill, a load of bias…quite a recipe for disaster. I enjoyed this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jonell Collinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJonell Collins2020-12-28 18:28:142020-12-28 21:24:36Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Jonell Collins
This was an interesting novel and I really found myself thinking real world problems even though this is very much sci-fi/fantasy. Becoming Human is my first experience with Amy Michelle Carpenter but will for sure be looking into her other published works in the near future.
In Becoming Human we get the unique story of three teenagers and their prospective worlds. Each world is working against the others and also have unique issues to each that enriches the story. I loved the way the characters and world building made me feel as if I could have been right there with them as the come of age and meet each of their adventures. I love that this is also a novel I can share with my teenage daughter and it will touch her just as much.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Liz Vrchotahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLiz Vrchota2020-12-28 17:55:332020-12-28 21:22:46Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Liz Vrchota
A Sci-fi story with three characters that are linked together to reach a common goal, even if they are different in many ways. The story is well written and keeps moving at a pace that makes you want to continue reading. I really enjoyed the fact that the teenage characters had to work together even with all their differences like we need to in real life. I also really liked that the story is written in the voices of the three teenage characters and it was easy to keep track of each character based on their speech or speaking patterns. This is the first book by this aunt that I have read. I’m looking forward to reading her books in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2020-12-28 06:10:262020-12-28 06:10:26Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Betsy Melano
Becoming Humanis a fantastic YA sci-fi story by Amy Michelle Carpenter. I was hooked right from the moment I read the synopsis, immediately one-clicking and diving in. The story is so well written that I was engrossed the entire way through, and ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting. This appears to be Ms. Carpenters debut novel, and for that she really should be commended; as not only is this a wonderfully original story, with insightful messages, superb world building, and delightfully quirky and very likeable characters- it has the depth, complexity and polish I really wasn’t expecting from a debut novel. I don’t want to spoil the story, and all the wonderful details- by giving too much away. I really think the blurb does a much better job than I could, being just enticing enough, without spoiling anything. So, I won’t go into the story here, except to say that I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great story- including sci-fi elements, coming of age, fantasy, adventure, and insightful messages. It would also translate to the screen beautifully and make a great movie or television series- and even the potential to make a wonderful game for PC, Xbox, PlayStation etc. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Carpenter does next! Fantastic!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2020-12-28 05:00:042020-12-28 05:00:04Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Angela Hayes
Amy Michelle Carpenter showcases her superb writing talents with this Emotional, funny and coming of age YA Sci-Fi. Her talents also shine with writing out of so many POV’s and still keeping each character separate with their own personality. The world building is out of this world (*wink, wink) The storyline is unique and something new. Not usually the kind of book I would read but I couldn’t put it down. Amy really did a superb job and I would definitely read more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenique Bornmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenique Bornman2020-12-28 04:59:132020-12-28 04:59:13Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Jenique Bornman
Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter is a YA Sci Fi story and is a short story. Amy is very vivid in her descriptions of the characters and the worlds that she creates making it easy to imagine. The story is told from three very different perspectives which gives it more depth and humour. With Aliens, Robots, teen angst quirky characters and strange worlds and beliefs it makes for an interesting read. There were several facets of the story that annoyed me but overall, the story flows well and YA’s will love it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2020-12-27 18:06:502020-12-27 21:39:04Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Jenni Bishop
This is my first book by Amy Michelle Carpenter. I normally don’t read too many books that involve aliens. That being said, this was an excellent book! I loved all of the characters. Carter is our human main character, he’s a sweet boy who is very helpful. Kokab is a foxian (alien) and wants to be perfect on her planet. She’s chosen to go to Earth and see if it’s a good place for her planet to come visit. Ags is from a different planet that produces guardians to keep other planets safe. Ags is the guardian of Earth and will do anything to protect it. It’s a great read and one I couldn’t put down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Meg Tyrrellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMeg Tyrrell2020-12-25 11:57:562020-12-25 21:57:30Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Meg Tyrrell
Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter is a unique and intriguing story that captured my attention from the moment I started reading it. I loved the whole concept of the three characters and how they interlinked with each other. Told from the three different perspectives the book had a depth and complexity about it that, for me, made it more interesting to read. This is the first book that I have ready by this author and I was really drawn in to her writing style. She wove the chapters and the characters together in a brilliant way and really made me get in to the storyline. The way the different chapters were written felt like they were done with such ease that the whole thing felt natural. The story progressed well and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen. Each of the characters had a great role to play. They all interacted well with each other and yet were strong enough to stand on their own. They all had their flaws and yet were strong enough to make this story work. This is a fantastic book and one I have thoroughly enjoyed. If you enjoy this genre then I would highly recommend it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2020-12-23 10:48:462020-12-23 10:48:46Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Kerry Baker
It a very mystical story. Of a foxain going to earth. Everyone is different now and humans are different to these as well. I was blown away with how Amy had put all these different creatures together in one story. Kobab has super strength, speed and knowledge and is at a complete loss with his planet on a brink. Each teen from a different world. I love learning about these different worlds. Follwing 3 different characters each from different worlds is brilliant and invited idea. The story flows really well. A highly recommended read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Piperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPiper2020-12-18 10:44:362020-12-18 10:44:36Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Piper Foster
I enjoyed this book. This is a science fiction story that is entertaining and the characters keep things engaging. This is a well developed story that is fast paced and kept me turning pages to the end. I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the first chapter. The characters are connectable and some are full of magic. This is a story about three teenagers that need to accept each other no matter the differences and they all have one goal. There is a boy who doesn’t believe in aliens, then you have an alien that only thinks about Earth and there is a girl who is a robot. Together they learn to fight differences and learn respect for all things. This is a really great story to teach that everyone is different in their own way and that differences are good. The characters made the story fun to read and I highly recommend it to all.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2020-12-13 07:58:382020-12-13 16:35:59Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter – Review by Bobbi Wagner
In Georgia woods, lightning bugs flutter, rednecks roam, and an alien ship lands …
“Human and alien, complex and sweetly personal, Carpenter’s thoughtful world blends sci-fi with coming of age as three unique worlds collide. This book will make you laugh, make you fall in love, and then make you re-evaluate what it means to be human.” McKelle George, HarperCollins author of Speak Easy Speak Love
Carter just wants his old dad back, but his once genius father won’t stop raving about the existence of aliens. His dad’s claims are ruining his life. Until the girl he’s falling for starts doing strange things, magical things, things that seem a bit out of this world.
***
Kokab hungers to be a Perfect in a world where her emotions make her flawed but when her people face extinction, its her feelings that make her the perfect candidate to go to Earth and persuade humans to accept her kind’s immigration. Failing means a war between her kind and humans. But success means she will never be close to Perfect again.
***
Ags dreams of the day she graduates from the Academy and can finally become a guardian of Earth. She’s eager to spend her time researching art and history of people, but when she learns her enemies are coming to Earth, she knows what no one else will believe. Her enemies will destroy Earth, and she’s willing to lose everything, including herself, to stop them.
****
A redneck boy. An Earth-obsessed alien. And a robotic girl. In a tale of understanding, forgiveness, redemption, and love, three teens must learn to accept one another and recognize what it truly means to be human.
Amy Michelle Carpenter is a developmental editor with Eschler Editing and a professional blogger. She’s written hundreds of blogs and news articles for local and national companies. She also has a children’s story in an anthology.
As the daughter of an Army officer, she grew up traveling the country and has lived by sandy beaches, southern woods, towering cities, and the rocky mountains. Now, she resides in the countryside of Tooele, UT with her husband and baby girls. She enjoys seeing what wildlife and farm animals dare venture into her yard only to be chased by her toddlers. Wherever family is is home.
BECOMING HUMAN, her young adult sci-fi debuts December 2020 and tells the story of a girl from an austere planet who discovers what it means to be human.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/becoming.png916619itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2020-12-08 00:07:162021-01-09 07:38:04Becoming Human by Amy Michelle Carpenter
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