Zack and Amp get a serious surprise in Forces of Nature, the sixth installment of this fun intergalactic chapter book series by Nate Ball, the host of PBS’s Design Squad and Design Squad Nation.

Ever since Amp crash-landed his spaceship through Zack McGee’s window, Zack’s life has gone in some unexpected directions. But when everything goes wrong on the McGee family camping trip, Zack’s going to need Amp’s alien scouting skills to navigate the great outdoors and find their way back to civilization!

Like every book in the Alien in My Pocket series, Forces of Nature mixes Common Core–aligned science with safe, hands-on experiments that young readers will love. This installment includes a build-your-own compass experiment.

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.”

A washed-out bridge, a sleuth of hungry bears, and no cell service. Getting back is going to take more than just a map.

• Alien Stowaway: Zack told Amp to stay home, but the tiny blue alien had other plans. Now he’s hiding out on a camping trip that’s about to get wild.
• Outdoor Survival: When the McGees get stranded in the woods, it’s up to Zack, his friend Olivia, and Amp to find a way back before they become bear food.
• Laugh-Out-Loud Humor: From carsick brothers to mind-controlled dogs, this story mixes screwball comedy with high-stakes adventure that will keep kids turning the pages.
• Hands-On Science Experiment: Learn how to make a real, working compass using a paper clip and a water bottle—and see how Zack and Olivia use one to save the day!