Bruce Coville's "My Teacher is an Alien" introduces us to a trio of unlikely heroes: Susan Simmons, a sharp-eyed young protagonist; Peter Thompson, her erudite companion viewed by others as a nerd; and Duncan Dougal, the school bully turned ally. Each of them displays courage, wisdom, and resilience that go beyond their youthful years.
The true nature of their teacher, Mr. Smith, a green-skinned, orange-eyed alien named Broxholm, becomes the focal point of their journey. When Susan discerns Broxholm's plot to abduct five students for reasons unknown, she enlists Peter and Duncan's help, setting the stage for a grand adventure that challenges the boundaries of their world.
Music, a universal language yet abhorred by Broxholm, becomes a tool of exposure and rebellion. Susan, wielding her piccolo, leads a school-wide performance of "Stars and Stripes Forever." The palpable resonance of Sousa's composition compels Broxholm to reveal his alien form, his disguise shredded by the power of human creativity and spirit.
The story takes a turn when the protagonists learn of Broxholm's complex motives. He's not an invader but an evaluator, assessing if the war-torn Earth and its combative inhabitants pose a threat to the interstellar community. Here, the narrative intertwines with the themes of the song "Planet Caravan." The song paints an image of alien explorers, surveying the universe, seeking mature civilizations ready to embrace cosmic unity. They bypass Earth, seeing a world enmeshed in warfare, not yet prepared to embark on the universal journey.
Despite the victorious revelation, Broxholm successfully escapes, taking Peter into the cosmic realms, a dream fulfilled for the young space enthusiast. Their journey, however, leaves behind a wake of understanding and growth. Through their actions, they've shown their classmates, and us, the reader, that humanity's evolution beyond violence is a necessary step for Earth to join the universal caravan of peaceful planets.
Through their courage, their insight, and their unwavering determination, Susan, Peter, and Duncan embody heroism, painting a picture of bravery and resilience that resonates far beyond the pages of their story.
