A group of teen aliens crash-land on Earth in an accidental invasion while trying to rescue their brother, who has become a famous movie star. Through interconnected short stories, the anthology explores themes of love, identity, acceptance, and coming of age in a diverse and humorous way.

Reader Review Summary

"Why on Earth: An Alien Invasion Anthology" is a delightfully quirky and imaginative collection that takes a unique spin on the classic alien invasion trope. With interconnected stories written by a talented lineup of bestselling and debut YA authors, this anthology sparkles with adventurous spirit, heartwarming moments, and an overarching message of acceptance and belonging.

The central premise is ingeniously conceived - a crew of teenage aliens accidentally crash lands on Earth while attempting to rescue one of their own who has been living undercover as a movie star. This inciting incident sets off a series of chaotic yet charming encounters as the scattered aliens try to reunite while interacting with human teens across the United States. The interconnected nature of the stories is handled deftly, allowing each tale to stand on its own while contributing to an engaging overall narrative.

One of the biggest strengths is the sheer variety in storytelling styles and perspectives. We get accounts from the viewpoints of both the confused aliens navigating Earth's customs as well as the human teens swept up in the "invasion." This dynamic opens the door for plenty of amusing misunderstandings and insightful cultural observations. The constantly shifting perspectives keep the collection feeling fresh and unpredictable.

Despite the outlandish sci-fi setup, the emotional cores of the stories feel authentic and deeply resonant. Themes of love, identity, and finding one's place in the universe are explored with warmth and sensitivity through the experiences of vibrantly-drawn characters. LGBTQ+ representation is woven throughout, making this a wonderfully inclusive anthology. The unique concept of the genderqueer aliens provides a brilliant metaphor for the challenges faced by many queer youth.

The writing is consistently strong across the board, with each author bringing their unique narrative flair. There's a deft balance of humor, witty banter, and thought-provoking introspection. From slapstick comedy involving singing fish plaques to poignant comings-of-age, the emotional tenor stays engaging. The short story format keeps the pacing brisk and the plots moving at a delightfully frenetic clip befitting the invasion premise.

With its cast of quirky personalities, sense of adventure, abundant humor, and overflowing heart, "Why on Earth" is an utter delight from start to finish. It's a joyously affirming and wildly entertaining anthology that will leave readers of all ages mesmerized. Packed with imagination, diverse representation, and impactful perspectives, this is a stellar collection not to be missed. After all, these aliens are just like us in all the ways that truly matter.