Alice Franklin

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Life Hacks For a Little Alien

Tender, life-affirming and full of humour, Life Hacks for a Little Alien is the story of a young girl growing up in the nineties and noughties, trying to navigate a world that makes her feel like she's from another planet. It's about the wonder of libraries and the power of language in finding a path that fits when you yourself do not.

'Climb up here, Little Alien. Sit next to me. I will tell you about life on this planet. I will tell you how it goes'

Perfect for fans of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and Remarkably Bright Creatures, this is a charming, witty and profoundly moving novel about what it feels like to grow up neurodivergent.

Little Alien lives with her mum and her dad in the South-East of England. Her mum has a 'how-to' guide for every situation, and her dad is always kind and always right. And there is her best friend Bobby, who coincidentally has a bob.

But it is only when Little Alien sees a documentary about the Voynich Manuscript - a mediaeval codex written in an unknown language and script - that she begins to suspect that there are other people who feel just like her. Convinced that translating this manuscript will offer the answers she needs, she sets out on a journey that will show her a delicious taste of freedom.

So begins Little Alien's story, told from the perspective of an older, wiser linguist, whose guidance will help Little Alien navigate a world that makes her feel like she doesn't belong.