Nothing Interesting Ever Happens to Ethan Fairmont

In Ferrous City, Ethan Fairmont, a self-proclaimed genius inventor, discovers an extraterrestrial named Cheese while hiding from a bully in an abandoned car factory. Joined by his ex-best friend Kareem and the new kid Juan Carlos, they embark on a mission to fix Cheese and keep his presence a secret. Their task becomes more challenging when mysterious agents arrive in search of Cheese, putting their loved ones at risk. As they navigate issues of racial profiling and community struggles, they must carry out an intergalactic rescue to protect their secret. This middle-grade novel series by Nick Brooks, has elements of E.T. and Stranger Things, and blends science fiction with real-life issues appealing to both young readers and adults.