Spinner, Stephanie and Terry Bisson. Be First in the Universe. Delacorte, 2000. ISBN 0-285-32687-4. $14.95. 144 pp.” 3-6 FI Reviewed by Laura Wadley Tod and Tessa find a very odd store at the mall. Gemini Jack's U-Rent-All is a front for an alien incursion looking for the DNA of evil twins to spice up its own bland gene pool. Tod and Tessa go through extensive testing, only to be found to be too nice. Fortunately, Tod and Tessa's twin classmates, Nancy and Ned Gneiss (nicknamed Notso and Never), reveal themselves to be a perfect fit for the alien's needs. Be First in the Universe is one of the funniest books I have ever read. Filled with ingenious word play, hilarious situations, and telling characterizations, it is a perfect read-aloud for a school class and a perfect laugh-aloud for kids and adults.
