First published 1982
Elliott discovers a gentle creature from another world hiding in his family's toolshed. The alien, abandoned by his spaceship during a botanical mission to Earth, possesses healing powers and can make objects levitate. Elliott smuggles E.T. into his bedroom, where they form a telepathic bond so strong that Elliott feels the alien's emotions and physical sensations. Together with his sister Gertie and brother Michael, Elliott helps E.T. build a communication device from household items and electronic parts. Government agents close in as E.T. grows weaker from his prolonged separation from his kind. The alien's health deteriorates rapidly, and Elliott experiences the same decline through their psychic connection. When E.T. appears to die, Elliott nearly dies with him. But the alien revives as his rescue ship approaches, breaking the telepathic link to save Elliott's life. In their final moments together, E.T. touches Elliott's forehead and promises he will always be with him before departing for the stars.
Genres: science-fiction, adventure, fantasy, young-adult, aliens
Vibes: emotional, intimate, suspenseful, whimsical
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Earth
Period: 20th-century
246 pages · Paperback · Sphere