Starman Jones

“Max, a lot of things can happen to a man when he thinks he has the world by the tail.”

Lost in space!

That's not the only reference that came to mind. Max entering Earthport for this first time and staring at an alien reminded me of Men in Black. I'm sure this book has been a source of inspiration for many over the years. It's one of his best juveniles and a special one to me for having a plot that takes place outside the solar system for the first time (if I'm not mistaken). How exciting!