  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 08/01/2019 What if robots destroyed all humans—or at least thought they had? XR_935, a gen-9 robot, narrates this unusual sci-fi tale, beginning with his first day online. XR_935 entertainingly learns about his environment and the downfall of humans by examining data files and asking the two robots serving as his “FamilyUnit” questions, such as “What’s a nail salon?” and “Why did humans congregate to watch movies?” Once up to speed, XR_935 spends the next 12 years diligently working alongside SkD (who communicates in emoticons) and Ceeron (who enjoys telling human jokes). They get the shock of their lives, therefore, when a 12-year-old human, Emma, shows up at the worksite. Emma enlists the robots’ help in finding medicine to cure the sickness sweeping through the people in her bunker. Subtle humor surfaces when literal-minded robots try to understand human idioms, behavior, and emotions. And Bacon raises the story’s stakes and action level as the group works against the clock and unexpected new threats. A tech-fueled friendship adventure ideal for fans of Peter Brown’s Wild Robot series. - Copyright 2019 Booklist. School Library Journal - 10/01/2019 Gr 3–7—In this future world, humans have been eliminated by robots, leaving a supposedly better society devoid of the evils caused by humans—wars, pollution, crime, and waste. The robots have been brainwashed by their leader, the Hive President, into believing that humans caused nothing but trouble, and the robots have no reason to doubt him. Besides, their programming would not allow them to. Robot XR_935 is 12 years old and has spent his whole "life" with his FamilyUnit—Parent_1 and Parent_2—fulfilling his purpose of installing solar panels for energy. His life is shattered by a paradox: he encounters a 12-year-old girl named Emma, which is impossible because humans are supposed to be extinct. From Emma, XR_935 and his robot "friends," SkD_988 (who communicates through emojis) and massively strong Ceeron_902, learn that there is a secret underground bunker of humans who weren't exterminated. However, the inhabitants of the bunker, including Emma's family, succumbed to a mysterious illness, leaving Emma alone in the world and desperate to reach a mysterious spot on a map her parents left her. Despite their programming, the robots decide to help Emma on her dangerous journey, facing killer HunterBots, drones, and the risk of not finding charging stations before it's too late. Along the way, an unlikely friendship is forged, with humor, misunderstandings (robots don't understand human jokes or expressions), and plenty of rule breaking. Bacon's story is full of twists and adventure, leaving readers guessing throughout. VERDICT With the ever-increasing presence of technology, readers may be torn between rooting for Emma or the robots. Recommended for fans of thrilling sci-fi with a strong ethical motif.—Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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