  | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 03/01/2019 Gr 5–8—Christopher works as an engineer's assistant, living with mechanical children who together make up a small but loving family in spite of the illegal nature of their owner's pursuits and the conditions of the workshop. When an accident reveals Christopher's true nature and a rival engineer with unscrupulous aims kidnaps him, the other children search for him and find a recluse in a closed-off town of mechanicals who becomes their only means of rescue. This dark and bittersweet tale of friendship, family, and loss is carried along by the likeable ragtag bunch of mechanical children on which it is centered, and explores complex questions about the nature of a soul and emotions. The nonstop action includes some scenes of mechanicals being injured or dismembered that might best suit mature readers. There is an underlying sadness throughout the story that is reminiscent of Lauren DeStefano's middle grade titles. The ending is happy yet reflective of the young characters' strength as they overcome sorrow to find a home and security, together. VERDICT This inventive, emotionally compelling fantasy is a strong fit for school and public library middle grade collections alike, and would be an excellent choice for book discussions.—Kerry Sutherland, Akron-Summit County Public Library - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 03/01/2019 In an alternate post-WWI England, Christopher is a proper real boy, though all his friends (save apprentice Estelle) are mechanicals, assistants made of metal and magic to varying degrees of human likeness. He helps out in an engineer's shop until a roadside accident reveals the chrome beneath his synthetic skin and he is taken away. What begins as a rescue quest quickly lands Christopher and his friends between two of the world’s greatest engineers, who share a past with many secrets, one of which is Christopher. This is an sf fantasy where The Wizard of Oz meets Pinocchio as written by Asimov. Kenny manages to keep each of his many characters distinct and marvelously endearing, though the setting and world building are somewhat underdeveloped. Though not without some dark moments (violent character deaths and sharp emotional cruelty) or heavy themes, the fierceness and tenderness of friendship stays at center stage throughout. Teachers will appreciate the big themes and stretching vocabulary, as well as its propulsive action that will hook a wide range of readers. - Copyright 2019 Booklist. Loading...
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