Another strong entry in the Slug Pie series, this was a whole lot of FUN!Again we get more of Mick’s personal life – all fairly quick as these books are so short they could practically be called novellas, but it’s effective nonetheless – and his mom, brother and friends. Score!

Truly an entertaining riot as we follow Mick’s battle against the dangerous, determined robots attempting to enact revenge on him!I hope to see more Slug Pie stories coming out soon – they are a light-hearted, engaging pleasure to read and sure to utterly GOBBLED UP by young boys and girls.

The New Girl's Killer Robot Army was a lot of fun and very creative! Though I thought this one was a little more intense than the last two books, in my opinion (I'm talking near death experience here!), overall it was just has this really adventurous feel to it that will definitely appeal to the young readers (and those young at heart). I also really love all the diverse characters (including the minor, side character who actually gave this story much more depth and interest!) and even the addition of a new character who was portrayed as the antagonist. Seeing the relationship between Mick and Savannah change from one thing to another was interesting to see, especially considering how different their relationship was from Finley and Savannah's relationship. Even more interesting was seeing how Finley's budding friendship with Savannah was affecting his relationship with his brother Mick... oh the drama! ;) And then the whole thing with the killer robot army... boy did I not see that coming! “Oscar” is one crazy (yet weirdly intelligent) robot!

How to Destroy the New Girl’s Killer Robot Army is Mick Bogerman’s deceptively slim third volume (151 pages) in the Slug Pie Story series. If upon reading the title you think it sounds fun, you’d be on target; after all, this is the same author who gave us How to Navigate Zombie Cave and Defeat Pirate Pete and How to Rid Your Swimming Pool of a Bloodthirsty Mermaid. While I haven’t read the first two, I find the titles delightful, and can assure you the third is fully capable as a stand-alone. There is plenty of action packed into it, and some danger into the bargain. As Bogerman himself writes in his note to parents:“So, if you’re looking for a wimpy, child-type book, turn away now. But if your kid is not a wimp, likes a heart-pounding scare and chasing down evil killer robots, then this, dear parents, is the story for your kid.”For audiences 8-12 (and up!!), this award-winning novel is adventurous and fun from start to finish, including the cover!! Reading like a how-to or instruction manual, complete with chapter headings such as “Tell the New Girl to Go Away” (it’s always wise to start with the easiest option) and “Find the Lair,” this is the story of Mick and his efforts to extract Savannah Diamond, the new and very not quiet girl at school, from his life...

Audiences may guess this is a rather fast read—and for me, an adult, it was. With all that, the amount of story in the book is generous and there is much more to the narrative than the robot element. So while a kiddo into robotics might be drawn to the tale, there are other components that broaden its appeal: wrangles between siblings, challenges at school and the follies of friendships. With a boy and girl going head to head, the novel positions itself as intended for both: girls will relate to Savannah and her responses, while boys will find their world, until recent years grossly underrepresented, given another valuable place in children’s literature.

As an adult (and a non-practicing K-8 certified teacher) I appreciated the author having consequences for each poor choice. I also appreciated the positive portrayal of a middle school teacher and loved how he embraced Mick’s desire to read comic books as a way to encourage him...

Mick, as a narrator, has a strong voice that at first felt like reading a monologue or voice-over narration.   For at least the first fifty pages, it very much came across as being told the story rather than experiencing the story with the characters. A stylistic choice which, in this instance, I very much enjoyed.