Middle grade readers will get a kick out of Kuhn’s promising series starter, a riveting blend of sci-fi, technology, and fast-paced thrills. The Monster-bot is just that—a robot Tommy normally keeps caged due to its inclination to destroy all other machinery in its sights—but there’s more to it than meets the eye: it’s harboring Tommy’s specially designed Prometheus Chip, an invention allowing machines independent thought. That alone makes the mission worthwhile, and, as Nate and Tommy set out on a quest to track down the temperamental robot, they quickly learn they aren’t the only ones after such a treasure.
Between the story’s AI robots, a whiz kid, and one brave unlikely hero, readers will be transfixed—and the fun doesn’t stop there. Kuhn ties in a no-holds-barred Great Swamp War—waged by opposing groups of kid gangs—that sees dangerous tech fall into the wrong hands, putting Nate and Tommy’s friendship, and their lives, at risk. Kuhn’s black and white illustrations, reminiscent of comic strips, highlight the story’s more suspenseful moments, helping younger readers soak up the tension radiating from the pages of this high-octane treat. The hijinks are certainly entertaining, and Kuhn’s exploration of what it means to be human—and a good friend—hits home.
Takeaway: Two unlikely friends must save AI-robots from falling into the wrong hands.
Comparable Titles: Peter Brown's The Wild Robot, Eve L. Ewing's Maya and the Robot.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
