Piccadilly Press ISBN 9781848128248 £6.99
I really loved this book, and think it will appeal to a wide age-range. It has some challenging vocabulary to stretch the more able reader, but is also written in a very fun and accessible way with short chapters and a playfulness with imagery and text. It is a really original concept, written from the viewpoint of our chief protagonist the twelve-year-old robot XR_935. It would be a wonderful book to read alongside any topics which look at the environment or technology as it is the perfect stimulus for some challenging philosophical questions. The book introduces us to a world in which humans are no longer present, and through the narration of our diligent, curious robot it raises questions about environmental destruction, consumerism and division. Despite the weight of these topics, it is also an incredibly uplifting story and, by the end, we have persuasive arguments in favour of human’s interaction with the world. It would be a great prompt for a class debate to develop oral skills, as well as just a really interesting read to reflect on during any circle time. A great addition to any school library. Age range 7 – 11
Laura Davies
