|
You Gotta Read This!
|
|
2/14/2021 0 Comments The Wild Robot by Peter Brown Title: The Wild Robot Author: Peter Brown Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (2016) ISBN13: 978-0316381994 Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Middle Grade/Elementary Topics/Themes: Friendship, Finding your purpose Diversity Tags: Recommended Age Level: 7-12 Awards / Recognitions:
Summary: A mysterious crate washes up onto the shore of remote island after a cargo ship is caught in a hurricane, and from within the crate, Roz the robot opens her eyes for the very first time. While her robot brain is programmed to learn and master tasks, she begins to realize that she is not meant to live in the wild, especially since all the local animals view her as a “monster” and are afraid of her because she is so different from them. But when an accident occurs and she rescues an orphaned gosling, she begins to win over the animals as they teach her how to survive and raise her “son”. When catastrophe befalls the island, Roz must use everything she has learned, as well as her own special skills as a robot to help her new friends and family. Professional Reviews: “Brown has written a lively tale that is sure to engage young readers.”―The New York Times “The novel carries a subtle but powerful message about harmony between technology and the natural world, brought to life with painterly prose and eloquent illustrations.”―Financial Times “Roz may not feel emotions, but young readers certainly will as this tender, captivating tale unfolds.”―The Washington Post “Brown’s picture books are consistent bestsellers and critically acclaimed. Expect readers to go wild for his robot-themed novel.”―Booklist, starred review “Thought-provoking and charming.”―Kirkus Reviews, starred review “This strong debut middle grade novel by the acclaimed picture book author/illustrator is a first purchase for most middle grade collections.”―School Library Journal, starred review “Simultaneously unsentimental and saturated with feeling.”―Publishers Weekly, starred review Personal Insights:This is a delightful little story that is simple and straightforward, but at the same time educational and entertaining. Finding the perfect reader for this book might be a bit of a challenge…. The bigger vocabulary is better suited for a more advanced reader, but the simple story is geared more towards younger readers. I think this book would make for a perfect read-aloud for grades 3-4 with its short chapters, likeable characters, and the dead-pan silliness. And who doesn’t love a talking robot and animals?? Not to mention the illustrations throughout the book are beautiful, striking, and a great addition to the story. Notable Quotes: “As the robot looked out at the island, it never even occurred to her that she might not belong there. As far as Roz knew, she was home.” “If you stand in a forest long enough, eventually something will fall on you. And Roz had been standing in the forest long enough.” “But I do not know how to act like a mother.” “Oh, it’s nothing, you just have to provide the gosling with food and water and shelter, make him feel loved but don’t pamper him too much, keep him away from danger, and make sure he learns to walk and talk and swim and fly and get along with others and look after himself. And that’s really all there is to motherhood!” Readalikes: (Summaries from GoodReads) The Last Human by Lee Bacon (2019) - In the future, robots have eliminated humans, and 12-year-old robot XR_935 is just fine with that. Without humans around, there is no war, no pollution, no crime. Every member of society has a purpose. Everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Until the day XR discovers something impossible: a human girl named Emma. Now, Emma must embark on a dangerous voyage with XR and two other robots in search of a mysterious point on a map. But how will they survive in a place where rules are never broken and humans aren’t supposed to exist? And what will they find at the end of their journey? The Boy, The Boat, and the Beast by Samantha M. Clark (2018) - A boy washes up on a mysterious, seemingly uninhabited beach. Who is he? How did he get there? The boy can’t remember. When he sees a light shining over the foreboding wall of trees that surrounds the shore, he decides to follow it, in the hopes that it will lead him to answers. The boy’s journey is a struggle for survival and a search for the truth—a terrifying truth that once uncovered, will force him to face his greatest fear of all if he is to go home. Brambleheart: A Story About Finding Treasure and the Unexpected Magic of Friendship by Henry Cole (2016) - Twig has always wondered who he will become. In the Hill, everyone studies a craft and becomes a master’s Apprentice, but first you have to be good at something. Twig tries very hard in all his classes, but his imagination wanders to his favorite books or the delicious mayapples growing beyond the scavenge yard...and then he loses his focus. Unsure he’ll ever amount to anything, Twig sets out on a journey to discover himself. However, instead of finding answers, he stumbles upon a strangely colored globe that contains a curious secret. Protecting his secret is all Twig wants to do. But when he learns that his secret might hurt others, he’s forced to make a choice between his place in the world and the feelings in his heart.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
