Written by Peter Brown
A shipwreck survival story with a technological twist, Wild Robot tells of Roz, a robot who boots up for the first time to discover she is in a crate that has washed up on a remote, wild island. She has no idea where she came from or where she is, but she has been programmed to survive, and also programmed to learn and to help. With these codified instincts and skills, Roz observes and then learns from the wild animals of the island how to adapt, survive, communicate, and ultimately help them as well.
This is a fun adventure book that could appeal to a wide range of young readers, from science fiction enthusiasts to animal lovers. Short chapters, tight writing and engaging illustrations make this a quick read that could pull in reluctant readers. Told from a unique point of view, this could also appeal to readers engaged by other books told from unusual or animal perspectives. The characters are warm and identifiable, though there is not a human in the entire cast. The parallels between animal instincts and robotic programming that Brown explores in this book are absolutely fascinating. I would highly recommend this for any elementary or middle school library.
Review by Joshua Whiting, Granite Library Media / Ed. Tech. Dept.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-8
The Wild Robot
Written by Peter Brown
Little, Brown and Company
288 pages
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Sounds like a great book, I’ll for sure put it on my list. Thanks Josh!
I am intrigued by this book. It is going to the top of my to read list.
Loved this book, it was fun to tell the kids about. I can’t keep it on the shelf.
I loved this book for so many reasons! Students love it too! We can’t wait for “The Wild Robot Escapes” due out in May 2018.
I didn’t realize there was a sequel coming. Thanks for the tip!