What if robots destroyed all humans at least thought they had? XR_935, a gen-9 robot, narrates this unusual sci-fi tale, beginning with his first day online. XR_935 entertainingly learns about his environment and the downfall of humans by examining data files and asking the two robots serving as his "FamilyUnit" questions, such as "What's a nail salon?" and "Why did humans congregate to watch movies?" Once up to speed, XR_935 spends the next 12 years diligently working alongside SkD (who communicates in emoticons) and Ceeron (who enjoys telling human jokes). They get the shock of their lives, therefore, when a 12-year-old human, Emma, shows up at the worksite. Emma enlists the robots' help in finding medicine to cure the sickness sweeping through the people in her bunker. Subtle humor surfaces when literal-minded robots try to understand human idioms, behavior, and emotions. And Bacon raises the story's stakes and action level as the group works against the clock and unexpected new threats. A tech-fueled friendship adventure ideal for fans of Peter Brown's Wild Robot series.

After global warming and constant war established humans as corrupt, robots wiped them out, replacing them with a machine society linked across a hive. Robot XR_935, who narrates, installs solar panels, never questioning its purpose until the day that a 12-year-old human girl, Emma, appears in its solar field. Emma shouldn-t exist, but she does, and XR and its two robotic coworkers, despite the paradox, can-t bring themselves to destroy her. Instead, they disable tracking and accompany her on a journey set by her dying parents. Along the way, they face danger, risk being lost to battery depletion, and are eventually branded traitors to robot society. But the robots- experiences of human kindness, empathy, and collaboration lead them to reconsider their views on humankind-s potential. In this enjoyable sci-fi adventure, the stakes are believable and high, and the robots- interactions are humorous, sometimes mixed up for comedic effect. Against a timely backdrop, Bacon (the Joshua Dread series) explores messages of friendship, tolerance, and cooperation with wit and thoughtfulness. Ages 8-12. (Oct.)

Gr 3-7 In this future world, humans have been eliminated by robots, leaving a supposedly better society devoid of the evils caused by humanswars, pollution, crime, and waste. The robots have been brainwashed by their leader, the Hive President, into believing that humans caused nothing but trouble, and the robots have no reason to doubt him. Besides, their programming would not allow them to. Robot XR_935 is 12 years old and has spent his whole "life" with his FamilyUnitParent_1 and Parent_2fulfilling his purpose of installing solar panels for energy. His life is shattered by a paradox: he encounters a 12-year-old girl named Emma, which is impossible because humans are supposed to be extinct. From Emma, XR_935 and his robot "friends," SkD_988 (who communicates through emojis) and massively strong Ceeron_902, learn that there is a secret underground bunker of humans who weren't exterminated. However, the inhabitants of the bunker, including Emma's family, succumbed to a mysterious illness, leaving Emma alone in the world and desperate to reach a mysterious spot on a map her parents left her. Despite their programming, the robots decide to help Emma on her dangerous journey, facing killer HunterBots, drones, and the risk of not finding charging stations before it's too late. Along the way, an unlikely friendship is forged, with humor, misunderstandings (robots don't understand human jokes or expressions), and plenty of rule breaking. Bacon's story is full of twists and adventure, leaving readers guessing throughout. VERDICT With the ever-increasing presence of technology, readers may be torn between rooting for Emma or the robots. Recommended for fans of thrilling sci-fi with a strong ethical motif. Michele Shaw, Quail Run Elementary School, San Ramon, CA