Book Review: The Wild Robot (Volume 1)

The Wild Robot is a middle-grade science fiction book about a robot shipwrecked on an island and forced to survive among the island’s wildlife. Interestingly, it is about survival, community, and family. I first watched The Wild Robot movie and really enjoyed it. However, the movie ended on a cliffhanger, and I wanted to know what happened next. When I looked into it, I discovered that The Wild Robot is actually a trilogy, so I had to start reading the books!

Now that I’ve read the first book, I can say I really enjoyed it, just as I enjoyed the movie. The book is both similar to and different from the film adaptation. The overall storyline is essentially the same, but there are notable differences too. One example is Fink, the fox. In the film, Fink is a more prominent character who helps move the plot forward, whereas he plays a smaller role in the book.

Nevertheless, the book is quite enjoyable and easy to read. It is clearly aimed at middle-grade readers, with many short chapters that break up the story and keep the pace moving. Each chapter features stylized illustrations of the robot in the wild, which help bring the scenes to life.

One of the fascinating aspects of the book is the robot’s struggle to survive and the way Roz (the robot) must adapt, learn, and grow every step of the way. It is such an interesting and unique idea for a book, and Roz finds herself caring for a gosling, Brightbill, in the way a mother would—and she doesn’t just take on this role, she truly comes to embody it.

I recommend this book not only for middle schoolers but also for adults. It is a quick, easy, and thoroughly enjoyable read.