The Last Human (The Last Human #1)

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 humans—wars, 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 FamilyUnit—Parent_1 and Parent_2—fulfilling 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