Friendroid

Vaughan (Six) imparts sophisticated social commentary in this tale of friendship with a futuristic twist, told alternatively in the voice of 12-year-old Danny and in the journal entries of his friend Eric, nicknamed Slick. Danny immediately conveys that Slick is dead, having been murdered six months earlier, that Slick was an android, and that Danny is publishing his journals to lead to Slick's killers' capture. Slick mostly befriends popular kids when he moves to town, but he and Danny gradually bond over an online game, Land X, as well as Danny's work building a computer. Danny finds many aspects of Slick's life unsettlingly odd, from his perpetually smiling parents to his weekly dentist appointments and extreme sleep habits, but it still comes as a great surprise to both when they learn that Slick is a robot. The android's stilted dialogue adds to his convincing character portrayal, and his journal entries reveal obsessions with certain brands and Land X, both of which hint at the hidden agenda behind his creation. Along with expected messages about choosing friends wisely, Vaughan offers a critique of consumerism for middle-grade readers who are ready to fight the power. Ages 8-12. (Mar.)

New kid Eric "Slick" Young appears to be a fairly average preteen boy—albeit one who is preoccupied with brand name clothes, social media likes, and popularity. Slick knows he shouldn't hang out with a "friendless loser" like Danny Lazio. Except Danny likes video games as much as Slick does. And he doesn't judge Slick for having trouble understanding humor and sarcasm. The two boys become best friends, and they ultimately reject the popular crowd. Along the way, they befriend another outsider, Ethan, and his sister, Hope, who has Down syndrome. Throughout it all, Danny notices interesting things about Slick. For instance, Slick can memorize an instruction manual after glancing at it one time. People show up to help Slick whenever he gets hurt, even if he doesn't call for help. Slick's pillow is full of wires, and he becomes comatose when he doesn't sleep on it. To everyone's astonishment, including Slick's, it turns out that Slick is an android. What appears to be science fiction tale on the surface is ultimately a universal story about friendship and the power of finding commonalities with those who seem different. Characterization and pacing are particularly strong. VERDICT Funny, smart, and full of positive messages.—Liz Overberg, Zionsville Community High School, IN