
House of Robots
by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein
Interest age: 7 to 10
Reading age: 7+
Published by Young Arrow, 2014
About this book
When Sammy gets a new ‘brother’, it’s a super-clever robot, designed by his mum. Unlike the other robots in their home, E (Egghead, but to Sammy, Error) can do anything – even ride a bike, but he is a great embarrassment to Sammy, who as a result is in danger of losing the few friends he has. However once E has been re-programmed he becomes super cool, and eventually Sammy realises just why his mum created that particular robot.
Patterson and Grabenstein create a funny, easily read novel, liberally aided by Juliana Neufeld’s illustrations, but beneath the crazy adventures is a story of school-bullying, of a gravely sick little sister, and a boy isolated from his peers by his family situation.
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Lists of recommended reads
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Books about family illness
Books can help if you and your family are going through tough times. It is comforting to know that you're not the only one. This is a selection of stories where a member of the protagonist's family is ill. It includes mental illness, as well as physical.