Robot Island by Cary Fagan is a delightful and imaginative adventure that’s equal parts heartwarming and thought-provoking. I was immediately pulled into the story of Isaac, a robot who wakes up on a mysterious island with no memory of how he got there. His journey to figure out the truth—and his place in the world—is touching, funny, and surprisingly profound.
The writing is clever and accessible, making it a great read for middle grade readers, but it also has deeper themes about identity, purpose, and friendship that older readers will appreciate too. The mix of humor and heart is spot-on, and the world Fagan creates is vivid and engaging.
Perfect for fans of The Wild Robot or The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Robot Island is a story that stays with you.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this gem!

This book had a promising storyline but falls flat in execution. An island of robots that has been hidden away for decades? That's seriously cool. What's not cool however is the way the author switches first person narratives halfway through the book. I was also irritated by inclusion of one character's thoughts on whether or not he might be gay. This really shouldn't be included in juvenile book, and it doesn't play into the main plot at all. The only reason I can think of it being included is to check some sort of box so that the book is seen as progressive.