Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 02/17/2025 Tween robots rage against the machine in debut author Cherrywell’s contemporary take on a robot uprising. In the 2280s, humanoid machines-created by Minerva Social Computing to test the viability of life on other planets-are activated in a Martian colony to prepare for the arrival of human residents. Each robot subsect has been developed to exhibit a variety of personalities based on TV show archetypes. One subsect, tween Libbies, are "always chipper, cheerful, and sweet." But one of the Libbies, nicknamed Max, has been experiencing unprecedented mood swings and begun questioning authority. She also wants to befriend grouchy bot Roxanne, despite having it "hard-coded into me" that Roxanne was "bad news." Soon, however, Max and Roxanne begin testing the limits of their perfectly programmed A.I.Cademy. And as Max seeks answers about why she "seemed a little different from the other Libbies," she and Roxanne start encouraging other bots to push boundaries and bend the rules. The robots’ unlikely rebellion paves the way for self-actualization and -reflection, presenting existential ideas about personhood and commodification through a delightfully upbeat adventure. Most character skin tones are "weirdly clustered over onto the lighter end of the scale." Ages 8-12. Agent: Marie Lamba, Jennifer De Chiara Literary. (Apr.) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 04/01/2025 Gr 4–7—On Mars in the year 2200, humans are looking at the viability of living in communities there. Minerva Social Computing has populated Martian communities with humanoid robots, based on popular shows back on Earth. These A.I.Cademy dolls come with a line of specific personalities, including "Timid" Giselle, "Sporty" Robin, "Bully" Roxanne, and "Shining Star" Libby. As a "Libby," Max knows she is supposed to be cheerful and kind to all, but she is confused and frustrated because she doesn't always feel those things; she wonders if something is wrong with her. When she tries to befriend Roxanne, the other Libby robots ostracize her, which isn't very Libby-like either. With the help of human scientist, Dr. Bhanjee, Max discovers why she feels mixed up and other secrets about this seemingly perfect society. Cherrywell's debut imbues sci-fi concepts with humorous details, such as robots trying to eat realistic cardboard food and their lack of need for sleep. Readers will recognize the A.I.Cademy dolls as the possible future versions of their beloved American Girl dolls. Friendship issues, jealousies, and parental relationships are approached realistically, and readers will appreciate the feel-good message highlighting that it's what's inside that matters. VERDICT Readers will likely find they have much in common with these Robot Dolls of the future, while considering what the future may have in store for who remain behind on Earth.—Michele Shaw - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.