My Brother, the Robot [Large Print] [Hardcover]

Bonny Becker (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2, 2002 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Chip didn't think anything could be worse than almost failing the fifth grade -- until his new brother, Simon, arrived. Simon is the latest in robotic technology. He's ten times better than a human boy. Dad hopes Simon will set a good example for Chip. Instead, Chip feels like Simon is taking his place -- at school, on the swim team, even in his parents' hearts.

Included in Juvenile 10.

An accelerated Reader® Title

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Gr 3-6-When Chip has to go to summer school to avoid failing fifth grade, his parents decide to buy a robot "brother" to serve as an example for their son. Simon is seemingly flawless, even though he is a "factory second." He has the Power of Discipline, whereas Chip daydreams. The boy is dismayed by this annoying machine's intrusion in his life, and is even more upset when the robot turns out to be a swimmer. Swimming is Chip's sport. The story progresses to an inevitable man-against-machine swim meet at the novel's conclusion: Chip beats a new and better robot on the opposing team. His dad is inexcusably obtuse to purchase a robot as an "example," and the man admires the robot's swimming ability to the detriment of his son. Then, in a complete turn around at the end, he admits to Chip that he lied about having won a swimming trophy when he was young and really loves his son as he is. The none-too-subtle message about accepting one's imperfections and those of others is a bit heavy-handed. Still, readers who enjoyed Timothy Bush's Benjamin McFadden and the Robot Babysitter (Crown, 1998) or Alfred Slote's My Robot Buddy (HarperCollins, 1975) may enjoy Simon's antics as well.

Debbie Whitbeck, West Ottawa Public Schools, Holland, MI

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-6. In her first novel, Becker offers a story to match any of the numerous nightmarish plots involving robots. In the summer between fifth and sixth grade, Chip, a classic underachiever, discovers that his parents have ordered a SIMON robot, advertised as being the perfect son. "The truth is, your mother and I hope that he will be a good example for you," Chip's father tells him. Consequently, Chip has to put up with Simon always cleaning his room, constantly being polite, and winning swim meets. Chip's reaction is realistic and understandable: he wants to murder his new brother or at least turn him off. Becker paints an accurate portrait of Chip, the type of dreamy kid that we all know, and her view of the future world, where things frequently don't work right, is very funny. A fast-paced, humorous story that ends with a heroic Chip and a humbled Simon. Todd Morning
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 143 pages
• Publisher: Thorndike Press; 1 edition (April 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786241349
• ISBN-13: 978-0786241347
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,522,550 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the perfect brother???, January 17, 2002

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: My Brother, the Robot (Hardcover)

Bonny Becker has crafted a cool, funny story. Everyone who has ever hated a brother or sister (for at least ten minutes) should read this book. Everyone who has ever wanted to be perfect should read it. PARENTS should read it, too--especially parents who think they want perfect children. This book is a lot of fun, very real and leaves you feeling good about yourself. What a great story! Highly recommended.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars delightfully surprised, November 5, 2003

By 

Donita K. Paul (www.dragonkeeper.us) - See all my reviews

This review is from: My Brother, the Robot (Hardcover)

I read this book last night. I was looking for a gift for Christmas for the son of a friend. This book is perfect. Humor, wisdom, and a great resolution to a problem many young boys face - the ambiguity of how much their success translates into approval by their parents.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent condition, November 27, 2009

By 

AndeM "Ande M" (MD) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: My Brother, the Robot (Hardcover)

Great childrens book. We had researched the reading list for chapter books in elementary school and this book was rated pretty high.