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Scrap #1
SCRAP
The year was Something Something. Humans had spread like peanut butter across the galaxy, looking for new planets to call Somewhere.
One of those planets was Somewhere Five One Three.
When the humans arrive on Somewhere 513, they discover that the robots sent to prepare the planet for Humanity’s arrival have chosen to keep it for themselves. Only one robot remains loyal – K1-NG, aka King of the Robots. But even with the most powerful robot on their side, the outlawed humans don’t stand a chance.
Ten years on, Gnat and her sister Paige are the only humans left and have spent their lives hidden underground. Now they must venture out in search of the one robot that stood by the humans. There’s just one problem – the once mighty K1-NG has vowed never to help another human for as long as he lives…
The first in a hugely original and entertaining new trilogy for middle grade readers from the award-winning author of STITCH HEAD. For fans of Maz Evans and Thomas Taylor.
One of those planets was Somewhere Five One Three.
When the humans arrive on Somewhere 513, they discover that the robots sent to prepare the planet for Humanity’s arrival have chosen to keep it for themselves. Only one robot remains loyal – K1-NG, aka King of the Robots. But even with the most powerful robot on their side, the outlawed humans don’t stand a chance.
Ten years on, Gnat and her sister Paige are the only humans left and have spent their lives hidden underground. Now they must venture out in search of the one robot that stood by the humans. There’s just one problem – the once mighty K1-NG has vowed never to help another human for as long as he lives…
The first in a hugely original and entertaining new trilogy for middle grade readers from the award-winning author of STITCH HEAD. For fans of Maz Evans and Thomas Taylor.
320 pages, Paperback
Published October 12, 2023
6 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Guy Bass
72 books48 followersGuy is an award-winning author whose children's books series include Stitch Head, Skeleton Keys, Dinkin Dings, Spynosaur, The Legend of Frog and Atomic! In 2010 Dinkin Dings and the Frightening Things won the Blue Peter Award for Most Fun Book with Pictures.
Guy's has also written plays for both adults and children. He has previously been a theatre producer, illustrator, temp, gerbil whisperer and has acted his way out of several paper bags.
Guy spent his childhood reading comics and hoping one day to become a superhero. He spends his adulthood in more or less the same way.
Guy lives in London with his wife and no dog - yet.
Guy's has also written plays for both adults and children. He has previously been a theatre producer, illustrator, temp, gerbil whisperer and has acted his way out of several paper bags.
Guy spent his childhood reading comics and hoping one day to become a superhero. He spends his adulthood in more or less the same way.
Guy lives in London with his wife and no dog - yet.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 15, 2024
There are so few MG science fiction books out there that I jump on every one I see. I picked up Scrap while browsing the shelves of Waterstones looking to spend a gift card and was very pleased I did.
Scrap is a clever science fiction story for 9-12 year olds with a strong focus on friendship. It's a great read and the cover and illustrations are fantastic.
I very much hope there will be a sequel.
Scrap is a clever science fiction story for 9-12 year olds with a strong focus on friendship. It's a great read and the cover and illustrations are fantastic.
I very much hope there will be a sequel.
December 1, 2023
Thank you so much to Little Tiger Group and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
After the war between robots and humans, no humans were allowed to live on their own planet. Then K1-NG who fought for the humans is living in the piles of robot remains is found by two young human girls who need his help. Together they travel through the evolved robot world to find a way off and risk their safety.
I’m not a huge robot fan I will state that right away, I don’t usually find I enjoy them, but this changed my mind in such a good way. I found that I actually really enjoyed this story it had a lot of heart to it, it had a fun adventure, lots of action and it was intense in places, the characters were all amazing and the illustrations were stunning. You didn’t really know where exactly the story would go but it leaves you excited to find out where it’s going.
I really enjoyed the protagonists with Scrap being a former king robot, who doesn’t want to be bothered just wanted to be left, but is incredibly loyal and caring toward the two girls. Gnat and Paige who neither of them had ever had real robot interaction before both are adorable especially little Gnat who has the cutest way of talking and is so happy and open minded, versus Paige who is fast thinking, incredibly smart, slow at trusting the robots but an incredibly loving sister and friend. Together they navigate this completely changed world, all whilst it was difficult as they were being hunted by multiple robots.
Mayor Highshine was a menace, wow she was brutal and conniving in everything she did. She was such a cleverly thought out character that even though I hated her I absolutely loved her, she was so entertaining with her evil plan, the storyline twists, the sneaking and randomly showing up, I loved but hated her she was so great. I loved Morton he was adorable and so sweet, having been forced into a life he didn’t really like I felt so sad for him. I also loved so many of the other characters that we met, each one had been really well crafted and it was incredible how many interesting robots we met on this journey.
I loved all the action and adventure, there were so many twists and always something fascinating happening, someone or something would spring up out of nowhere and keep you on your toes whilst reading. I loved following Scrap on his journey and how he went from nothing to realising no matter what case he was in he was still king, he was still important and still family to the humans, I loved him.
The design of the world was really interesting with all the piles of past robot pieces just thrown around, each robot being told, encouraged and almost forced in some cases to upgrade their looks so they were a better more efficient robot was really fascinating storyline. It showed how the leadership was within that land but also showed a really sad side to it all that they would so easily discard someone.
The illustrations for this book were literally stunning and really aided and helped with the world building. They were wonderful to look at and I stared at some of them a long time as they were perfection for this story, sharing our characters and landscapes.
This was an incredible book and I want to read it all over again now, I enjoyed it very much, from the action packed adventure, to the characters that grasp your heart so quickly, to the end of the first adventure. This book doesn’t let you down once and you will be riveted within this world on planet Somewhere 513. I am really excited for the next stage of their adventure in the second book, it’s going to be incredible, I cannot wait.
After the war between robots and humans, no humans were allowed to live on their own planet. Then K1-NG who fought for the humans is living in the piles of robot remains is found by two young human girls who need his help. Together they travel through the evolved robot world to find a way off and risk their safety.
I’m not a huge robot fan I will state that right away, I don’t usually find I enjoy them, but this changed my mind in such a good way. I found that I actually really enjoyed this story it had a lot of heart to it, it had a fun adventure, lots of action and it was intense in places, the characters were all amazing and the illustrations were stunning. You didn’t really know where exactly the story would go but it leaves you excited to find out where it’s going.
I really enjoyed the protagonists with Scrap being a former king robot, who doesn’t want to be bothered just wanted to be left, but is incredibly loyal and caring toward the two girls. Gnat and Paige who neither of them had ever had real robot interaction before both are adorable especially little Gnat who has the cutest way of talking and is so happy and open minded, versus Paige who is fast thinking, incredibly smart, slow at trusting the robots but an incredibly loving sister and friend. Together they navigate this completely changed world, all whilst it was difficult as they were being hunted by multiple robots.
Mayor Highshine was a menace, wow she was brutal and conniving in everything she did. She was such a cleverly thought out character that even though I hated her I absolutely loved her, she was so entertaining with her evil plan, the storyline twists, the sneaking and randomly showing up, I loved but hated her she was so great. I loved Morton he was adorable and so sweet, having been forced into a life he didn’t really like I felt so sad for him. I also loved so many of the other characters that we met, each one had been really well crafted and it was incredible how many interesting robots we met on this journey.
I loved all the action and adventure, there were so many twists and always something fascinating happening, someone or something would spring up out of nowhere and keep you on your toes whilst reading. I loved following Scrap on his journey and how he went from nothing to realising no matter what case he was in he was still king, he was still important and still family to the humans, I loved him.
The design of the world was really interesting with all the piles of past robot pieces just thrown around, each robot being told, encouraged and almost forced in some cases to upgrade their looks so they were a better more efficient robot was really fascinating storyline. It showed how the leadership was within that land but also showed a really sad side to it all that they would so easily discard someone.
The illustrations for this book were literally stunning and really aided and helped with the world building. They were wonderful to look at and I stared at some of them a long time as they were perfection for this story, sharing our characters and landscapes.
This was an incredible book and I want to read it all over again now, I enjoyed it very much, from the action packed adventure, to the characters that grasp your heart so quickly, to the end of the first adventure. This book doesn’t let you down once and you will be riveted within this world on planet Somewhere 513. I am really excited for the next stage of their adventure in the second book, it’s going to be incredible, I cannot wait.
April 4, 2024
A civilisation of surprisingly stupid robots exists on a planet way out there, that they were supposed to terraform for the expanding humanity but decided to keep instead. After a lengthy war – not helped, from the robots' point of view by a traitor who fought for the humans – squidgy people were banned, and robots settled back into a world of rampant consumerism and the search for more and more unlikely cosmetic upgrades. But we're soon to discover three characters – two young human siblings, there after all this time, and the traitor robot, who the kids decide to call Scrap for all the ungainly mish-mash of dented parts and missing bits he's left with. He wants nothing to do with them, but is kind of duty-bound by history to keep them safe, even if their cockamamie plan is to go into the badlands, find what is left of the ship the humans arrived on, and get off-planet. None of them will get their way…
This was a really decent read – a proper sci-fi adventure story with a light-hearted touch (I assume the cameo from Terry and June is a joke for the grandparents). The sisters are definitely on the bickering side, but they're excused all their quibbling, especially as they're in the unlikely situation of having to pass as robots for much of this. And Scrap as a character gets to stand out enough, so any idea that he is just a "Wall-E" character, or Peter Brown's "Wild Robot", is soon shot down.
Add in a rogue hunter, an evil mayoress, all the world-building adverts and suchlike that start each 'episode', all the machinations of all the characters prior to this story starting, and a dash of "Real Steel" and you have something pretty distinctive and clever. It's not that clever that you forget how implausible it is for the robots to not know the girls are humans – the story takes place over several days and even when they're not hungry they're going to have drop character and go loo at least a few times – but it's getting there. It's certainly kinetic and highly readable enough to just about make you gloss over any such issues (the way the robots have to be vocal in order to get a body-swap – certainly a dodgy design flaw).
Principally it's deft in doing the old switcheroo – it looks like being a sci-fi story, then turns into a lesson for us all about cosmetic surgery, Turkish teeth, the new 'me' we're told to want, and then reverts into proper sci-fi action for all ages. It's a classy piece, and with two more in the series to turn up eventually it's good news all round. Four and a half stars.
This was a really decent read – a proper sci-fi adventure story with a light-hearted touch (I assume the cameo from Terry and June is a joke for the grandparents). The sisters are definitely on the bickering side, but they're excused all their quibbling, especially as they're in the unlikely situation of having to pass as robots for much of this. And Scrap as a character gets to stand out enough, so any idea that he is just a "Wall-E" character, or Peter Brown's "Wild Robot", is soon shot down.
Add in a rogue hunter, an evil mayoress, all the world-building adverts and suchlike that start each 'episode', all the machinations of all the characters prior to this story starting, and a dash of "Real Steel" and you have something pretty distinctive and clever. It's not that clever that you forget how implausible it is for the robots to not know the girls are humans – the story takes place over several days and even when they're not hungry they're going to have drop character and go loo at least a few times – but it's getting there. It's certainly kinetic and highly readable enough to just about make you gloss over any such issues (the way the robots have to be vocal in order to get a body-swap – certainly a dodgy design flaw).
Principally it's deft in doing the old switcheroo – it looks like being a sci-fi story, then turns into a lesson for us all about cosmetic surgery, Turkish teeth, the new 'me' we're told to want, and then reverts into proper sci-fi action for all ages. It's a classy piece, and with two more in the series to turn up eventually it's good news all round. Four and a half stars.
September 11, 2025
یه کتاب خیلی زیبا سرشار از احساسات قشنگ
داستان رباتی که بهعنوان شاه رباتها با هسته فوقالعادهای ساخته شده و در سیاره یک جایی 513 که برای آمادهسازی برای انسانها ستخته شده، رباتها علیه انسانها جنگیدن تا خودشون در سیاره بمونن و انسانهایی که راهی یک جایی 513 شده بودن، مجبور شدن برگردن
اما قاصدک درخشان، سازنده رباتها، و خانوادههاش یه دلالیلی نتونستن برن و در سیاره موندن.
سالها بعد پروا و پرک، دختران قاصدک درخشان به توصیه مادرشون رفتن تا از تپهها شاه رباتها رو پیدا کنن، شاهی که حالا قراضه شده. شاهی در نبر انسانها و رباتها برای انسانها جنگید و بدنه قدرتمندش رو از دست داد و با یه بدنه قراضه تو تپهها به زندگیش ادامه داد تا اینکه پروا و پرک پیداش کردن.
قراضه، پروا و پرک با قطار معلق یهه ناکجاآباد میرن، یا رباتهای مختلفی روبهرو میشن، ازجمله بهرام آتشربا که بدنه اصلی شاه رباتها رو داره.
یه داستان فوقالعاده زیبا و دلنشین که بهظاهر درباره رباتهاست اما سرشار از احساسات زیبای امنیت، اهمیت دادن، مهربونی و حسهای قشنگ دیگهست.
در سیارهای که حضور انسان ممنوعه، حالا دو بچه انسان با قراضه همراه شدن و باید از خطرات و شکارچیان و کسانی که دنبال شاه رباتها هستن فرار کنن. دلاوریها و شجاعتشون زیبا بود. بهخصوص اینکه بدونی ربات برای انسان چنین کاری میکنه و حتی میشه گفت بااینکه رباته، مهربونی در وجودش نهفته.
من از شخصیت بهرام هم خوشم اومد. ربات جالب و بانمکی بود بهخصوص که عاشق بیل زدن بود😂
داستان رباتی که بهعنوان شاه رباتها با هسته فوقالعادهای ساخته شده و در سیاره یک جایی 513 که برای آمادهسازی برای انسانها ستخته شده، رباتها علیه انسانها جنگیدن تا خودشون در سیاره بمونن و انسانهایی که راهی یک جایی 513 شده بودن، مجبور شدن برگردن
اما قاصدک درخشان، سازنده رباتها، و خانوادههاش یه دلالیلی نتونستن برن و در سیاره موندن.
سالها بعد پروا و پرک، دختران قاصدک درخشان به توصیه مادرشون رفتن تا از تپهها شاه رباتها رو پیدا کنن، شاهی که حالا قراضه شده. شاهی در نبر انسانها و رباتها برای انسانها جنگید و بدنه قدرتمندش رو از دست داد و با یه بدنه قراضه تو تپهها به زندگیش ادامه داد تا اینکه پروا و پرک پیداش کردن.
قراضه، پروا و پرک با قطار معلق یهه ناکجاآباد میرن، یا رباتهای مختلفی روبهرو میشن، ازجمله بهرام آتشربا که بدنه اصلی شاه رباتها رو داره.
یه داستان فوقالعاده زیبا و دلنشین که بهظاهر درباره رباتهاست اما سرشار از احساسات زیبای امنیت، اهمیت دادن، مهربونی و حسهای قشنگ دیگهست.
در سیارهای که حضور انسان ممنوعه، حالا دو بچه انسان با قراضه همراه شدن و باید از خطرات و شکارچیان و کسانی که دنبال شاه رباتها هستن فرار کنن. دلاوریها و شجاعتشون زیبا بود. بهخصوص اینکه بدونی ربات برای انسان چنین کاری میکنه و حتی میشه گفت بااینکه رباته، مهربونی در وجودش نهفته.
من از شخصیت بهرام هم خوشم اومد. ربات جالب و بانمکی بود بهخصوص که عاشق بیل زدن بود😂
February 3, 2024
Scrap is a hodgepodge of robot parts left in the pile, until one day two girl-humans Gnat and Paige (disguised as robots) find him.
In this kid-sized adventure on a new planet, author Guy Bass (now into his 40th title) gradually unravels the story.
For Scrap used to be K1-NG, the only King of robots built with an everlasting core. When the robots sent in to prepare planet, Somewhere 513, rebelled and outlawed all humans — he was the last defender of his family of humans.
If there’s anything I like more than a robot expedition in space, it is a tale of robots with personality. Scrap (or K1-NG) turns out to be a fiesty protector despite having lost his original case and just made of scrap parts. I loved especially the malapropistic killer robot sent after him, whose confused idioms were indeed her…shaving grace 🤔
I had a good time reading this, it pleases on so many levels. It’s an awesome story, especially for both reluctant readers or those who love a play with words. If you look further — there’s a society of robots who feels a constant need to upgrade AND some might love the reference to, and a rehashed version of Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics 🤖
📚: @times.reads
In this kid-sized adventure on a new planet, author Guy Bass (now into his 40th title) gradually unravels the story.
For Scrap used to be K1-NG, the only King of robots built with an everlasting core. When the robots sent in to prepare planet, Somewhere 513, rebelled and outlawed all humans — he was the last defender of his family of humans.
If there’s anything I like more than a robot expedition in space, it is a tale of robots with personality. Scrap (or K1-NG) turns out to be a fiesty protector despite having lost his original case and just made of scrap parts. I loved especially the malapropistic killer robot sent after him, whose confused idioms were indeed her…shaving grace 🤔
I had a good time reading this, it pleases on so many levels. It’s an awesome story, especially for both reluctant readers or those who love a play with words. If you look further — there’s a society of robots who feels a constant need to upgrade AND some might love the reference to, and a rehashed version of Isaac Asimov’s Three Laws of Robotics 🤖
📚: @times.reads
January 3, 2024
Scrap is the space-spanning story of the last two humans left on a planet inhabited by rebellious robots who’ve taken the place for their own, rather than prep it for their human masters. Bass creates a hugely immersive world where robots, for all their mechanical mannerisms, have evolved some truly human traits – including the need to upgrade their ‘cases’ constantly – their very own form of fashion-fed consumerism. Within this world sits a central story that’s full of heart, including two scrappy sisters striving to survive, and a reluctant hero with a badass backstory to boot.
Scrap just gets better and better as you go. There’s some killer, ‘NO WAY!’ twists, some heart wrenching moments (especially around Morten Prometheus, the robot-boxing champ with his own secret yearnings), and plenty of exciting action sequences – with tons of humour woven throughout.
I’m as impatient for the next instalment as a Somewhere 513 ‘bot is for their next upgrade! Highly recommended!
Scrap just gets better and better as you go. There’s some killer, ‘NO WAY!’ twists, some heart wrenching moments (especially around Morten Prometheus, the robot-boxing champ with his own secret yearnings), and plenty of exciting action sequences – with tons of humour woven throughout.
I’m as impatient for the next instalment as a Somewhere 513 ‘bot is for their next upgrade! Highly recommended!
April 8, 2024
Well written adventure in a distant future/planet where humans are not allowed to exist after the war (sorry... Difference of Opinion), but there are two young kids/sisters searching for the king of robots. They need their help.
Awesome humor (I love how they change well known idiomatic expressions making them funnier), reluctant companions on a journey (after his home gets blown up why not join then for now?), friendship, found family, fighting for what is right and worth protecting, loss of family, quest and journey, facing cool villains, the trauma of the past, and looking forward to a hopeful future.
I love dystopian books with non-human characters, whether they are the main characters or companions. Amazing twist closer to the end and awesome resolution. Can be read as a stamdalone but inhopecit isca serirs. I'm looking forward to more.
Love the artwork as well.
Awesome humor (I love how they change well known idiomatic expressions making them funnier), reluctant companions on a journey (after his home gets blown up why not join then for now?), friendship, found family, fighting for what is right and worth protecting, loss of family, quest and journey, facing cool villains, the trauma of the past, and looking forward to a hopeful future.
I love dystopian books with non-human characters, whether they are the main characters or companions. Amazing twist closer to the end and awesome resolution. Can be read as a stamdalone but inhopecit isca serirs. I'm looking forward to more.
Love the artwork as well.
February 18, 2024
A planet inhabited by robots and only 2 humans on it - sounds interesting and intriguing. I have always been fascinated by science-fiction where the robots have their own world/city. This story did not disappoint.
You are following one robot and 2 little girls who are discovering themselves and the world they live in. The girls need to desperately leave the planet because humans are not allowed on it. They believe the robot can help them, but K1-NG is not that willing at first.
The world is very interesting. Different type of robots appear and they are all so interesting and unique. They all have their own personality as well.
I highly recommend this book.
You are following one robot and 2 little girls who are discovering themselves and the world they live in. The girls need to desperately leave the planet because humans are not allowed on it. They believe the robot can help them, but K1-NG is not that willing at first.
The world is very interesting. Different type of robots appear and they are all so interesting and unique. They all have their own personality as well.
I highly recommend this book.
December 7, 2023
If you know any 7/8-12 year old children who would like a book about a gutsy little robot, or any children (or adults) who think they don't like books and don't particularly like robots either, show them a copy of Scrap. Excellent story, very well written, full of humour and courage, imagination, drama and pathos – and all kinds of robots - and a couple of small humans.
I loved it. Oh, and I'm over 60...
I loved it. Oh, and I'm over 60...
January 3, 2024
Set somewhere in the future, a future where humans send robots to set up a planet for their arrival.
However this time robots don't want to hand over the planet and they instead outlaw humans.
War and revolution break out. What happens to the last remaining humans? What happens when they get sick? Here Gnat and Paige - two children are sent to find K1NG, the only robot who fought with humans. Can he help them?
However this time robots don't want to hand over the planet and they instead outlaw humans.
War and revolution break out. What happens to the last remaining humans? What happens when they get sick? Here Gnat and Paige - two children are sent to find K1NG, the only robot who fought with humans. Can he help them?
November 17, 2024
Bass Straights #4
Scrap #1
First book in series from Bass is average fare for me, it just never really grabbed me in a way that made me think or gave me any real interest. Not terrible, but just mildly diverting.
Scrap #1
First book in series from Bass is average fare for me, it just never really grabbed me in a way that made me think or gave me any real interest. Not terrible, but just mildly diverting.
January 20, 2024
I listened to this book on audio, read by the author. It really brought the book to life. Loved it!!
March 7, 2024
This book deliberately normalizes sexual objectification of women.
April 15, 2024
So cute and fun. I loved scrap and the whole story was just brilliant
May 15, 2024
3.5. Fun ya novel with a curious and interesting plot and well executed, tho plenty of formulaic goodies and baddies! Enjoyable as an audiobook
August 3, 2024
This was a brilliant kids book about loyalty and f friendship. I thought it was a standalone book but excited to continue to adventure
August 4, 2024
Read to my Y4 class. They were very into it.
June 18, 2025
this was an ok book it didn't have a lot of longer words but it had a good story
October 20, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews