What do you think?
Rate this book
Secret Coders #4
Secret Coders: Robots & Repeats
Dr. One-Zero has added a new class to Stately Academy's curriculum. But in "Advanced Chemistry," they only teach one how to make Green Pop! While their classmates are manufacturing this dangerous soda, the Coders uncover a clue that may lead them to Hopper's missing dad. Is it time to use Professor Bee's most powerful the Turtle of Light?
From graphic novel superstar (and former computer-programming teacher) Gene Luen Yang, comes Robots & Repeats, the fourth volume of Secret Coders. This wildly entertaining series combines logic puzzles and basic coding instruction with a page-turning mystery plot!
From graphic novel superstar (and former computer-programming teacher) Gene Luen Yang, comes Robots & Repeats, the fourth volume of Secret Coders. This wildly entertaining series combines logic puzzles and basic coding instruction with a page-turning mystery plot!
96 pages, Hardcover
First published October 3, 2017
58 people are currently reading
461 people want to read
About the author
Gene Luen Yang
362 books3,374 followersGene Luen Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. As the Library of Congress’ fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, he advocates for the importance of reading, especially reading diversely. American Born Chinese, his first graphic novel from First Second Books, was a National Book Award finalist, as well as the winner of the Printz Award and an Eisner Award. His two-volume graphic novel Boxers & Saints won the L.A. Times Book Prize and was a National Book Award Finalist. His other works include Secret Coders (with Mike Holmes), The Shadow Hero (with Sonny Liew), Superman from DC Comics (with various artists), and the Avatar: The Last Airbender series from Dark Horse Comics (with Gurihiru). In 2016, he was named a MacArthur Foundation Fellow. His most recent books are Dragon Hoops from First Second Books and Superman Smashes the Klan from DC Comics.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
first-second-publications
October 3, 2017In this forth volume, Robots & Repeats, Dr. One-Zero has added a new class to Stately Academy’s curriculum. But in “Advanced Chemistry,” they only teach one lesson: how to make Green Pop! While their classmates are manufacturing this dangerous soda, the Coders uncover a clue that may lead them to Hopper’s missing dad.
October 27, 2024
The good stuff: They finally had hope to defeat Dr. One-zero
The bad stuff: Dr. One-zero caught the three coders when they were tryna sneak into his secret conference room.
The bad stuff: Dr. One-zero caught the three coders when they were tryna sneak into his secret conference room.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2021
They are learning more and more advanced coding. Now they have found professor Bee again. But he doesn't look the same.
Dr One-Zero continues his evil plans.
Dr One-Zero continues his evil plans.
September 6, 2020
https://openbooksociety.com/article/s...
Robots & Repeats
Secret Coders, Book #4
By Gene Luen Yang
ISBN: 9781626726062
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary:
Dr. One-Zero has added a new class to Stately Academy’s curriculum. But in “Advanced Chemistry,” they only teach one lesson: how to make Green Pop! While their classmates are manufacturing this dangerous soda, the Coders uncover a clue that may lead them to Hopper’s missing dad. Is it time to use Professor Bee’s most powerful weapon: The Turtle of Light?
From graphic novel superstar (and former computer-programming teacher) Gene Luen Yang, comes Robots & Repeats, the fourth volume of Secret Coders. This wildly entertaining series combines logic puzzles and basic coding instruction with a page-turning mystery plot! (Goodreads)
Review:
Secret Coders: Robots & Repeats is the fourth book in the Secret Coders series. Jumping in at the fourth book is probably not the best of plans if you are unfamiliar with coding at all. With respect to the storyline however, it was not a big distraction starting at the fourth book though I do recommend the young reader start from the beginning of the series.
I quite enjoyed how the concept of nesting was introduced along with a refresher on binary coding. A few stumbles but once the Coders thought about it (especially Hopper), they caught on and got the coding written correctly to accomplish their goal, which was trying to locate Hopper’s missing dad. I found Dr. One-Zero to be a palatable nemesis who in my mind, drove the Coders to learn and try harder to stop him in his nefarious ways.
The layout of the book is in a grid like manner and as such, very easy to read, geared towards a younger reader – the 8-12 age range. The colours used are basic: white, green and shades of grey and black and not distracting as to take away from the lessons being taught.
There is a cliffhanger, so reading the next in the series, Book 5 – Secret Coders: Potions & Parameters, would be the next logical step ☺
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Robots & Repeats
Secret Coders, Book #4
By Gene Luen Yang
ISBN: 9781626726062
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary:
Dr. One-Zero has added a new class to Stately Academy’s curriculum. But in “Advanced Chemistry,” they only teach one lesson: how to make Green Pop! While their classmates are manufacturing this dangerous soda, the Coders uncover a clue that may lead them to Hopper’s missing dad. Is it time to use Professor Bee’s most powerful weapon: The Turtle of Light?
From graphic novel superstar (and former computer-programming teacher) Gene Luen Yang, comes Robots & Repeats, the fourth volume of Secret Coders. This wildly entertaining series combines logic puzzles and basic coding instruction with a page-turning mystery plot! (Goodreads)
Review:
Secret Coders: Robots & Repeats is the fourth book in the Secret Coders series. Jumping in at the fourth book is probably not the best of plans if you are unfamiliar with coding at all. With respect to the storyline however, it was not a big distraction starting at the fourth book though I do recommend the young reader start from the beginning of the series.
I quite enjoyed how the concept of nesting was introduced along with a refresher on binary coding. A few stumbles but once the Coders thought about it (especially Hopper), they caught on and got the coding written correctly to accomplish their goal, which was trying to locate Hopper’s missing dad. I found Dr. One-Zero to be a palatable nemesis who in my mind, drove the Coders to learn and try harder to stop him in his nefarious ways.
The layout of the book is in a grid like manner and as such, very easy to read, geared towards a younger reader – the 8-12 age range. The colours used are basic: white, green and shades of grey and black and not distracting as to take away from the lessons being taught.
There is a cliffhanger, so reading the next in the series, Book 5 – Secret Coders: Potions & Parameters, would be the next logical step ☺
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
June 26, 2018
I did not realize this was the fourth book and I suggest this series be read in order. That being said, this book is pretty dang cool. Part mystery, part humor, and part coding "Secret Coders" is a great graphic novel for kids!
January 22, 2020
The 4th in a series of books about a group of kids who save their town by learning to code. Pretty fun and light-hearted. I'd be interested to know if kids are actually reading them and learning code . . . but they're fun for me at least!
August 18, 2017
Such a good series, and the way coding is explained is accessible and enjoyable. I want to give this series to every kid who comes to our computer programs.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for a review.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for a review.
February 4, 2018
Wait, I swear this one was only a couple pages long! I have to wait for the next book for how long? 😀
![Profile Image for Amanda [Novel Addiction].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1415744673i%2F4886503._UX200_CR0%2C36%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 24, 2017
This series continues to be both cute and informative. I would definitely recommend this to young people learning coding.. and honestly, it was pretty helpful for me, an almost 30 year old. And it didn't make me feel stupid, which is always a plus.
March 30, 2018
Yang, Gene Luen Robots and Repeats (Secret Coders #4), 92 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. First Second, 2017. $19. Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.
In this fourth installment of the series, readers find Hopper and her friends are trying to find Hopper’s missing dad. That can be tough as they have Dr. One-Zero as the principal of their school –he has the entire student body making Green Pop in chemistry class –which is not a good thing. When the friends find their own mentor Professor Bee, he shows them a new coding weapon that gives them hope. They must use their coding skills to solve new mysteries and find clues to where Hopper’s dad might be. Features green and black illustrations. Reader can participate in the adventure as each coding challenge the characters face is also a challenge for the reader, new coding techniques being introduced and added.
The coding in the book has gone beyond my skill level. The elementary students at my school who like graphic novels love the first book, but lose interest as the skills required to meet the challenges have gotten harder. That being said, I have had a few die hard fans who have loved this series and it always gains popularity during December, after our school participates in The Hour of Code. But it would be a great fit for Middle School, and could even be used for a fun assignment for a computer class/coding class.
EL –OPTIONAL; MS - ADVISABLE. Stephanie, Elementary School Librarian & Author
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
In this fourth installment of the series, readers find Hopper and her friends are trying to find Hopper’s missing dad. That can be tough as they have Dr. One-Zero as the principal of their school –he has the entire student body making Green Pop in chemistry class –which is not a good thing. When the friends find their own mentor Professor Bee, he shows them a new coding weapon that gives them hope. They must use their coding skills to solve new mysteries and find clues to where Hopper’s dad might be. Features green and black illustrations. Reader can participate in the adventure as each coding challenge the characters face is also a challenge for the reader, new coding techniques being introduced and added.
The coding in the book has gone beyond my skill level. The elementary students at my school who like graphic novels love the first book, but lose interest as the skills required to meet the challenges have gotten harder. That being said, I have had a few die hard fans who have loved this series and it always gains popularity during December, after our school participates in The Hour of Code. But it would be a great fit for Middle School, and could even be used for a fun assignment for a computer class/coding class.
EL –OPTIONAL; MS - ADVISABLE. Stephanie, Elementary School Librarian & Author
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2018...
June 1, 2017
Dr, One-Zero has gained control of the school and made a terrible change. He has cut all existing class periods in half and used the extra time in the day to require all students to take a chemistry course. The problem is that he has them doing the same experiment over and over - creating Green Pop! With Principal Dean at the hospital under observation, the kids decide it is time to use Mr. Bee's most powerful tool - the Turtle of Light to find a location marked on One-Zero's secret map and try to take him down for good. With everyone but Hopper's parents siding with Dr. One-Zero that the kids should not be allowed to spend time together, how will they pull off their big plan and save the school, the town, and Hopper's dad?
For kids who are interested in computers, robotics, and solving puzzles - this series is wonderful. It explains how each program works, then asks readers to think through what program is needed to solve the next problem. In this fourth book of the series, Mr. Bee shows them how to nest one repeat inside another within a program.
To try out your own coding skills, you may want to visit www.secret-coders.com.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
For kids who are interested in computers, robotics, and solving puzzles - this series is wonderful. It explains how each program works, then asks readers to think through what program is needed to solve the next problem. In this fourth book of the series, Mr. Bee shows them how to nest one repeat inside another within a program.
To try out your own coding skills, you may want to visit www.secret-coders.com.
I read an e-book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.
January 21, 2018
The coding content in this book is mostly review, with a large section at the end of how to read binary numbers in 1s and 0s, and the introduction of ASCII. I love that the authors decided to make this a later lesson as opposed to the early binary introduction in the first book. This way, children already have practice thinking about binary as "open/close" or "on/off" and reading simple binary numbers (the chapter headings are always a basic binary code) before introducing 1s and 0s. It means they already understand the concepts before getting confused by numbers that look like Arabic numbers (ex. 101=5).
The plot is even more ridiculous, as the kids try to thwart the new super-evil principal, with added impediments of their family members. Also the janitor appears to be some kind of coding alien being? Not sure how that is going to play out.
Highly recommend this series. I'm going to explore the website and see how far kids can learn from these books, but I love it. Would even recommend for an elementary school assignment or book club, for a STEM-tie-in to fiction, reading, and the ever popular comics format.
The plot is even more ridiculous, as the kids try to thwart the new super-evil principal, with added impediments of their family members. Also the janitor appears to be some kind of coding alien being? Not sure how that is going to play out.
Highly recommend this series. I'm going to explore the website and see how far kids can learn from these books, but I love it. Would even recommend for an elementary school assignment or book club, for a STEM-tie-in to fiction, reading, and the ever popular comics format.
September 21, 2017
The evil One Zero has taken over the school as Principal One Zero! The Secret Coders have to figure out what he’s doing at school, use their growing coding skills to outwit him, and continue to look for Hooper’s dad.
Each new graphic novel in this series continues to build on the coding skills taught in the last one. This one gets into inset repeats and introduces ASCII. Of course, many readers are in it for the ongoing mystery of where Hooper’s dad is and how the Secret Coders can foil the evil plots of One Zero. There aren’t a lot of answers in this volume, the plot just continues to thicken! There’s a group of students at our school who just love the fun and the brain stimulation this series provides. They can’t wait for this one, and I don’t think they’ll be disappointed (though they’ll definitely finish and be eager for the next one).
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Each new graphic novel in this series continues to build on the coding skills taught in the last one. This one gets into inset repeats and introduces ASCII. Of course, many readers are in it for the ongoing mystery of where Hooper’s dad is and how the Secret Coders can foil the evil plots of One Zero. There aren’t a lot of answers in this volume, the plot just continues to thicken! There’s a group of students at our school who just love the fun and the brain stimulation this series provides. They can’t wait for this one, and I don’t think they’ll be disappointed (though they’ll definitely finish and be eager for the next one).
I received an ARC of this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2018
Having thwarted Professor One-Zero's plans in the previous book, the coding trio are shocked to discover that Professor One-Zero has now taken over the school, and has now introduced a chemistry class to manufacture the chemicals that the Professor will use to take over the world.
The trio are forced to use the last resort left to them: a letter that guides them to the ultimate turtle that could help them defeat the Professor. But before they can do that, they need to learn the use of repeats that will simplify code they produce that requires many repetitive steps.
In the meantime, Professor One-Zero forbids the trio from seeing each other in public. So, they have to meet in secret and discover a secret location. But the location is guarded and they have to use their new coding skills to overcome the guards. Can they do so? Find out in the next book of the series.
The trio are forced to use the last resort left to them: a letter that guides them to the ultimate turtle that could help them defeat the Professor. But before they can do that, they need to learn the use of repeats that will simplify code they produce that requires many repetitive steps.
In the meantime, Professor One-Zero forbids the trio from seeing each other in public. So, they have to meet in secret and discover a secret location. But the location is guarded and they have to use their new coding skills to overcome the guards. Can they do so? Find out in the next book of the series.
May 29, 2019
The kids follow the clue from Professor Bee and discover the most powerful turtle in the world (a programmable robot). With it, they should be able to defeat the nefarious plan of Doctor One-Zero. One-Zero has taken over as principal of their school and he uses his power to have the students mass-produce Green Pop, the soda that will enable him to "save the world" by enslaving everyone to one single, easily satisfied desire. When the kids steal One-Zero's secret map, will they be able to decode the location and get the next clue they need to stop the scheme?
The story is fun and slowly builds in more coding skills for the reader. I'm starting to wish there was an omnibus volume of all the stories. Maybe that will be printed one day?
Recommended.
The story is fun and slowly builds in more coding skills for the reader. I'm starting to wish there was an omnibus volume of all the stories. Maybe that will be printed one day?
Recommended.
July 19, 2022
Using the same review for the whole series.
Loved the art and the story. Yang did a great job introducing concepts slowly and steadily. It was super fun to see LOGO and programming concepts being taught in a graphic novel style like this.
My daughter read the series around the same time as well and really enjoyed it too. It remains to be seen how well the concepts stuck, but at the very least they were introduced in a fun way which will make it easier to reintroduce them at a later date.
I'd recommend this for all ages. It's a great way to get kids interested in the concept of programming, and it's a fun way for adults to reflect back on some of their initial experiences with programming.
Loved the art and the story. Yang did a great job introducing concepts slowly and steadily. It was super fun to see LOGO and programming concepts being taught in a graphic novel style like this.
My daughter read the series around the same time as well and really enjoyed it too. It remains to be seen how well the concepts stuck, but at the very least they were introduced in a fun way which will make it easier to reintroduce them at a later date.
I'd recommend this for all ages. It's a great way to get kids interested in the concept of programming, and it's a fun way for adults to reflect back on some of their initial experiences with programming.
May 26, 2017
Thanks to Net Galley for an ARC of this graphic novel in return for an honest review.
The coders are back in action as they try to find clues to trace Hooper's father, coding along the way. The explanations on coding were easy to understand, probably geared to mid to upper elementary students. Sometimes I felt that the plot was a bit neglected and too much emphasis was put on the coding instead.
However, for kids who are new to coding and who enjoy graphic novels, this series is a treasure!
The coders are back in action as they try to find clues to trace Hooper's father, coding along the way. The explanations on coding were easy to understand, probably geared to mid to upper elementary students. Sometimes I felt that the plot was a bit neglected and too much emphasis was put on the coding instead.
However, for kids who are new to coding and who enjoy graphic novels, this series is a treasure!
August 17, 2017
The Coders are back in action! (Although at some point I'll have to re-read all of them together...I forgot all about what happened to Mr. Dean...) But the plot advanced well here and we might be getting closer to finding Hopper's dad! Of course much time is devoted to teaching code and binary, and I loved that this time around they got a code wrong and had to go back and fix it...a great lesson for kids to learn! As always, I was just getting into it when it came to an abrupt cliff hanging ending and I'll have to wait forever for the next one!
October 10, 2017
This is such a unique series. It brings mystery and adventure to learning how to code. The books build upon each other as they teach coding and the plot continues as well. Still on the search for her missing Dad, Hopper and the guys learn to put repeats within repeats into their coding along with learning how binary code and ASCII work. There are times in the story where it will ask you to write some code or guess what a given code will make. It would be great when this series is finished to publish a workbook to go along with it.
May 6, 2018
This book in the series really starts to ramp up. Dr. One-Zero is more evil than ever and ruining everything, so Hopper and Co. work extra hard to create codes for new and old tools alike to continue fighting this evil genius.
The codes got more and more complicated and I think I'm learning and retaining more information, but the kids in the book are definitely catching on at a quicker rate than me.
This story ended abruptly, so I'm looking forward to book five. This was a lovely way to spend an evening at home.
The codes got more and more complicated and I think I'm learning and retaining more information, but the kids in the book are definitely catching on at a quicker rate than me.
This story ended abruptly, so I'm looking forward to book five. This was a lovely way to spend an evening at home.
March 15, 2023
Dr. One-Zero has added a new class to Stately Academy's curriculum. But in "Advanced Chemistry," they only teach one lesson: how to make Green Pop! While their classmates are manufacturing this dangerous soda, the Coders uncover a clue that may lead them to Hopper's missing dad. Is it time to use Professor Bee's most powerful weapon: the Turtle of Light? This wildly entertaining series combines logic puzzles and basic coding instruction with a page-turning mystery plot!
June 16, 2017
Thank you Net Galley for the copy in exchange for a fair review.
More problem solving awaits the Coders. As the series progresses they gain new skills that help them on their adventure. I enjoy these books even though I know nothing about coding. It is a great way of introducing coding to kids in a very relatable manner.
More problem solving awaits the Coders. As the series progresses they gain new skills that help them on their adventure. I enjoy these books even though I know nothing about coding. It is a great way of introducing coding to kids in a very relatable manner.
September 23, 2017
Gene Luen Yang. Need I say more? This is a great series that includes logic, along with an entertaining storyline, dotted with humor. The integration is pretty seamless. If this is the first Gene Luen Yang book you have read, please be sure it is not the last. Enjoyable for young readers, as well as those who are older.
October 4, 2017
My six year old and I read this in an evening. He loved this next edition and can't wait until March! He was thrilled to find that he had answered the question from the end of the third edition correctly. I love how these books teach the fundamentals of coding along with an ongoing story that is engaging for both my son and me.
December 14, 2017
Best selling author/graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang has teamed up with Mike Holmes to create a graphic novel that teaches kids how to code using Logo and binary as the programming languages. The coding happens within a story line and also gives students the opportunity to practice as they go along.
This is a sequel - only get it if you have #1-3. #1 is a must have.
Grades 3-5
This is a sequel - only get it if you have #1-3. #1 is a must have.
Grades 3-5
December 18, 2018
The fourth book in the series tackles nesting, binary code and ASCII. It continues to explain coding concepts in an accessible way, while still maintaining a storyline. Having still used these in college, I'd definitely recommend to anyone getting a start in coding - it's written for middle grade, but the steps are more understandable than most other sources.
May 18, 2021
I liked it because they met a new robot named Light Light. If you said "up 50, down 90" he could make steps or something. The mystery was why One Zero took up their whole school day for chemistry. He made them make soda pop every day in chemistry so he could turn the whole school into a soda pop factory. The coders stopped it because they tried to save everyone and they actually did.
November 16, 2017
I do love me some educational, but fun comics! Robots and Repeats builds on both coding knowledge and the plot of the previous books, pitting the kids against the evil Doctor, and introducing some parental drama as well!
November 26, 2017
This was actually one of my favorites of the series because it had a lot of what I loved about the first book. The challenge was straightforward and I just love the friendship these three kids have. Another great addition to the series!
November 30, 2017
I like how Yang engages the reader to solve the code on their own before solving it - or in this case, the coders messed up and figured out how to fix it... or tweak it so it became a more efficient code. The story itself was pretty good too.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews