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Friendroid
Stranger Things meets robots in this sweet story about an unlikely friendship between two boys--one human, one android.
Eric Young is an android, but he doesn't know. He does know that he's just moved to Ashland, so it's important to make the right kind of friends--the kind that would be interested in skateboarding and the new Slick sneakers his Uncle Martin sends him.
Danny Lazio doesn't have any friends, but he doesn't care. Even if his classmates don't accept him, he still has Land X, the online role play game that he's actually really good at. But then Eric takes an interest in Land X, and suddenly Danny thinks he might have found a real friend...if he can figure out the mystery behind Eric's sudden disappearances and strange lifestyle.
It becomes harder to ignore the weird events that happen only around Eric. But uncovering the secret behind Eric's identity is an act that might cost them both as powerful forces soon move in around them.
This heartfelt story about friendship and what it means to be human is sure to tug at your soul--or your soul-chip if you're like Eric.
Eric Young is an android, but he doesn't know. He does know that he's just moved to Ashland, so it's important to make the right kind of friends--the kind that would be interested in skateboarding and the new Slick sneakers his Uncle Martin sends him.
Danny Lazio doesn't have any friends, but he doesn't care. Even if his classmates don't accept him, he still has Land X, the online role play game that he's actually really good at. But then Eric takes an interest in Land X, and suddenly Danny thinks he might have found a real friend...if he can figure out the mystery behind Eric's sudden disappearances and strange lifestyle.
It becomes harder to ignore the weird events that happen only around Eric. But uncovering the secret behind Eric's identity is an act that might cost them both as powerful forces soon move in around them.
This heartfelt story about friendship and what it means to be human is sure to tug at your soul--or your soul-chip if you're like Eric.
400 pages, Paperback
Published March 24, 2020
About the author
M.M. Vaughan
9 books80 followersThe daughter of South American parents, Monica Meira Vaughan grew up in Spain before moving to London at the age of five where she learnt English by watching Sesame Street and reading every Roald Dahl book she could get her hands on.
On leaving school, and after a brief stint in public relations, Monica decided to train as a primary school teacher. She has spent the last eight years working in special needs, mostly with children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Monica likes to start writing after midnight and it has been, until recently, her secret hobby. On the weekends she likes to try to catch up on her sleep.
She lives in London, England.
(From Curtis Brown Literacy Agency)
On leaving school, and after a brief stint in public relations, Monica decided to train as a primary school teacher. She has spent the last eight years working in special needs, mostly with children with emotional and behavioural difficulties.
Monica likes to start writing after midnight and it has been, until recently, her secret hobby. On the weekends she likes to try to catch up on her sleep.
She lives in London, England.
(From Curtis Brown Literacy Agency)
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 21, 2019
My review on www.bookread2day.wordpress.com Read the first page to Slick on my website.
I watched all of the Stranger Things TV series and in a strange way this brilliant science fiction/ friendship novel reminded me of just that.
Stranger Things meet robots in this amazing story about a friendship between two boys, but one is a human young boy and the other is an android.
Danny Lazio is human young boy and Slick/ Eric is an android.
Danny first met Slick on the 20th October at the fund raising for his dead sister. The strangest thing is Slick didn’t have a dead sister, but he didn’t know that and neither did Danny. They both share conversations just like two normal young boys would. One particular conversation was about trainers and clothes. Slick the Android wanted to know where Danny got his trainers from, but Danny didn’t know why Slick was asking. Slick gets all his clothes sent to him by Uncle Martin.
The story wraps up to a bit of a sad ending, but is really the end?
I’ve enjoyed this book so much from page one until the very last page, in truth I would be very happy to read another science fiction book by Monica Meira Vaughan.
I did read her first book Six. But hands on my heart Slick is my all time favourite science fiction/ friendship book. Even If you are not a science fiction fan I so much recommend Slick, it may make you laugh one minute and cry near the end
I watched all of the Stranger Things TV series and in a strange way this brilliant science fiction/ friendship novel reminded me of just that.
Stranger Things meet robots in this amazing story about a friendship between two boys, but one is a human young boy and the other is an android.
Danny Lazio is human young boy and Slick/ Eric is an android.
Danny first met Slick on the 20th October at the fund raising for his dead sister. The strangest thing is Slick didn’t have a dead sister, but he didn’t know that and neither did Danny. They both share conversations just like two normal young boys would. One particular conversation was about trainers and clothes. Slick the Android wanted to know where Danny got his trainers from, but Danny didn’t know why Slick was asking. Slick gets all his clothes sent to him by Uncle Martin.
The story wraps up to a bit of a sad ending, but is really the end?
I’ve enjoyed this book so much from page one until the very last page, in truth I would be very happy to read another science fiction book by Monica Meira Vaughan.
I did read her first book Six. But hands on my heart Slick is my all time favourite science fiction/ friendship book. Even If you are not a science fiction fan I so much recommend Slick, it may make you laugh one minute and cry near the end
April 12, 2019
This was an interesting story between Danny and Eric (nicknamed “Slick”). The two don’t start out as friends and Danny doesn’t even know that Eric is an Android in the beginning.. But eventually they start to spend more time together. This is a heartwarming story about friendship and what it means to be human. I’m not sure If I would enjoy having an android for a friend or not,,, hmmm. But, I do think middle graders would enjoy this story even though it’s a bit longer than I would have preferred.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for this review copy.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for this review copy.
January 5, 2020
What a delightful book to start the year off on. Friendroid has a great hook to start: Two friends, one is a robot, but he doesn't know it. And we find out right off the bat that Eric has been killed - Danny is sharing his journal with us in hopes of exposing his story. The reader gets to enjoy Eric (nicknamed Slick) and his robotic naivete, along with his journey towards sentience. It's like light-hearted Westworld for the tween set. What if robots lived among us, and what if one was your best friend?
The book is very funny and heartfelt. The motivation behind the androids is relevant and offers a very light and accessible introduction to dystopian themes (but in a current setting). Danny is a very likeable narrator with relatable flaws and his narration is very authentic. So is Eric's, android-status notwithstanding.
Highly recommended to those who enjoy middle-grade (I think kids and young teens would both enjoy this book. It nicely straddles that "not a kid anymore but not ready for YA" audience.)
The book is very funny and heartfelt. The motivation behind the androids is relevant and offers a very light and accessible introduction to dystopian themes (but in a current setting). Danny is a very likeable narrator with relatable flaws and his narration is very authentic. So is Eric's, android-status notwithstanding.
Highly recommended to those who enjoy middle-grade (I think kids and young teens would both enjoy this book. It nicely straddles that "not a kid anymore but not ready for YA" audience.)
February 20, 2020
FRIENDROID is a great mix of funny, sad, and existentialism. With a great commercial hook (an android teen that doesn't realize he's an android) this is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It is also a refreshingly kind look at friendships between middle school boys and I appreciate just how much love there is between Danny and Slick.
October 15, 2021
A heartwarming tale about what it means to be human. Recommend!
March 28, 2019
I Absolutely LOVED this story!! So I feel that if I loved it so much, Middle grade kids are going to devour it and learn a lot about friendships.
Danny is a loner who doesn't have any friends. He spends his time playing an online game which he is really good at. You learn more about Danny through the story, which twists your heart because you know so many other kids go through the same thing.
Erik is the new kid, trying to make friends the the cool kids. He realizes the only way to fit in is to be involved and like all the things the cool kids do. He is told not to be friends with Danny.
However, Erik realizes he has a lot in common with Danny, and comes to the conclusion that he can reinvent Danny so he can become a cool kid too so he can hang out with Erik and his new friends.
Danny invites Erik over. Danny's mom is just over the moon that Danny has brought someone over. As a mother, I felt this mother's relief and hope.
So the friendship starts to grow, and Danny starts to realize that everything about Erik is literal...everything he hear and says is literal....and this is kind of confusing to Danny.
This story was SO FUN to read. It was a joy to watch Danny and Slick's (aka Erik) friendship grow. With several twists, the story kept you guessing, even after you find out that Erik is an android. It is a story full of emotions...and I will have to say that I shed a tear or two. It has a surprise ending that I thought was absolutely brilliant. BRILLIANT! A fast paced read for sure, with lots of lessons to be learned. I have always told my children, it's not the quantity of friends you have but the quality, and if you have just one great friend, that's all you need. This story teaches that lesson and so much more. With online gaming, social media, and the struggle to find friends, I think that story just fits perfect with the world today.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. When you think about a book days after you finish, that's a good book that needs to be shared and enjoyed by all.
Danny is a loner who doesn't have any friends. He spends his time playing an online game which he is really good at. You learn more about Danny through the story, which twists your heart because you know so many other kids go through the same thing.
Erik is the new kid, trying to make friends the the cool kids. He realizes the only way to fit in is to be involved and like all the things the cool kids do. He is told not to be friends with Danny.
However, Erik realizes he has a lot in common with Danny, and comes to the conclusion that he can reinvent Danny so he can become a cool kid too so he can hang out with Erik and his new friends.
Danny invites Erik over. Danny's mom is just over the moon that Danny has brought someone over. As a mother, I felt this mother's relief and hope.
So the friendship starts to grow, and Danny starts to realize that everything about Erik is literal...everything he hear and says is literal....and this is kind of confusing to Danny.
This story was SO FUN to read. It was a joy to watch Danny and Slick's (aka Erik) friendship grow. With several twists, the story kept you guessing, even after you find out that Erik is an android. It is a story full of emotions...and I will have to say that I shed a tear or two. It has a surprise ending that I thought was absolutely brilliant. BRILLIANT! A fast paced read for sure, with lots of lessons to be learned. I have always told my children, it's not the quantity of friends you have but the quality, and if you have just one great friend, that's all you need. This story teaches that lesson and so much more. With online gaming, social media, and the struggle to find friends, I think that story just fits perfect with the world today.
I HIGHLY recommend this book. When you think about a book days after you finish, that's a good book that needs to be shared and enjoyed by all.
March 31, 2019
Eric Young is a popular well-liked kid. Eric just moved to Ashland and he needs to make friends with the right kind of people. The kind of people who are interested in skateboarding and new Slick sneakers his Uncle Martin sends to him. However, Eric has a deep dark secret; he doesn't know that he is an android.
Danny Lazio is the opposite of Eric Young. He doesn't have any friends and his classmates don't accept him. Danny has Land X though, an online role-playing game that he excels in. When Danny finds out that Eric is also a fan of the game, he thinks finally found a friend.
However, Danny realizes there is something odd behind Eric's sudden disappearances, his parents, and lifestyle. Danny and Eric try to investigate the weird events that seem to occur only when Eric is around. As the dig deeper into Eric's life, they realize there is a powerful force that will stop at nothing to keep Eric's secret quiet.
The novel was a heartfelt read about friendship and finding the one person who understands you. While it was an enjoyable and relatable read, I found the book to be very predictable. Overall, a fun read for people of any age as it teaches readers the quality of friends is better than quantity.
Danny Lazio is the opposite of Eric Young. He doesn't have any friends and his classmates don't accept him. Danny has Land X though, an online role-playing game that he excels in. When Danny finds out that Eric is also a fan of the game, he thinks finally found a friend.
However, Danny realizes there is something odd behind Eric's sudden disappearances, his parents, and lifestyle. Danny and Eric try to investigate the weird events that seem to occur only when Eric is around. As the dig deeper into Eric's life, they realize there is a powerful force that will stop at nothing to keep Eric's secret quiet.
The novel was a heartfelt read about friendship and finding the one person who understands you. While it was an enjoyable and relatable read, I found the book to be very predictable. Overall, a fun read for people of any age as it teaches readers the quality of friends is better than quantity.
March 22, 2019
Eric Young is a twelve-year-old boy who just wants to fit in and be friends with the popular kids. To Eric fitting in means having the right name brand clothes luckily Eric has an uncle who lives in New York who sends him all the most popular name brand clothes, shoes and gadgets. Having all these name brand gadgets gets Eric in with the most popular boys in school. Sometimes these boys are not so nice to Eric but he doesn’t always know when the boys are being rude to him as he is an android.
Danny is a kid in Eric’s class who is not a popular kid. The popular kids think Danny is a loser and won’t allow him to hang with them. Danny doesn’t have all the name brand clothes and gadgets like they do. Danny’s mother is a nurse who works very hard to make sure Danny has the things that he needs but there isn’t ever anything left over for gadgets or name brand things. His father never comes to see him. Every time his Dad is supposed to come spend time with he always calls and says he has something more important to do or he might as well say that either way hurts the same.
Danny just hangs out all by himself at his house playing an online role playing game, Lands X. When Danny learns that Eric likes to play Lands X too they start spending more time together. Eric likes Danny and wants to be his friend but he has been told that he can’t be with someone who is not popular. Eric wants to be Danny’s friend so he figures that if he can make Danny popular then they can be friends. So he gives Danny some of the clothes and gadgets that his Uncle Martin is always sending him.
The closer Danny and Eric get he notices that something is not quite right about Eric like his lifestyle and the way someone always shows up when he has been injured or like the time when they were sleeping over at Ethan’s house and Eric just went to sleep, passed out or shut down and his Dad was there and no one had called him.
Danny with the help of his cousin Veto who is very smart and knows just about everything there is to know about computers figures out that Eric is an android. Things take a turn for the worse when they figure this one out. Knowing what Eric is could cost them all more than they know. Knowing what he really is could cost them all a world of hurt.
FRIENDROID is a very hypnotizing story that will pull you slowly into its depths and have you hooked from the first page right up until the last page. Eric and Danny’s story will tug at your heart and keep tugging until it swells right up and one minute you are laughing right out loud and then the next minute tears maybe streaming down your face because you feel all the pain and hurt.
Eric and Danny’s story is about how people become friends because of what is inside of them and not what they look like on the outside or what they are wearing or how much stuff they own or if they have the best stuff or things.
I would love to see FRIENDROID on the big screen because I know this is one book that would make a fantastic movie. When I was reading it I kept thinking about the kids on Stranger Things and the movie Stand by Me by Stephen King. FRIENDROID has elements from both Stand by Me and Stranger Things. I would love to read more about Danny and Eric in future books.
If you like both Stanger Things and Stand by Me then I just know you will love FRIENDROID. I would recommend FRIENDROID to all ages; who are looking for their next great read.
Danny is a kid in Eric’s class who is not a popular kid. The popular kids think Danny is a loser and won’t allow him to hang with them. Danny doesn’t have all the name brand clothes and gadgets like they do. Danny’s mother is a nurse who works very hard to make sure Danny has the things that he needs but there isn’t ever anything left over for gadgets or name brand things. His father never comes to see him. Every time his Dad is supposed to come spend time with he always calls and says he has something more important to do or he might as well say that either way hurts the same.
Danny just hangs out all by himself at his house playing an online role playing game, Lands X. When Danny learns that Eric likes to play Lands X too they start spending more time together. Eric likes Danny and wants to be his friend but he has been told that he can’t be with someone who is not popular. Eric wants to be Danny’s friend so he figures that if he can make Danny popular then they can be friends. So he gives Danny some of the clothes and gadgets that his Uncle Martin is always sending him.
The closer Danny and Eric get he notices that something is not quite right about Eric like his lifestyle and the way someone always shows up when he has been injured or like the time when they were sleeping over at Ethan’s house and Eric just went to sleep, passed out or shut down and his Dad was there and no one had called him.
Danny with the help of his cousin Veto who is very smart and knows just about everything there is to know about computers figures out that Eric is an android. Things take a turn for the worse when they figure this one out. Knowing what Eric is could cost them all more than they know. Knowing what he really is could cost them all a world of hurt.
FRIENDROID is a very hypnotizing story that will pull you slowly into its depths and have you hooked from the first page right up until the last page. Eric and Danny’s story will tug at your heart and keep tugging until it swells right up and one minute you are laughing right out loud and then the next minute tears maybe streaming down your face because you feel all the pain and hurt.
Eric and Danny’s story is about how people become friends because of what is inside of them and not what they look like on the outside or what they are wearing or how much stuff they own or if they have the best stuff or things.
I would love to see FRIENDROID on the big screen because I know this is one book that would make a fantastic movie. When I was reading it I kept thinking about the kids on Stranger Things and the movie Stand by Me by Stephen King. FRIENDROID has elements from both Stand by Me and Stranger Things. I would love to read more about Danny and Eric in future books.
If you like both Stanger Things and Stand by Me then I just know you will love FRIENDROID. I would recommend FRIENDROID to all ages; who are looking for their next great read.
April 4, 2019
Friendriod is an amazing story for our generation of kids. The story touches on bullies, loneliness, image, and just wanting to be loved. Danny who is a loner spends his time with video games. Erik, a new kid, tries to get into the cool kids' group. He does anything and everything to be like them. One of the things he had to do was stay away and not talk to Danny even though they have a lot in common. Later in the story, Erik realizes being cool isn't always the thing to do especially when you have someone who likes and does the same things you do.
Danny invites him over to his house. Throughout the book we see their friendship grow.
The ending was the best. I felt so many emotions reading this book. I could not put it down. I feel this book will hit home to a lot of kids today. I would highly recommend every age to read this book.
Danny invites him over to his house. Throughout the book we see their friendship grow.
The ending was the best. I felt so many emotions reading this book. I could not put it down. I feel this book will hit home to a lot of kids today. I would highly recommend every age to read this book.
August 20, 2023
5 stars from my girls! It took us a while to get through this because it has been summer break and we've been so busy, not reading every single night. Initially I wasn't sure about this one, it seemed kind of corny. But as it went along I enjoyed it more and more! It gives you some things to think about and has good messages on friendship. I appreciate that the author made up technology (the must-have phone is a Hexam R3); I think that will keep it from being outdated too quickly. If the author had used real brands like "iPhone 73" or something, it would become irrelevant and the story would likely get lost in dated details.
February 10, 2021
“And that’s what we became: friends. Best friends. And then he was gone. And when I say gone, I mean he was killed.”
This uplifting story of the power of friendship isn’t diminished because one of the 13-year-old male friends isn’t human but an android.
The book’s narration alternates between the human boy, Danny, and the diary of the robot boy, Eric (Slick).
Much of the humor comes from Slick’s diary as he describes his interactions with others and fails to understand sarcasm and humor. As Slick and Danny become friends, it doesn’t take long for Danny to wonder why his new friend is so weird.
This book will appeal to my middle school students because of its mystery, humor, heart, and interesting premise.
This uplifting story of the power of friendship isn’t diminished because one of the 13-year-old male friends isn’t human but an android.
The book’s narration alternates between the human boy, Danny, and the diary of the robot boy, Eric (Slick).
Much of the humor comes from Slick’s diary as he describes his interactions with others and fails to understand sarcasm and humor. As Slick and Danny become friends, it doesn’t take long for Danny to wonder why his new friend is so weird.
This book will appeal to my middle school students because of its mystery, humor, heart, and interesting premise.
May 3, 2019
I loved this middle-grade book, told in two voices. Danny is a middle school boy living in poverty, with no friends at school, instead mastering the game Land X, and being supported by a loving (and hence annoying) mother. Slick, his nickname for the new boy at school (Eric to his parents, when they take the rare moment to actually acknowledge him), loves playing the same game, and they exchange tips. Popularity is Eric’s easily won goal, but making friends with Danny will ruin more than that, since Danny discovers that Slick is an android. This well told story is grounded in the reality of middle school, and carefully plotted with a diversity of core characters.
March 14, 2019
My Review: Although I think this one could have been a lot shorter it was a fun title with some sad parts about a boy with a friend who's a robot. I think this one will work for some middle graders but others will find it lacking in fun for some parts. I did enjoy it though. And so did my son. If you are looking for a new story for your boys to read with robots and the real issue of being sold things. Check this one out.
July 26, 2019
For fans of friendship stories like Fuzzy and Save Me a Seat who like a bit of sci-fiction. Diary format is appealing to my students and helps keep a longer book moving along. A bit slow in beginning with typical bully/friendship dynamic, but then it picks up once Slick becomes friends with Danny. Exciting ending!
March 28, 2019
To all the robots out there...
Wherever you are on the spectrum; this book will reassure that you are also human. Special thanks to the author for this genuine study of friendship.
Wherever you are on the spectrum; this book will reassure that you are also human. Special thanks to the author for this genuine study of friendship.
October 29, 2021
3.5 stars
A really interesting story about an AI that is more than just a robot. The friendships in the book are so wholesome and you can see how this AI/boy slowly learns and figures out his surroundings with the help of his new friends/family.
A really interesting story about an AI that is more than just a robot. The friendships in the book are so wholesome and you can see how this AI/boy slowly learns and figures out his surroundings with the help of his new friends/family.
June 27, 2019
What a fascinating little book! Thoroughly enjoyable and gripping, with a mature ending which wasn't at all the saccharine-happy-ever-after it could have been, which was great in my opinion.
June 1, 2022
I couldn't put this book down. I liked it so much. So funny and interesting and weirdly realistic. The ending was a bit of a downer, but I can forgive it if means we get a sequel.
July 2, 2022
This book is a good book, but not really for me.
July 25, 2023
This was fun and charming, if a little slow paced at times. Bittersweet ending.
April 26, 2024
I love this book so much. It made me laugh,it made me happy but most of all it made me cry.
February 24, 2026
Amazing book, I really love this, so well written and thoughtful, touching and a really lovely book. Highly recommend!!!!!
June 5, 2026
I read this properly 6 years ago....I loved it ,made me cry
June 7, 2019
Whilst I do keep some of them alas 'too many books not enough space' mean that I do find myself donating some books amongst which, begging to be read by younger readers than myself, are quite a lot of 'middle-grade' reads of which Slick is one. However too good a read not to keep this is definitely one for our shelves which is doubly surprising when you consider sci-fi isn't necessarily my 'cup of tea' ... but then this isn't necessarily what I'd define as sci-fi.
I'm always delighted to come across any book that I know will be enjoyed by young readers but given that boys tend to read less than girls my heart sings when I come across a book that I know will not only appeal to them but will be greatly enjoyed by them (as well as of course girls).
'Fresh, funny, a heartfelt story about what it means to be human' according to the blurb sent by the publisher, Slick is all of this and so, so much more.
A phenomenal story that captivated me from the off, Danny and Eric (nickname Slick) characters that stole my heart; Danny's little sister Hope (a child with Downs Syndrome) a lovely addition ... the fact that she comes to play a crucial role admirable in that it defies a stereotype.
In many ways its a timeless tale of friendship; of what it is to find someone you truly connect with only to find you don't really know them at all, of fitting in, of what its like to be bullied because you don't wear the right brands/hang out with the 'cool' kids, of the pain of loosing someone you care for and yet its given a terrific modern spin that today's young people will relate to.
Copyright ... Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... Read and reviewed on behalf of the author, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
I'm always delighted to come across any book that I know will be enjoyed by young readers but given that boys tend to read less than girls my heart sings when I come across a book that I know will not only appeal to them but will be greatly enjoyed by them (as well as of course girls).
'Fresh, funny, a heartfelt story about what it means to be human' according to the blurb sent by the publisher, Slick is all of this and so, so much more.
A phenomenal story that captivated me from the off, Danny and Eric (nickname Slick) characters that stole my heart; Danny's little sister Hope (a child with Downs Syndrome) a lovely addition ... the fact that she comes to play a crucial role admirable in that it defies a stereotype.
In many ways its a timeless tale of friendship; of what it is to find someone you truly connect with only to find you don't really know them at all, of fitting in, of what its like to be bullied because you don't wear the right brands/hang out with the 'cool' kids, of the pain of loosing someone you care for and yet its given a terrific modern spin that today's young people will relate to.
Copyright ... Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper
Disclaimer ... Read and reviewed on behalf of the author, no financial compensation was asked for nor given
April 3, 2019
M. M. Vaughan is now easily one of my twins’ and mine must-read authors!
Eric is “the new kid” in-town and wants to remain popular during his middle school years. Danny is “the loner” who everyone says not to be friends with if you want to stay “cool”. This beginning right here, you start immediately feeling for Danny, which makes this a perfect middle-grade book for my twin teen 7th-graders. They empathize and are quick to friend kids like Danny, as Eric does in this story, Friendroid.
Reading further, you follow Danny and Eric as their friendship grows through twists of science fiction come to life; their life specifically. Snippets of Danny’s life start to unfold throughout; really a heartfelt writing honestly.
As you know from reading the synopsis, they also delve to find out about Eric’s life; namely of him being an android which he didn’t even know about. As they are doing so, they find out even more about Eric’s parents, the company that built him, that Eric isn’t even his real name, and more about the company’s vision of the world at large, plus their play in how it is ran.
From a parent perspective I liked the empathetic story of unlikely friendships and from an adult perspective I thought the snippets of wordplay humorous throughout (Jeapardy, Danny Vito, Dr. Kilaman, Joe Schmoe, and more).
I received an advanced, uncorrected proof copy for reviewing purposes
Eric is “the new kid” in-town and wants to remain popular during his middle school years. Danny is “the loner” who everyone says not to be friends with if you want to stay “cool”. This beginning right here, you start immediately feeling for Danny, which makes this a perfect middle-grade book for my twin teen 7th-graders. They empathize and are quick to friend kids like Danny, as Eric does in this story, Friendroid.
Reading further, you follow Danny and Eric as their friendship grows through twists of science fiction come to life; their life specifically. Snippets of Danny’s life start to unfold throughout; really a heartfelt writing honestly.
As you know from reading the synopsis, they also delve to find out about Eric’s life; namely of him being an android which he didn’t even know about. As they are doing so, they find out even more about Eric’s parents, the company that built him, that Eric isn’t even his real name, and more about the company’s vision of the world at large, plus their play in how it is ran.
From a parent perspective I liked the empathetic story of unlikely friendships and from an adult perspective I thought the snippets of wordplay humorous throughout (Jeapardy, Danny Vito, Dr. Kilaman, Joe Schmoe, and more).
I received an advanced, uncorrected proof copy for reviewing purposes
July 10, 2019
It's the next step in advertising, really -- sending androids to mingle among our children as walking, talking, breathing adverts for shoes, tops, pants, skateboards, snacks, sports teams -- you name it.
Eric can't help being shallow and brand-conscious; he's an android, the first of his kind, sent to advertise brands for all kinds of products, from the clothes he wears to his backpack and the food he packs in his lunchbox. At first he doesn't know what he is, but he's AI, artificial intelligence, and eventually, with the help of a 100% confirmed best friend Danny, he learns of and seeks to be freed from his meaningless existence.
I won't spoil how it ends, only know, there were a LOT of tears shed in our house! This one is worth buying.
Visit my blog for more book reviews, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: http://amb.mystrikingly.com/
Eric can't help being shallow and brand-conscious; he's an android, the first of his kind, sent to advertise brands for all kinds of products, from the clothes he wears to his backpack and the food he packs in his lunchbox. At first he doesn't know what he is, but he's AI, artificial intelligence, and eventually, with the help of a 100% confirmed best friend Danny, he learns of and seeks to be freed from his meaningless existence.
I won't spoil how it ends, only know, there were a LOT of tears shed in our house! This one is worth buying.
Visit my blog for more book reviews, free teaching materials and fiction writing tips: http://amb.mystrikingly.com/
January 23, 2026
Good, but ending seems bad until you understand it
March 22, 2019
Vaughan's book about friendship and the lengths people will go for friends is told through individual entries of Slick and Danny. The journal entry format can be off putting for some readers, but it worked in this case. As a whole, the story reminded me of D.A.R.Y.L. (80s movie) with a little Darren Shan mixed in. The epilogue was very touching and really drove the question "what makes us us" home when Slick is rebooted. This book will speak to gamers, thinkers, and fans of AI.
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