Debian Perl: Digital Detective Book One

by Lauren Davis, Mel Hilario, Katie Longua (Contributor)

Megalopolis used to be the city hub for all the makers, doers, and dreamers. It was a better time according to Debian Perl, a technomancer known for her out-of-date computer programming skills. Now the city streets are filled with "Egg-heads," those in thrall to the ease and simplicity of new technology as opposed to Debian's way of doing things. Digits is one of those Egg-heads. She is a young social media guru and knows her way around all the newest, latest technology.

Debian and Digits cross paths when they both stumble across a 100-year-old lost robot named Ray-Bot. They soon learn that Ray-Bot's CPU was suspiciously overclocked, leaving him unable to perform basic functions and commands. To find out where the robot came from, Debian must teach Digits everything she knows about computer coding and programming. Along their journey to bring Ray-Bot home, they begin piecing together the mysterious puzzle about his malfunction, and uncover some sinister secrets.

Debian Perl: Digital Detective is a five-book series in which middle-grade readers will join Debian and Digits on mystery adventures all while building practical knowledge of coding, algorithms, algebra, and logical problem solving.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Comics, Science Fiction, Mystery, Childrens, Young Adult

208 pages, Paperback

Published August 20, 2019

Reviews

[Thushara · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love middle grade and graphic novels. when i saw the cover, i instantly knew that i would enjoy this and i wasn't wrong! this was so adorable! this was very colorful and an interesting way to know more about coding for my young brother. most of the things went over my head, but my little brother enjoyed it a lot!

Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy

[Maia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight this comic is! Debian Perl is a technomancer living in Megalopolis, a rapidly gentrifying city on the west coast of North America. In this future sentient robots have full civil rights, intelligent beings live all across the solar system, and humans come in every color of the rainbow. Debian is just walking home from her favorite bubble tea spot when she hears some loud crashes coming from an arcade. Inside she finds a confused antique robot, a furious shop owner, and a curious teenager who immediately starts filming the unfolding drama on her egg (a levitating smart device). Debian manages to talk the robot out of its panic and determines that its CPU is dangerously overheated. Debian and the teen, Digits, take the robot back to Debian's workshop home. When they look at the robot's motherboard they realize that its memory drive has been stolen, and its hard wear illegally tampered with. Digits is amazed by how Debian can communicate with this ancient tech and asks to learn this secret, magical language. Debian explains that this language is code, and that anyone can become a coder with practice. Together, they follow the clues to solve the mystery of the missing memory- discovering an exciting potential new partnership along the way! Katie Longua's art and Brittany Currie's vivid colors perfectly capture this vibrant, exciting, heartwarming story. Lauren Davis and Mel Hilario have crafted a satisfying middle grade mystery with educational elements woven in so well that readers may leave the story surprised by how much they have learned. I'm very excited for the next installments in this series!

[Harry Jahnke · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cute! I'm always down for teaching kids things in fun and interesting ways and, because I'm a caveman with no computer skills, I learned a few things too! Fun, simplistic story and a great way to learn some basic coding. I had a lot of fun reading this.

[Emily W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This graphic novel is just as colorful and fun as the cover would lead you to believe. Debian Pearl uses digital coding to save the life of a Ray-Bot along with a new sidekick, Digits. I will say that all of the coding jargon went straight over my head. I found the story and dialogue to be very scienc-y, and I am not a scienc-y person. However it was still a really fun adventure, and I loved the ending and the setup for (hopefully) more books in the series.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun and brilliantly illustrated graphic nove all about the magic of coding. While coding language tends to make my brain hurt, I did enjoy the story and can definitely see it catching the interest of kids.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This graphic novel sets out to teach kids how to code. How to think like a robot would think. An old tech robot has been wreaking havoc all over the town. It will take a technomancer to get him working right, and one girl to ask a million questions that leads to a small robot revolt. The author does a great job of drawing comparison to this advanced civilizations “eggs” and modern smartphones. It includes lessons on jailbreaking, not how to do it, but why it’s good and why it’s bad. It gets into privacy violations, and when is a good time, and not a good time to share everything with friends and strangers. The artwork is like an acid trip: full of colors and strang creations. Overall this was a fun read, but it can get a little bogged down when it talks in code.
August 1
#GondorGirlGNChallenge

[tony dillard jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debian Perl in a technomancer. That means that she has an uncanny ability to speak to computers of all shapes and sizes. Especially very old models. In the very distant future biology and technology have merged, making the need for most large programmable robots an unnecessary if not forgotten skill. So when Debian and the social media superstar, Digits, come across a rampaging robot, the duo uncover a mystery of epic proportions: who stole Ray-Bot the Robot’s memory?

Using her knowledge of ‘old school’ computer coding and programming, Debian Perl will teach Digits how to reprogram Ray-Bot’s CPU. But they’ll have to act fast as the city police are eager to have Ray-Bot shutdown; least he goes on a rampage again. With time running out, what is the sinister secret behind Ray-Bot’s strange behavior?

I was a big fan of the futuristic setting of this book. It reminded me of the movie Blade Runner of which I am a diehard devotee. If ever there was going to be a graphic novel for younger readers set in the Philip K. Dick/Ridley Scott universe; Debian Perl is what I would expect it to look like! It was totally awesome!

My favorite part about this book was that it was an enjoyable book in which children can learn while not feeling like a textbook. That being said, I am not a ‘computer person.’ I am very much like the character of Digits. I know enough to find what I need on the internet to get things done. Like just earlier today, I found a website to help me come up with culinary math questions for my cooking students. But try to develop a way to create such a website from scratch like Debian? Forget it! I do not have those types of skills!

The Memory Thief starts off with some basic code commands. But by the middle of this book, it got very technical. Conversations between Debian and Digits and Ray-Bot were told entirely in computer speak. I’m a little ashamed to admit that I glossed over those pages. But without a computer in front of me to possibly execute some of the commands the technomancers are trying to do while reprogramming Ray-Bot, those sections had very little tangible meaning to me.

The creative team of Melanie Hilario and Lauren Davis, along with Katie Longua have plans to produce more Debian Perl adventures. I would like to propose that next time around, the creators make the book more interactive. Possibly create some activities online in which kids can code Ray-Bot to do some cool stuff themselves. I think I would have learned quite a bit more about the world of coding and computer programming if I had had something to do in which my commands moved Ray-Bot through a maze or something. And I am sure young readers would love it too!

I’m going to recommend that this book be read by readers 12 and up. Not that parents and guardians should be concerned of anything offensive. It’s just that there’s quite a bit of technical stuff about coding that unless the young reader in your life has experience (or a passing interest) in computer programming, this might be a little too advanced stuff for them.

Hey, I read A Brief History of Time when I was in the fifth grade. Kids show interest in advanced things at different stages in life. You might buy this book for your youngster and they’ll not understand any of it. That’s okay! Just set the book aside for now! Give them time. Learning must be entertaining, as it is educational, if it’s too have any true meaning.

And grown-ups- you might just learn some cool skills here too!

[Becky B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Technomancer Debian Perl runs into a social media star called Digits, and an old robot that is acting strange. Figuring out where the old robot came from and who messed with its programming leads Debian and Digits to uncover a sinister operation, and Digits learns a lot about coding along the way.

The main graphic novels I am familiar with that deal with coding are the Secret Coders series. They cover the most basics of the basics of coding and building on skills book by book. This book teaches coding that's a little more advanced and assumes readers know some of those basics. There's a plot line that involves sentient AI rights and slavery (it is a futuristic scifi world), which can lead to some good conversations of slavery and human rights in our world. The colors are vibrant and definitely transport you to a different world. I like that it teaches coding in an entertaining way. I could have done with a little more plot. There's also a definite not-so-subtle rant against Apple (Debian goes on a rant about this company with a food name that forces you to buy their software and only their approved apps and their equipment and send in the equipment for repairs because you can't even change the battery yourself...some pros are mentioned, but it is mostly an avenue to rant without mentioning a certain company). The main point of the book is definitely the coding over the story, so if you don't want to learn coding, then this probably isn't for you. For a coding teaching book it gets 3 stars, for a scifi mystery only 2 stars.

Notes on content: No language issues. Debian's hinted love interest subscribes to made up gender pronouns (assumedly from a different planet) that may confuse some readers. No sexual content. Some robot battles.

I was provided an ARC by the publisher. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Theediscerning · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, to start with, the design style of this book was far too gaudy and hyper for me to make much sense of it all. But when I settled into the way of things I found a reasonable attempt at juvenile sci-fi adventure, where our young heroine who knows all about ancient computers and robotics programming has to solve a potentially dangerous mystery of an ancient bot that's been overclocked and wiped. Having a female so schooled in STEM subjects is clearly a good thing, and the main point of this book, but that also means we have some really clunky dialogue, where our gal has to explain what a CPU is, how to programme a sandwich-making function, and so much more. At the same time the text takes more than one dig against Apple. Oh, and throws horrid genderless pronouns at us for no reason. It all means you have to be under ten to be on board with the artwork (which is actually quite weak – it took til halfway for me to know the gender of one of the leads), and about the same age to not realise you're really forcibly being given a lesson in programming alongside your entertainment. I couldn't recommend this for anyone over that age.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was originally drawn to this one because I love anything digital, coding, etc. related. The colors also drew me in . . . so much bright colors and amazing drawings, and attention to detail on the full pages.

I think I got a sampler ARC, because it stopped at 50 pages, but it also left off on a page where it could’ve ended. The description says 208 pages, so definitely think sampler.

This was an enjoyable read, and I loved Deb and her feisty little attitude. She’s totally me.

There were cute drawings of a motherboard and explanations of what each part is and what it does. And Deb helped Digits understand other computer/technology related concepts.

This book is a great introduction for kiddos interested in STEM or computers in general. I’m hoping that my kiddo will read it, since I know he’s really into technology.

[Sorel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm surprised to see such an excellent graphic novel not have a higher average rating at the time of this review, so let me just say how worth your time it is! The art is enchanting, the story is heart-warming, and I love the educational value as well!

With all the stories out there which vilify robots and AI, I internally cheered finding a graphic novel showing that your character isn't dependent upon the shell your mind lives in. Who we are is what we do. I can't wait to read the second volume. 🤖💜🌿🐸✨

[Mika Ilic · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a perfectly good graphic novel designed to give you the basics of coding through a compelling story about sentience. It seems most of the negativity for this book revolves around the complicated nature of the coding, but the book itself tells you that it takes time to understand these concepts. The intent is to take time to read those parts and grasp the overall ideas. As someone who understands coding, this book does a great job of melding coding lessons with phenomenal art and an interesting story. Great for adults and kids alike!

[Andrea Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was not sure what this book was when I requested it and ended up absolutely loving it. The pictures are bright and engaging although a bit busy at times. The huge factor is all the knowledge portrayed in the story on coding, moral responsibilities, and botany. Would love to pass this book on to my eight year old!

[Karlee]

Recommend for middle grade readers interested in technology and coding! A story of a digital detective technomancer in a future with sentient robots. An instructive story that teaches the basics of coding.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sneaky way to teach kids coding basics. There is a lot of coding in this little graphic novel and if you are looking for that, it's great. The story itself was pretty brief, but probably good enough to keep kids interested.

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, it made me want to give coding another try! I am confused though as everywhere describes it as part of a 5 book series but it has been over 2 years since publication and I cannot find evidence of any sequels.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.

[Elbrackeen Brackeen]

comic, same pub as gender queer

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice nod to Norma Rae

[august · Rating 4 out of 5]

i loved this!! the art was SO cute and it was basically all about coding! they even talk about e/em/eir pronouns!!

[XZ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lilhacker: "I don't watch this stream to do more school :("

This graphic novel can be a beginner coder's textbook. Didn't expect to learn as much as I did~

[Kat Hulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute & colorful art, and a simple but fun story. Not sure how much help it would be for actually learning to code, but at least it introduces a couple concepts.

[Devon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this for my 8 year old niece. She absolutely loved this. I hope the next one comes out soon.

[Marcia Van Camp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eldest loved

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great insight in the difference between using tech and understanding how tech works (fun pseudocode!)

[jichan · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was a bit later in which i figure out that this book is a comic instead of a novel, but end up getting it anyway. the radiant colors and charming illustration intrigued me (like a child being drawn to a colorful ice pop). i give the book 5 stars because of the adorable as well as heartfelt content, a generous switch of background, and cute characters. the storyline can be predictable to some people at first, but this comic was able to surprise me a little bit with a slight plot twist. the story is bright, light, and easy to receive by teens and older, while being extremely educative even to older generation. they even have minimum amount of comedy in there, as well!

overall, Debian Perl: Digital Detective left me with such a warm impression and great satisfaction until the very end. i’d be ecstatic to wait for the upcoming comics of this 5-book series.


p.s. i actually wrote an almost-full review of this comic before, but shove it down the drain by accidentally deleting it :( that’s why i feel like this review is odd and less authentic(?) compared to the other ones that i’ve made before. however, i still cherish this review and more, the book! :)

[Mehsi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.


I just lost my entire review due to a power outage (I am writing these reviews generally first in Goodreads), and I am not too eager to start writing all that again. So I will just keep it short.

Loved the word Technomancer, I guess I got to remember that. It would be a nice word to use for my magical husband who can do all sorts of magical stuff with computers.

I loved that Debian Perl (love her name, so fitting) had an apartment full of plants, full of life. In a world full of technology and robots it was so lovely to see something else.

I had a laugh when he thought our technomancer was putting a mother in a robot, no dude, motherboard. Thankfully she patiently explains everything there is to the whole thing + even more. He is eager to learn and eager to start coding and I just loved seeing the code pop up and her explaining things to him. So proud of him to finally be able to code the robot to do a sandwich right (I remember that experiment from other things).
Plus, there is plenty of other fun coding stuff happening and I was soaking it up. I know before I met my hubbie I was already trying out some smaller stuff (HTML, making pictures work correctly on a website, etc.), though after I met him and saw him code all the amazing stuff I have been wanting to learn too. But I never got into it. There are tutorials but they are so boring, the books are fun, but I would like someone to teach me it. My hubbie is too busy, and the courses for teaching coding/programming in the library are always for kids. 😐
So this book was definitely fun, at least for a while, in the end it just got a bit bland. Same-ish. Plus, I got a bit lost of the plot. Was this about a robot and finding his home and of course who stole his memory or was this about coding and teaching someone how robots work? It just didn’t mesh right. Plus, I did think it was a bit silly to see them shout out code. I could understand if you want to program a bot, but to just hold a whole conversation in code? Eh.

I was surprised the key chain was that (Star Wars much?), but it was also very emotional. Though sorry, I just couldn’t help but laugh when he had jello-like tears just flowing out of him. It was just too silly and hilarious.

I wasn’t a fan of the science woman. She was your typical villain type. 😛

The art was superfun and colourful, but I don’t know… it was really overpowering for me. There were just too many colours, too much things happening that I got overwhelmed and I even got a headache.

I did like the last part with the questions/answers and the glossary. Nice addition.

But yeah, all in all, while nice in some parts it just wasn’t my book. Maybe I am just not meant to try out coding any further. So far all the fun coding books had the same problem. They try to mesh coding and story together and I haven’t found one where it meshes well. Always it feels like there are two things going on. But I am sure there is an audience somewhere that will enjoy this and other books like it.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Magdalyn Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, albeit slightly clunky, graphic novel that teaches kids and tweens about coding, consent, robot consciousness, and technology.




OKAY. WOW. HOW CUTE. I LOVE THIS. THERE’S SUBTLE QUEERNESS. THERE’S CODING AND SCIENCE AND THE ART. IS. AMAZING.

*cough* Ahem. Now. Onto the review.
This was seriously one of the cutest graphic novels I’ve read this year. I LOVED the art style–the poppy, bright colors, the funky future-punk designs. It was just a JOY to experience.

The story itself is pretty straightforward: someone’s stole a robot’s memory card, thus hiding a serious crime. What I loved the most was the blending of old and new tech, of the general educational feel of this story, and the subtle (and some not-so-subtle) themes of acceptance, sentience, and the good of all.

This graphic novel is PERFECT for teachers, librarians, and any kid looking to learn a little more about coding. It’s got so many great things to it and I can’t wait for the next in the series!