The Wild Robot (The Wild Robot, #1)

by Peter Brown

As the robot looked out at the island, it never even occurred to her that she might not belong there. As far as Roz knew, she was home.

“Roz, what are you meant to do?” “I do not believe I have a purpose.” “Ha! I respectfully disagree,” said Swooper. “Clearly, you are meant to build.” “I think Roz is meant to grow gardens.” “Roz is definitely meant to care for Brightbill.” “Perhaps I am simply meant to help others.”

“I used to think that you were the only animal who would ever care about me,” she said to her son. “I worried that without you around I would be alone again. But I was not alone. In fact, I made new friends, all on my own. I think the other animals might actually like me!”

As he sat there, watching the robot’s animal gestures and listening to her animal sounds, Brightbill realized just how special his mother really was.

“One year ago, I awoke on the shore of this island. I was just a machine. I functioned. But you—my friends and my family—you have taught me how to live. And so I thank you.”