Bound To Stay Bound

Other - 02/17/2025 Tween robots rage against the machine in debut author Cherrywell’s contemporary take on a robot uprising. In the 2280s, humanoid machines-created by Minerva Social Computing to test the viability of life on other planets-are activated in a Martian colony to prepare for the arrival of human residents. Each robot subsect has been developed to exhibit a variety of personalities based on TV show archetypes. One subsect, tween Libbies, are "always chipper, cheerful, and sweet." But one of the Libbies, nicknamed Max, has been experiencing unprecedented mood swings and begun questioning authority. She also wants to befriend grouchy bot Roxanne, despite having it "hard-coded into me" that Roxanne was "bad news." Soon, however, Max and Roxanne begin testing the limits of their perfectly programmed A.I.Cademy. And as Max seeks answers about why she "seemed a little different from the other Libbies," she and Roxanne start encouraging other bots to push boundaries and bend the rules. The robots’ unlikely rebellion paves the way for self-actualization and -reflection, presenting existential ideas about personhood and commodification through a delightfully upbeat adventure. Most character skin tones are "weirdly clustered over onto the lighter end of the scale." Ages 8-12. Agent: Marie Lamba, Jennifer De Chiara Literary. (Apr.) - Copyright 2025

School Library Journal - 04/01/2025 Gr 4–7—On Mars in the year 2200, humans are looking at the viability of living in communities there. Minerva Social Computing has populated Martian communities with humanoid robots, based on popular shows back on Earth. These A.I.Cademy dolls come with a line of specific personalities, including "Timid" Giselle, "Sporty" Robin, "Bully" Roxanne, and "Shining Star" Libby. As a "Libby," Max knows she is supposed to be cheerful and kind to all, but she is confused and frustrated because she doesn't always feel those things; she wonders if something is wrong with her. When she tries to befriend Roxanne, the other Libby robots ostracize her, which isn't very Libby-like either. With the help of human scientist, Dr. Bhanjee, Max discovers why she feels mixed up and other secrets about this seemingly perfect society. Cherrywell's debut imbues sci-fi concepts with humorous details, such as robots trying to eat realistic cardboard food and their lack of need for sleep. Readers will recognize the A.I.Cademy dolls as the possible future versions of their beloved American Girl dolls. Friendship issues, jealousies, and parental relationships are approached realistically, and readers will appreciate the feel-good message highlighting that it's what's inside that matters. VERDICT Readers will likely find they have much in common with these Robot Dolls of the future, while considering what the future may have in store for who remain behind on Earth.—Michele Shaw - Copyright 2025 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.

Booklist - 01/01/2025 *Starred Review* Things started to go wrong the day Libby Maxwell was born: She screamed at her new mom and dropped her favorite snow globe—and worse, she wanted to make friends with a Roxanne. Libbys were not friends with Roxannes. Ever. Roxannes were meanies and had no problem creating havoc for all the other good little robots living in the Martian colonies set up by the humans. The other Libbys give Libby Maxwell the nickname “Max,” which is the only thing that seems to fit this Libby and her glitchy code. But when Max discovers that her malfunctions allow her to do things other robots can’t—like cross the Boundary lines blocking them from roaming where they shouldn’t—she learns that the humans on Mars might not be as nice as they should be. After all, A.I.Cademy Girls like Max were made for human children and weren't meant to be left to their own simulations. Cherrywell has crafted a riveting sf dramedy, complete with cautionary observations of our modern society, packaged neatly in a sweet (AI) teen’s POV. Between chapters, advertisements describing the book's androids as products adds humor in a smart satirization of marketing, inviting readers to read between the lines. Any fan of friendship stories will adore this tale of a preteen robot finding her true self. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.