In the lead-up to the publication of Machine Wars in April, I thought a little pre-reading might be in order. Helped by the intelli-swarm via Facebook and Twitter, here’s a range of books that feature our mechanical friend, the robot.

For Younger/Middle Readers

Norby, the Mixed-Up Robot – Isaac Asimov and Janet Asimov. Fun Asimov robot stories.

Ernest Pickle’s Remarkable Robot – Max Dann. A robot for a best friend?

The Andy Roid series – Felice Arena. Part robot, part boy, these action packed adventures zing along.

The Robot King – Brian Selznick, author of Hugo Cabret

The Monster Republic – Ben Horton. Teen cyborgs in a scary world.

I, Robot – Isaac Asimov. These stories feature Asimov’s famous ‘Three Laws of Robotics’

The Iron Giant – Ted Hughes. Masterly.

 

For older readers (some graphic contents, advanced concepts and themes)

Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams. Hilarious fun with the memorable secondary character, Marvin the Paranoid Android.

Infernal Devices trilogy – Cassandra Clare.

Frozen/Shattered/Torn – Robin Wasserman.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? – Phillip K Dick. The classic SF novel that spawned Blade Runner.

Robocalypse – Daniel H Wilson. The end of the world, robot style?