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    Robot Island

    Author Cary Fagan
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    Hardcover
    $17.99 US
    Tundra Book Group | Tundra Books
    5.75"W x 8.5"H x 0.94"D   | 13 oz | 12 per carton
    On sale Oct 14, 2025 | 280 Pages | 9781774887288
    Age 8-12 years | Grades 3-7
    Reading Level: Lexile 630L | Fountas & Pinnell U
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

    Forced into stealing valuable books from a rich widow, Willis takes refuge on an abandoned island populated by robots in this new middle-grade novel by acclaimed writer Cary Fagan. For fans of The Wild Robot.

    It isn't bad enough that Willis has to live with his cold uncle Tod in a dusty old house of used books. He can't even spend time with his friends Harrison and Galaxi because of the nasty after-school jobs his uncle makes him take on. But then his uncle asks him to visit an old widow lady in the mansion on the hill. 

    To his surprise, Willis likes Mrs. Shorthouse and even the books they read together (Little Women, Great Expectations). Meanwhile, taking a rowboat ride, Willis discovers an abandoned town from the 1950s populated by square-headed robots. What is the connection between Mrs. Shorthouse and Robot Island? What will happen after the police find out that Willis has been stealing rare books from the mansion? And when Willis turns on the electricity and the robots of Robot Island come to life, will they turn out to be friends or enemies?
    • NOMINEE | 2026
      Diamond Willow Award
    A 2026 Saskatchewan Young Readers Choice Diamond Willow Award Nominee

    "Willis is earnest and perceptive, a boy who’s drawn a harsh lot in life whom readers will root for. . . . Warmly funny and entertaining." —Kirkus Reviews

    "[T]he prospect of an island run by robots with a 1950s mindset is sure to have readers wondering what if? Fans of robot tales tinged with moral dilemmas will appreciate this retro-futuristic romp." —Booklist

    "The main character is well-written and relatable for middle schoolers, who will sympathize with his plight and wince at every bad decision Willis makes. Readers will become absorbed in the story and struggle to put it down as Fagan makes the domino effect of consequences feel authentic and compelling. Themes of friendship and obedience to one’s caregiver resonate throughout the novel and Fagan’s dynamic pacing will keep readers invested until the final page." —Youth Services Book Review
    © Josh Levine
    CARY FAGAN's kids' books include Robot Island; Hans Christian Andersen Lives Next Door; Water, Water (winner of the Vine National Canadian Jewish Book Award); The Collected Works of Gretchen Oyster; the Kaspar Snit novels; and the Wolfie and Fly chapter book series. He is also the author of many picture books, including Mr. Zinger's Hat (Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award winner), Little Blue Chair, and Bear Wants to Sing.  Cary has received the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People for his body of work.  He lives in Toronto, Canada. View titles by Cary Fagan

    About

    Forced into stealing valuable books from a rich widow, Willis takes refuge on an abandoned island populated by robots in this new middle-grade novel by acclaimed writer Cary Fagan. For fans of The Wild Robot.

    It isn't bad enough that Willis has to live with his cold uncle Tod in a dusty old house of used books. He can't even spend time with his friends Harrison and Galaxi because of the nasty after-school jobs his uncle makes him take on. But then his uncle asks him to visit an old widow lady in the mansion on the hill. 

    To his surprise, Willis likes Mrs. Shorthouse and even the books they read together (Little Women, Great Expectations). Meanwhile, taking a rowboat ride, Willis discovers an abandoned town from the 1950s populated by square-headed robots. What is the connection between Mrs. Shorthouse and Robot Island? What will happen after the police find out that Willis has been stealing rare books from the mansion? And when Willis turns on the electricity and the robots of Robot Island come to life, will they turn out to be friends or enemies?

    Awards

    • NOMINEE | 2026
      Diamond Willow Award

    Praise

    A 2026 Saskatchewan Young Readers Choice Diamond Willow Award Nominee

    "Willis is earnest and perceptive, a boy who’s drawn a harsh lot in life whom readers will root for. . . . Warmly funny and entertaining." —Kirkus Reviews

    "[T]he prospect of an island run by robots with a 1950s mindset is sure to have readers wondering what if? Fans of robot tales tinged with moral dilemmas will appreciate this retro-futuristic romp." —Booklist

    "The main character is well-written and relatable for middle schoolers, who will sympathize with his plight and wince at every bad decision Willis makes. Readers will become absorbed in the story and struggle to put it down as Fagan makes the domino effect of consequences feel authentic and compelling. Themes of friendship and obedience to one’s caregiver resonate throughout the novel and Fagan’s dynamic pacing will keep readers invested until the final page." —Youth Services Book Review

    Author

    © Josh Levine
    CARY FAGAN's kids' books include Robot Island; Hans Christian Andersen Lives Next Door; Water, Water (winner of the Vine National Canadian Jewish Book Award); The Collected Works of Gretchen Oyster; the Kaspar Snit novels; and the Wolfie and Fly chapter book series. He is also the author of many picture books, including Mr. Zinger's Hat (Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award winner), Little Blue Chair, and Bear Wants to Sing.  Cary has received the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People for his body of work.  He lives in Toronto, Canada. View titles by Cary Fagan

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