Cog by Greg van Eekhout

Abstract

Reviewed by: Cog by Greg van Eekhout Kiri Palm van Eekhout, Greg Cog; illus. by Beatrice Blue. Harper, 2019 [208p] Trade ed. ISBN 978-0-06-268607-7 $16.99 E-book ed. ISBN 978-0-06-268604-6 $8.99 Reviewed from galleys R Gr. 4-7 Cog is a highly advanced robot designed to study cognitive development, but he looks exactly like a twelve-year-old boy. When he wanders off and is accidentally injured, Cog is taken away from his loving creator, Gina, and moved into the main facility of the company Gina works for, uniMIND. It's not long before Cog discovers that uniMIND has its own agenda, and Cog's brain is at the center of their evil plans. Cog's narration is packed with comedic misunderstandings as he learns to navigate a world where his literal interpretations don't always match the human meanings around him. Readers will appreciate the friends he makes on his journey, including a talking car, a single-minded cleaning robot who delights in eating trash, and even a robot dog who, naturally, proves to be the most loyal of creatures. There's also no shortage of car chases and adventure as Cog tries to reunite with his ill-treated robo-sister and find Gina before uniMIND can steal Cog's brain and seize control of the world's robots. This successfully blends traditional robot story staples, such as technobabble, evil scientists, and questions about the nature of humanity, with the oft-written road trip narrative into a page-turning novel of friendship, family, and standing up for what's right. Copyright © 2019 The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois