Common Sense Media Review
By Darienne Stewart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Rogue robots, realistic friendships in smart series launch.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Ken, part of a group of smart middle-schoolers called the ENGINERDS, is giddy when he finds a box on his doorstep full of parts for a robot. He and his friend Dan start to put it together -- but then the robot finishes assembling itself, introduces himself as Greeeg, and demands to be fed. Everything. Before long, Greeeg has consumed everything in the house and has begun firing dangerous cubes out of his bottom. Ken's enthusiasm gives way to dread as he, Dan, and fellow EngiNerds realize Greeeg is just one of many insatiably hungry robots whose single-minded mission is proving dangerous. As the robots grow more aggressive, Ken and his friends need to come up with a science-smart plan to fight back and -- hopefully -- save the world.
Is It Any Good?
Jarrett Lerner's strong entry into the growing genre of STEM adventures hits some of the hallmarks -- like robots and DIY problem-solving skills -- but adds a welcome dose of emotional authenticity. EngiNerds is narrated by Ken, who's alternately loyal, dismissive, warmhearted, cocky, humbled, and courageous. Readers may be drawn in by rogue robots and plentiful potty humor, but they'll stay for the well-developed story and perceptive portrayal of kids whose passions aren't always understood, even by their closest friends. The robots' raging appetites are good for laughs, but there's real food for thought in the backstory of how and why the robots were designed.
The book is crying out for a how-to on making a catapult from chopsticks -- but inspired readers may enjoy the challenge of figuring it out. A few plot threads hint at the direction of the next book, set up by a cliffhanger ending.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the EngiNerds try to solve problems they accidentally create. Do you think they're very responsible?
Do you think Ken is a good friend?
Which is more interesting to you: the science and engineering aspects of the story or the plot?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science
- Topics : STEM , Adventures , Friendship , School ( Middle School ) , Robots
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Aladdin
- Publication date : September 12, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 192
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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