Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Robot thriller wraps up neatly.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
As IN OVER THEIR HEADS begins, Nick and Eryn are still adjusting to the fact that their parents, step-parents and step-siblings are all robots. They also have to keep the secret that humanity plans to wipe out any and all robots, whatever the cost. Hiding out on a wilderness preserve, the family ponders their options as a blizzard builds and a strange girl with old-fashioned ways offers them shelter. Should they trust her or seek refuge elsewhere?
Is It Any Good?
This conclusion to the robot saga will engage middle-school sci-fi fans through its humor, sneaky twists, and relatable characters. After the big reveal in the first volume of this sci-fi saga, the action slows down and the confusion ramps up. Author Margaret Peterson Haddix orchestrates a suspenseful climax, but some readers may grow impatient as it takes a long time to get there.
In Over Their Heads continues the tale of kids and robots trying to figure each other out, but the narrative becomes awfully talky. Each chapter shifts the point of view, and sometimes it's difficult to remember who is taking center stage and why. Still, it's a fun ride full of suspense and intrigue.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how In Over Their Heads deals with the topic of blended families. How do the science fictional elements work to address the issue?
Do you think robots will ever entirely take the place of humans? What kinds of jobs can be performed better by robots?
How is violence used in In Over Their Heads? Is it an effective method of achieving a goal?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Robots
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : April 11, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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