Robots & Repeats: Secret Coders, Book 4
By Michael Berry,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Heavy on the coding, lighter on the action this time.
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What you will—and won't—find in this book.
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What's the Story?
Picking up right where the earlier volume left off, ROBOTS AND REPEATS has the Coders figuring out how to escape from a maze. They solve the puzzle, and not only are they reunited with their beloved teacher, Professor Bee, but they also take possession of the Turtle of Light, the only weapon likely to stop Dr. One-Zero. Using the Turtle takes some special skills, and Hopper, Josh, and Eni practice some exercises in logic that bring them closer to saving Stately Academy and determining the whereabouts of Hopper's missing father.
Is It Any Good?
Learning to code requires patience and dedication, and this latest chapter slows the story down to make sure readers understand the programming fundamentals. Nevertheless, Robots and Repeats has insight and charm to spare, as the Coders solve various puzzles and attempt to thwart the evil plans of Dr. One-Zero. Author Gene Yang invents some zany scenarios, and illustrator Mike Holmes renders them in a pleasing cartoon style. For maximum enjoyment, fans should go back and refresh their memories of lessons learned in the previous installments.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Parents can talk about how coding is presented in Robots and Repeats. Does it seem like learning to code might be a useful and fun activity?
Are math and science good subjects for a graphic novel? What effects is a graphic novel able to achieve that might be more difficult in words alone?
Eni steals a chart from Dr. One-Zero. Should kids investigate crimes on their own?
Book Details
- Author: Gene Luen Yang
- Illustrator: Mike Holmes
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts, Adventures, Robots
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: First Second
- Publication date: October 3, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 96
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: September 28, 2021
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