In Lee Bacon’s novel The Last Human, in a future when humans are believed to be extinct, what will one curious robot do when it finds a girl who needs its help?
In the future, robots have eliminated humans, and 12-year-old robot XR_935 is just fine with that. Without humans around, there is no war, no pollution, no crime. Every member of society has a purpose. Everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Until the day XR discovers something impossible: a human girl named Emma.
Now, Emma must embark on a dangerous voyage with XR and two other robots in search of a mysterious point on a map. But how will they survive in a place where rules are never broken and humans aren’t supposed to exist? And what will they find at the end of their journey?
Humorous, action-packed, and poignant, The Last Human tells a story about friendship, technology, and challenging the status quo no matter the consequences. It’s not just about what it means to be a robot—it’s about what it means to be a friend.
Includes black-and-white illustrations
Praise
"Subtle humor surfaces when literal-minded robots try to understand human idioms, behavior, and emotions. And Bacon raises the story’s stakes and action level as the group works against the clock and unexpected new threats. A tech-fueled friendship adventure ideal for fans of Peter Brown’s Wild Robot series."Booklist
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"An amusing and upbeat adventure, with glimpses of a fading human footprint on the planet and a suggestion that there's hope for a shared AI and human future."Kirkus Reviews
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"In this enjoyable sci-fi adventure, the stakes are believable and high, and the robots’ interactions are humorous, sometimes mixed up for comedic effect. Against a timely backdrop, Bacon (the Joshua Dread series) explores messages of friendship, tolerance, and cooperation with wit and thoughtfulness."Publishers Weekly
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"Bacon’s story is full of twists and adventure, leaving readers guessing throughout. . . Recommended for fans of thrilling sci-fi with a strong ethical motif."School Library Journal
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"Navigates experiences of culture clash, morality vs. legality, and friendship that will resonate with young readers in a changing world... An especially quick and rewarding read."The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
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