This is a decent story, just very standard. Invariably, a book about robots asks us to question what it means to be human, to be properly alive. We're meant, of course, to consider the ethics of artificial intelligence research. I like that this book explores the motivation behind the creation of the robot. It's not pure scientific curiosity. Robots are a means to an end. The plan is something of a stretch but an interesting concept.

This was an interesting story between Danny and Eric (nicknamed “Slick”). The two don’t start out as friends and Danny doesn’t even know that Eric is an Android in the beginning.. But eventually they start to spend more time together. This is a heartwarming story about friendship and what it means to be human. I’m not sure If I would enjoy having an android for a friend or not,,, hmmm. But, I do think middle graders would enjoy this story even though it’s a bit longer than I would have preferred.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing for this review copy.

Eric works really hard at having the best friends, wearing the right clothes, and having the right stuff. He's popular. But when he meets Danny, who is anything but popular, Eric realizes that the people he associates with aren't really his friends. Maybe he can be friends with Danny and that will make him popular.
Danny can't stand Eric. He hangs out with the wrong kids and is too concerned with stuff. But, after a strange accident at his house, they start to hang out and find that they have a lot in common. Sure Eric is a bit quirky but everyone is right? Until Eric's quirkiness is revealed to be due to him being an android...
This was an interesting premise. I almost wonder what the story would have been like if we had uncovered that Eric was an android along with Danny as opposed to knowing up front. Either way it was a fun book.

Vaughan's book about friendship and the lengths people will go for friends is told through individual entries of Slick and Danny. The journal entry format can be off putting for some readers, but it worked in this case. As a whole, the story reminded me of D.A.R.Y.L. (80s movie) with a little Darren Shan mixed in. The epilogue was very touching and really drove the question "what makes us us" home when Slick is rebooted. This book will speak to gamers, thinkers, and fans of AI.

Danny has had trouble making friends at school, and prefers to hang out at home playing video games. His mother, a nurse, is supportive and worried, and while his father isn't in the picture, he does have an older cousin Vito who is there if he needs him. When he talks to the new boy, Eric, the two have some common ground, and slowly start spending more time together. Eric is a bit socially awkward, but has an uncle who sends him trendy clothes and gadgets, so he's friends with some of the more popular children. His parents are both obsessed with making friends and having the right possessions, and don't seem to be worried when Eric is seemingly gravely injured, which makes Danny's mom worried about him. She encourages him to spend more time with Eric, who is soon nicknamed "Slick" because of his preference for this brand of shoes. Slick tries to make Danny more popular, giving him clothes and helping him with his social media presence, and soon both boys are hanging out with the wealthy Ethan. After Slick passes out at a sleepover, his friends become concerned about him, and the truth comes out. Slick is really an android. With Vito's help, they start an investigation and try to figure out what is going on with Slick's life. This puts everyone, especially Slick, in danger, since he and his family are being used as surreptitious advertising by the evil Jeopardy corporation. Danny hopes that he can save his friend from the loneliness and lack of family he experiences, especially when he realizes that Slick's code is sometimes overwritten and false memories are put in place. Will he be able to help the only friend he has ever known?
Strengths: This is definitely a fresh premise-- androids living among us to sell us things by word of mouth? Fun! The ins and outs of popularity in middle school are realistically portrayed, and working in gaming and social media is timely. Danny is an interesting character, and seeing him warm up to Eric, who is very quirky, is heartwarming. As the book progresses, we get a bit more action and intrigue. Good use of drones as well!
Weaknesses: This switched perspectives in a slightly confusing way, and was ultimately a really sad book!
What I really think: I'm debating this one. On the one hand, having a friend who is an android will appeal to middle grade readers, but there is a lack of FUN things that would come from having a friend who was an android. This was also a bit on the long side.