Eager

Fox, Helen. (2004). New York: Yearling. 0-553-48795-7

PLOT SUMMARY

In the future, technology rules. Robots do our mundane tasks and our houses are automated. Unfortunately, there is a disparity in society between those who "have" and those who "have not." To add to the mix, the robots are becoming too smart and have begun to turn on the humans even though the robot creed is to never harm a human.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The book was a quick read with realistic characters and action that kept the pages turning. The premise of technology going wrong in a world where humans rely on it too much is not an original one, but has relevance since we often move forward and embrace the newest and fastest gadgets out there.

READER'S ANNOTATION

Technology is often good, but not when it wants to take over. EAGR3 is a new type of robot, one isn't just programmed with information, but rather, knows how to think for itself and learns from it's mistakes. Sometimes he gets into trouble because of his learning mistakes, but he is ultimately working for the good of his family and will do what he can to protect them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Helen Fox is a British writer who was previously a primary school teacher and trained as an actress. Eager is her first novel for young adults.

GENRE

Science Fiction

CURRICULUM TIES

Science/Social Studies

Discuss how technology affects our society and whether or not science will be able to keep up with what we want and desire.

BOOKTALKING IDEAS

How would you feel if taking a trip to a nearby state was prohibited because of the restrictions on fuel? And what if you found out that others who were more privileged that you were allowed to go whereever they wished just because they were a certain class of people?

READING LEVEL/INTEREST AGE

10 and over

CHALLENGE ISSUES

none

CHALLENGE DEFENSE IDEAS

Know library policies and be familiar with the book.

WHY INCLUDE THIS BOOK

It is an interesting read for both boy and girl tweens.