Unboxing Libby

Starred review from January 1, 2025
Grades 4-7 *Starred Review* Things started to go wrong the day Libby Maxwell was born: She screamed at her new mom and dropped her favorite snow globe--and worse, she wanted to make friends with a Roxanne. Libbys were not friends with Roxannes. Ever. Roxannes were meanies and had no problem creating havoc for all the other good little robots living in the Martian colonies set up by the humans. The other Libbys give Libby Maxwell the nickname "Max," which is the only thing that seems to fit this Libby and her glitchy code. But when Max discovers that her malfunctions allow her to do things other robots can't--like cross the Boundary lines blocking them from roaming where they shouldn't--she learns that the humans on Mars might not be as nice as they should be. After all, A.I.Cademy Girls like Max were made for human children and weren't meant to be left to their own simulations. Cherrywell has crafted a riveting sf dramedy, complete with cautionary observations of our modern society, packaged neatly in a sweet (AI) teen's POV. Between chapters, advertisements describing the book's androids as products adds humor in a smart satirization of marketing, inviting readers to read between the lines. Any fan of friendship stories will adore this tale of a preteen robot finding her true self.

COPYRIGHT(2025) Booklist, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

February 1, 2025
In the distant future, humans are preparing to settle on Mars. In order to test the feasibility of the new Martian communities, Minerva Social Computing has populated the planet with intelligent, humanoid robots, who have a variety of physical appearances. Many of their robots are based on characters from popular shows, such asA.I.Cademy Girls. One of them, the Libby model, is programmed to be cheerful, peppy, and upbeat. But Libby "Max" Maxwell, who has "Cornsilk" skin and "bright lemon yellow" hair, notices that she seems different from the other Libbies in Community 14. Max wants to befriend Roxanne, who's programmed to be mean--"like the designated alpha mean girl that everyone hates"--someone who'd never be friends with a Libby. And, although Libby behaviors should be innate in her code, she has to try hard to be a Libby. She's confused, frustrated, and angry--everything a Libby shouldn't be. But in seeking fundamental truths about herself, she just might uncover a deeper truth about robot life on Mars that could threaten everything she knows. This charming, feel-good work turns the concept of robots resembling sentient American Girl-style dolls into a heartfelt exploration of self. Cherrywell's debut thoughtfully delves into themes of self-exploration, bullying, friendship, and individuality. The strength of this novel lies in its character building, where initially cookie-cutter characters slowly become unique individuals with their own compelling narratives. An endearing story about being true to oneself.(Science fiction. 9-13)

COPYRIGHT(2025) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

April 1, 2025

Gr 4-7-On Mars in the year 2200, humans are looking at the viability of living in communities there. Minerva Social Computing has populated Martian communities with humanoid robots, based on popular shows back on Earth. These A.I.Cademy dolls come with a line of specific personalities, including "Timid" Giselle, "Sporty" Robin, "Bully" Roxanne, and "Shining Star" Libby. As a "Libby," Max knows she is supposed to be cheerful and kind to all, but she is confused and frustrated because she doesn't always feel those things; she wonders if something is wrong with her. When she tries to befriend Roxanne, the other Libby robots ostracize her, which isn't very Libby-like either. With the help of human scientist, Dr. Bhanjee, Max discovers why she feels mixed up and other secrets about this seemingly perfect society. Cherrywell's debut imbues sci-fi concepts with humorous details, such as robots trying to eat realistic cardboard food and their lack of need for sleep. Readers will recognize the A.I.Cademy dolls as the possible future versions of their beloved American Girl dolls. Friendship issues, jealousies, and parental relationships are approached realistically, and readers will appreciate the feel-good message highlighting that it's what's inside that matters. VERDICT Readers will likely find they have much in common with these Robot Dolls of the future, while considering what the future may have in store for who remain behind on Earth.-Michele Shaw

Copyright 2025 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.