Robot Island

Name: Robot Island
Brand: Penguin Random House
Availability: InStock
Author: Cary Fagan
ISBN: 9781774889466

Author: Cary Fagan

Narrator: Justin Miller

Unabridged: 6 hr 39 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tundra Books

Published: 10/14/2025

Categories: Children's Fiction, Children's Social Themes

Synopsis

Forced into stealing valuable books from a rich widow, Willis takes refuge on an abandoned island populated by robots in this new middle-grade novel by acclaimed writer Cary Fagan. For fans of The Wild Robot.

It isn't bad enough that Willis has to live with his cold uncle Tod in a dusty old house of used books. He can't even spend time with his friends Harrison and Galaxi because of the nasty after-school jobs his uncle makes him take on. But then his uncle asks him to visit an old widow lady in the mansion on the hill.

To his surprise, Willis likes Mrs. Shorthouse and even the books they read together (Little Women, Great Expectations). Meanwhile, taking a rowboat ride, Willis discovers an abandoned town from the 1950s populated by square-headed robots. What is the connection between Mrs. Shorthouse and Robot Island? What will happen after the police find out that Willis has been stealing rare books from the mansion? And when Willis turns on the electricity and the robots of Robot Island come to life, will they turn out to be friends or enemies?

About The Author

CARY FAGAN's kids' books include Hans Christian Andersen Lives Next Door; Water, Water (winner of the Vine National Canadian Jewish Book Award); The Collected Works of Gretchen Oyster; the Kaspar Snit novels; and the Wolfie and Fly chapter book series. He is also the author of many picture books, including Mr. Zinger's Hat (Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award winner), Little Blue Chair, and Bear Wants to Sing. Cary has received the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People for his body of work. He lives in Toronto, Canada.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Laura on April 04, 2025

This book had a promising storyline but falls flat in execution. An island of robots that has been hidden away for decades? That's seriously cool. Additionally, all of the references to classic literature make this a great book for us bibliophiles. What's not cool however is the way the author switc......more

Goodreads review by Tracey on October 13, 2025

ARC: we were able to the audio version of this story. My children 8 and 10 adored this book. It was something that kept us all completely engaged during our roadtrip!......more

Goodreads review by Mary on October 28, 2025

For most of his life, twelve-year-old Willis has lived in the cluttered bookstore owned by his Uncle Tod–his only living relative. Though relatively unappreciated at home, Willis has two close friends at school and does his best to be a good student. One day, Willis is instructed to begin reading to......more

Goodreads review by YSBR on October 30, 2025

Willis has little time for recreation or his two best friends, Harrison and Galaxi. Unlike his peers, he is forbidden from having friends visit, attending sleepovers, or participating in typical middle-school activities. Instead, his uncle Tod, expects him to earn his keep by working after school, c......more

Goodreads review by Glenna on November 28, 2025

Willis has lived with his uncle for many years, ever since his parents died in a car accident. Willis's Uncle Todd is not a very caring person, though; in fact, he hires Willis out for all kinds of after school jobs to supplement the almost nonexistent income from his bookstore filled with moldering......more

Quotes

A 2026 Saskatchewan Young Readers Choice Diamond Willow Award Nominee

"Willis is earnest and perceptive, a boy who’s drawn a harsh lot in life whom readers will root for. . . . Warmly funny and entertaining." —Kirkus Reviews

"[T]he prospect of an island run by robots with a 1950s mindset is sure to have readers wondering what if? Fans of robot tales tinged with moral dilemmas will appreciate this retro-futuristic romp." —Booklist

"The main character is well-written and relatable for middle schoolers, who will sympathize with his plight and wince at every bad decision Willis makes. Readers will become absorbed in the story and struggle to put it down as Fagan makes the domino effect of consequences feel authentic and compelling. Themes of friendship and obedience to one’s caregiver resonate throughout the novel and Fagan’s dynamic pacing will keep readers invested until the final page." —Youth Services Book Review

Awards

Diamond Willow Award