Summary
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.
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 t…
Book Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781774887288 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-10: | 1774887282 |
| Author: | Cary Fagan |
| Publisher: | Tundra Books |
| Imprint: | Tundra Books |
| Format: | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages: | 280 |
| Release Date: | 11 November 2025 |
| Weight: | 567g |
| Dimensions: | 146mm x 218mm |
| Audience Age: | 8-12 |
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Critics Review
Winner of the 2026 IODE Violet Downey Book Award
A 2026 Saskatchewan Young Readers Choice Diamond Willow Award Nominee
A Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Book for Kids & Teens, Spring 2026
Shortlisted for the 2026 Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Awards, Young Adult/Middle Reader Award category
PRAISE FOR Robot Island
“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
Cary Fagan
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.
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