Attack of the Giant Robot Chickens

August 1, 2014
Robot chicken apocalypse...no one saw that coming! Scottish 12-year-old Jesse's older brother was obsessed with apocalyptic possibilities ranging from asteroids to zombies, but when the end did come, it took the form of gigantic robotic chickens that captured all the adults. Eight months into the feathery end of the world, the survivors live in isolated groups throughout the city of Aberdeen. The girl known as the Ambassador goes from group to group, trying to get them to work together. Jesse's defense mechanism-telling really bad chicken jokes-does not make him popular with his fellow survivors, but group boss Noah trusts him. When the Ambassador arrives with information that might help them take down the oppressive poultry, Noah sends Jesse with her. The two don't get along at first, but after a run-in with a chicken-worshiping cult and the metal overlords themselves, they form a plan. Can it succeed against laser-eyed, explosive-egg-laying robo-chickens? McCall's debut won publication with the Kelpies Prize, which seeks new Scottish fiction for young readers. The totally foolish premise is made believable through strong writing and realistic characters. The swift pace and at-times goofy action sequences will charm readers who like their action with a few laughs. Kids saving themselves from the egg-pocalypse: priceless. (Post-apocalyptic adventure. 8-12)

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October 1, 2014

Gr 4-6-A few months after the world is invaded by giant robot chickens, Jesse, a wisecracking 12-year-old, is tasked with a mission to defeat the chickens and save the world. Along with 13-year-old, no-nonsense Rayna, Jesse's first objective is to free the enemy-occupied city of Aberdeen, Scotland where he and a band of rebel kids have been living in hiding. However, their mechanical adversaries-often called "Catchers" by Jesse and the other children-still patrol the streets, looking to capture any humans who resist. A riff on the postapocalyptic subgenre, this science-fiction spoof features the usual tropes, including a ragtag resistance, rival factions, a war-torn city, a pithily nicknamed foe, and even a loopy group of survivors dedicated to worshipping their poultry invaders. Fans of action will enjoy the fast-paced skirmishes and fully-realized setting, while fans of comedy will appreciate the satirical elements, corny chicken jokes, and even cornier chicken puns. Despite the silliness of the premise, McCall treats his characters with surprising frankness: Jesse and Rayna cope with being displaced in Aberdeen, a city neither are from, and worry about their missing siblings, who have disappeared during the invasion. With humor, action, and layered characters, this title will be a hit with readers looking for a solid-albeit goofy-science-fiction story.-Laura J. Giunta, Garden City Public Library, NY

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