Reading Metrics
Description
There is something lurking in the junkyard in Jim Knox’s neighborhood, and it is up to him and his friends (and science-fair rivals) to put their robot-building skills together in order to defeat it.
Quick Summary
Ever wonder what happens when a bunch of middle-schoolers with a passion for robot building get tangled up in a real-life mystery? In this story a group of science-fair rivals discovers that a strange, eerie noise is coming from the junkyard behind their neighborhood, and they decide to turn their robot prototypes into detective tools to find out what's really out there. The book mixes goofy competition between the kids with moments of genuine tension, so it's funny enough for kids who love humor but also a little creepy when the unknown lurks in the rust and shadows. Parents will appreciate that it's packed with practical STEM ideas like how to rig a sensor or use simple circuits while still delivering a solid adventure that keeps the pages turning. If your kid liked *The Wild Robot*'s blend of machines and wilderness, they'll feel right at home with the robot-building showdown and the backyard showdown here. It's a great pick for reluctant readers who want a fast-paced plot, and the AR level of 3.9 means the language is accessible but the story still feels mature enough for up to eighth-graders.