NASA is preparing to send a mission to Mars. As readers we are given a first-hand account of the preparations through the eyes of the machine or robot that will actually be sent to Mars - a Mars Rover who we learn is named Resilience. The name is perfect but Res has little or no understanding about how or what a sixth grade student from Ohio might be even though she has somehow given him the most perfect name.
The two scientists who interact with Res are Xander and Rania.
"I like Rania's code. I always understand what she is asking me to do. The tasks are clear, like lift your arm or take a photograph with your third rear-side camera or turn your wheels to the right. But I also like that Xander talks to me using human speech."
Res feels a special connection with Rania. Throughout the story we watch as Res develops his skills and a better understanding of human behaviour. There is also another Rover in the lab named Journey.
"Resilience, don't you understand that human feelings are dangerous? They make humans make poor decisions. You see, humans have attachments. They care about each other ... We were built to avoid the problems of humans. We were built to make good decisions."
So, will Res or Journey or perhaps both of these Rovers be sent to Mars? Then a drone arrives. Res names him Fly. And yes, Res and Fly do have a very special attachment especially after they land on Mars. The purpose of this trip is firstly to collect samples of soil and rocks but also to find another Mars Rover named Courage who has now gone offline.
Meanwhile Rania's daughter Sophia 'talks' to Res through a series of letters. We can read the letters but Res can only make guesses about Rania's daughter by overhearing their phone conversations. These letters cover Sophia's journey from Elementary school right through to the end of High school and beyond. And her relationship with her mum - the scientist working with Res.
There are five parts to this story - Preparing; Launch; Roving; Our Mission; and (spoiler alert) Return. Once you reach Mars with Res you will really be able to feel the surface of the planet - it is described so well. I also loved the way Res stops the gaze at the stars giving us and insight into the enormity of the universe.
I think you will add a few new words to your daily vocabulary after reading this book - Journey likes to use the phrase 'beeps and boops'; Res says 'zappedty zip'; and the Guardian says 'gruzunks'. I also love the way Fly and Res use music to keep up their spirits even though they only know one song - Twinkle Twinkle.
The Science layer of this story is also sure to appeal to readers aged 9+. I found these resources:
Mars Exploration Rovers: Spirit and Opportunity
Behind the News BTN Mars Rovers
Bookseller blurb: Meet Resilience, a Mars rover determined to live up to his name. Res was built to explore Mars. He was not built to have human emotions. But as he learns new things from the NASA scientists who assemble him, he begins to develop humanlike feelings. Maybe there’s a problem with his programming.... Human emotions or not, launch day comes, and Res blasts off to Mars, accompanied by a friendly drone helicopter named Fly. But Res quickly discovers that Mars is a dangerous place filled with dust storms and giant cliffs. As he navigates Mars’s difficult landscape, Res is tested in ways that go beyond space exploration. As millions of people back on Earth follow his progress, will Res have the determination, courage, and resilience to succeed... and survive.
The intelligences here may be (mostly) artificial, but the feelings are genuine and deep. Kirkus Star review
A Rover’s Story is perfect for fans of WALL-E, as it has the same humor and heart but in a whole new story with lovable characters. It is overwhelmingly wonderful. I’m honestly having trouble putting into words the way this book made me feel. That’s the heart of it, really. It makes you feel. From the gorgeous setting descriptions to the heart-pounding plot, A Rover’s Story is one you don’t want to miss. Paw Prints in the Sink
Fans of The Wild Robot (I am one) will adore A Rover's Story. I am not sure why I waited so long to read this terrific book. It was published in 2022 and I have seen it mentioned in lots of lists. Luckily my friend was able to loan me her copy. Harper Collins have prepared a one-page guide to A Rover's Story.
Watch this four-minute video where Colby Sharp talks about A Rover's Story - "awesome; amazing; just great; kids are going to love it; one of the most popular books of the year; fascinating; could be great for a book club; deep conversations about life; magical; I gave it all the stars."
Read here how one teacher explored this book with her book club group.
- An Instant New York Times Bestseller
- An Indie Bestseller
- An ALA Notable Book
- A Washington Post Best Book of 2022
- A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2022
- A Booklist Editor’s Choice Best Book of 2022
- Indigo Best Book of 2022
- An Evanston Public Library Best Book of 2022
- 2024 Texas Bluebonnet Award List Selection
- 2023 Illinois Reads selection
- 2023 Vermont Golden Dome Book Award Nominee
- 2023-2024 Maine Student Book Award Nominee
- 2024 Rhode Island Children’s Book Award
- 2024 Hawaii Nēnē Award Nominee
- 2023 Ohioana Book Award Winner
- 2023-2024 Kentucky Bluegrass Book Award Nominee
- 2023 Michigan YouUper Award Nominee
- 2023 North Carolina Children’s Book Award
- 2024-2025 Indiana Young Hooiser Book Award Nominee
- 2024 Texas Lone Star Reading List Selection
- 2024-2025 Nebraska Golden Sower Award Nominee
- 2023-2024 New Hampshire Great Stone Face Book Award Nominee
- 2023-2024 Wyoming Indian Paintbrush Book Award Nominee
- 2023 Quahog Book Award Nominee
- 2023-2024 Surrey Schools Book of the Year Nominee
- 2023-2024 Volunteer State Book Award Nominee
You could also look at some of my previous posts about books that feature robots (there are so many that I have really enjoyed over the last 20+ years).
Here is a previous book I have read by Jasmine Warga:
I have added The Shape of Thunder to my 'to read' list.
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