Attack of the Giant Robot Chickens

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