The Glitch: A Graphic Novel

by Michael Rex

* "In Rex's big-hearted comic . . . Fred's gentleness proves healing in this humorous volume about the power of kindness." —Publishers Weekly on Your Pal Fred

Even a peacemaking robot has his limits! In this funny and exciting graphic novel by #1 New York Times bestselling creator Michael Rex, Fred travels all over the barren land to spread his message of compassion, but then a mysterious encounter makes him short-circuit and change his mind about being kind. Can his glitch of meanness be fixed, or is the world's nicest robot gone forever?

Everyone knows about Fred and his mission to make the world a kinder place. In fact, the feel-good robot has never met a person he couldn't convince to play nice . . . until now.

When Fred discovers the Tomorrow Sphere, a secret community that has survived the apocalypse in luxury—blankets! Medicine! Unlimited ice cream!—he's delighted that people in need can soon be helped. But despite all his pleading, the Tomorrow Sphere leader absolutely, definitely, and totally refuse to share. 

This ultimate act of selfishness shocks Fred and causes him to glitch out and turn mean. If they won't share, he'll have to make them! With war looming and his friends in despair, it's up to friend to fix his nasty glitch . . . or ruin all the goodness he's created in the world.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Middle Grade, Science Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

Published July 22, 2025

Reviews

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite graphic novel series for kids. Fred is the hero we all need right now! Be a peacemaker.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars: Lots of action and fun characters, but the message could’ve been a tad more subtle. Of course, kids may not be bothered by that (and I know of quite a few adults who could use a reminder to be kind).

[Stacey Adams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fred is upbeat, scouring the world helping people be kind. It isn't easy. People don't always listen. He can't teach people they have to feel it for themselves but he continues to point them in the right direction....until. He finds a place that could help all of mankind but they are so selfish they won't share. Fred gives up and decides he has to fight them. That isn't normal for Fred. His sidekick wormy thinks it must be a glitch making him change his ways so drastically. Fred has changed but can Wormy get him to see what he's become? Will Fred become one of them instead of the kind, easy going person he has always been?
A good look at how things can get under our skin, if we let them. To fight that takes hard work and dedication which you might not be able to muster when the world gets you down. To hold fast to your beliefs against others beating you down is difficult. Fred shows both sides of this struggle.

[D.T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is still so refreshing! Wormy has had some clear character development for the better, but surprisingly, we get some character deterioration (negative character arc) for Fred.

What do you do when being kind isn't enough?

"But it's the same wherever we go. There's a big guy who makes the little people unhappy, and then the little people fight each other. Then the little people don't have any energy to face the big guy, and it's always just because someone is selfish. No one needs to be mean, but I guess it's the easiest way to get what you want."

"Big changes take a lot of time!"

The message is very simple: we can't make others choose to do kindness, as it's a personal choice. But we can always choose to be kind ourselves. Don't get weary in well-doing.

[Mee Too · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are great get them for your kids. Very clear messages on how to be a decent human taught by a cheerful robot 😂

3.8✨

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Making choices. Doing what is right. Helping others instead of hoarding.