Project Human: An action-packed android adventure for Middle-Grade readers

by Pen Avey

Thirteen-year-old genius Eva Johnson doesn't want to move to London with an aunt she barely knows. Eva's inventor father says he must travel to find work, but why is he being so mysterious about it? Surely he realises that guarding her sister Ann's secret identity is hard enough in rural Norfolk. Lots can go wrong with a robot simulant – especially when they're a five-year-old who's an expert on the Vostok space programme.

Struggling with attending school for the first time, Eva questions whether Papa is doing the right thing for their family. When Ann is kidnapped during a trip to the science museum, Eva will do anything to rescue her before she’s handed over to a ruthless robotics company. Eva and her new friend Rokas track Ann to an eerie abandoned military bunker where disturbing secrets emerge. Eva could lose not only the father she admires, but also the kooky little sister she loves more than anything in the world.

Can Eva keep her unconventional family together when everyone else sees her sister as less than human?

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so thankful I won a copy of this book from the author. I read this book in under three hours. I had to take a break for breakfast. The major theme of this book is, What does it mean to be human? This story about a girl named Eva and her father, and the android sister they created for her, caught my eye from the very beginning. Eva and her sister Ann are homeschooled. The reason? Ann is an android, called a simulant. Eva calls her a Humant. One day, their father tells them he has to try to find a different job. He will need to have them stay with his sister. The problem is, he hasn't exactly asked his sister Jo to keep them. He makes Eva promise not to tell anyone about Ann. For the first time in their life, they will be going to a public school. The new neighbors below her aunt have a son named Rokas. He and Eva hit it off. When a day trip to a science museum leads to Ann's disappearance, Eva and Rokas set off to find Ann. What happens next will keep you on the edge of your seat, reading. It brings into question what love will make you do for someone else. The major plot twist that happens about three-quarters of the way through was one I suspected. Every part of this book was a pleasure to read. I don't think five stars is enough. That is how much I loved this book.

[Ella Mummery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this from the publishers, thank you! Project human is a heartwarming middle-grade story, focusing on friendship, sisterhood, and what it really means to be human.

This book was such a warm, enjoyable and compelling read. Despite not being the target age range, I was so invested in the story - the scientific talk was interesting yet understandable, and the twists & turns in action kept me really engaged throughout.

A highlight for the book for me was definitely the characters as they were all realistic and loveable, which made them easy to root for and the book a joyful read. The overall themes of humanity, unity and morality also make it lovely escapism! I’d definitely recommend this if you’re a middle-grade fan or buying for a young person!

[Gemma Doughty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to receive an ARC for Project Human for my honest review. I read it in a day, it was so captivating I couldn’t wait to get to the end, and what a twist was waiting! It’s well written, enchanting and teaches about emotions and morality. I read this as an adult and will be looking to embed this into my English lessons in my classes with the young adults that I teach. Fantastic, 5 stars and would definitely recommend.

[Johanna Florez · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5! I found this story immersive and engaging. Not too frightening to read before bed but mysterious enough that I was always tempted to read another chapter. I guessed a major twist just slightly before the protagonist did, which always feels right - the clues were there but not obvious.

[A.K. Adler · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun story written in a witty and engaging style. I loved the characters and what they taught me about being human.