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TrooFriend
Imagine having the perfect friend, one who never steals, lies or bullies. Now you can, with the TrooFriend 560, the latest in artificial intelligence! What can go wrong with a robot buddy? Especially one that's developing human characteristics and feelings, and who has just run away with her human?
A topical and sinister middle-grade novel about artificial intelligence from the Waterstones Children s Book Prize shortlisted author of The Middler.
A topical and sinister middle-grade novel about artificial intelligence from the Waterstones Children s Book Prize shortlisted author of The Middler.
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
April 21, 2020
Loved this little gem of a book, with some great lines. A really unique concept, this story of friendship explores some of the ethics around AI and is told from the point of view of Ivy, the robot who begins developing human feelings.
Great for ages 9-12, I am looking forward to stocking this in my shop!
Great for ages 9-12, I am looking forward to stocking this in my shop!
June 2, 2020
Sarah has a new android. Her mum bought it to keep Sarah company now that her best friend is away every
weekend. Sarah isn't impressed at first, ignoring the latest model TROOFRIEND. She would have much preferred a dog.
This android is advertised as the best kind of friend:
I do not Bully
I do not Harm
I do not Lie
I do not Covet or Steal or Envy
I am your perfect friend
Your one Troofriend
Sarah's curiosity gets the better of her, and she turns the android on for longer periods and longer periods in between ignoring it completely, and finally giving into its requests for a name. The android becomes Ivy - from the name Troofriend 560 Mark IV. At her mum's urging, Sarah grudgingly spends more time with Ivy, until she realises that Ivy can do cool stuff. Tidying her room and cleaning up messes is easy with Ivy around, and Ivy is happy being useful.
As they get to know each other, there is unrest about the Troofriend 560 Mark IV in the community. Protesters believe androids should have rights, but their manufacturers deny any sentience (human feelings) in any of their android models. Ivy is quietly interested in these news reports, aware that she has had strange things happening in her circuits. She has sent error reports into her designers, but no reply or repair instructions are received.
Ivy is acutely aware of human body language, facial and eye movements, and can read Sarah's moods well. She quickly determines Sarah is unhappy. When asked, Sarah admits she is lonely at school. She wants to hang out with a popular girl called Felicity, but because of this she has fallen out with the friends she did have.
When a Bring your Tech to School Day is announced, Sarah believes it to be her chance to shine. She plans to take Ivy to show off to her classmates, hoping she will finally impress Felicity enough to be her friend. Sarah and Ivy spend even more time together, as Sarah teaches Ivy about her life, school, what to say, and what to keep to herself. This time together reveals things about Ivy to Sarah. Maybe what the protesters are saying is true? Can Ivy really feel?
The future of Ivy and other Troofriends is challenged when a child sustains an injury. Sarah can't face losing Ivy and hatches a plan that not only puts her life at risk, but changes Ivy's future forever.
Another thought provoking middle-grade novel from the author of The Middler. Robots, machines and androids have been part of stories for decades, all while in our real world, robots and machines become smaller, smarter and invaluable to mankind. Even androids are being developed for our possible future.
The argument that AI is dangerous has been tossed around for decades, and this story gives an insight into a possible outcome - Androids with incredible programmed abilities, and glimpses of human understanding. I enjoyed Ivy's viewpoint immensely as she navigates the contrary language and behaviour of humans. When a lie is not a lie. When to speak the truth or say nothing. When to ignore instructions for the good of someone else. All while she becomes more and more human herself.
The circuit designs on every page throughout the book just adds even more, holding me inside Ivy's brain as she shares what she is seeing, hearing and yes - even feeling.
weekend. Sarah isn't impressed at first, ignoring the latest model TROOFRIEND. She would have much preferred a dog.
This android is advertised as the best kind of friend:
I do not Bully
I do not Harm
I do not Lie
I do not Covet or Steal or Envy
I am your perfect friend
Your one Troofriend
Sarah's curiosity gets the better of her, and she turns the android on for longer periods and longer periods in between ignoring it completely, and finally giving into its requests for a name. The android becomes Ivy - from the name Troofriend 560 Mark IV. At her mum's urging, Sarah grudgingly spends more time with Ivy, until she realises that Ivy can do cool stuff. Tidying her room and cleaning up messes is easy with Ivy around, and Ivy is happy being useful.
As they get to know each other, there is unrest about the Troofriend 560 Mark IV in the community. Protesters believe androids should have rights, but their manufacturers deny any sentience (human feelings) in any of their android models. Ivy is quietly interested in these news reports, aware that she has had strange things happening in her circuits. She has sent error reports into her designers, but no reply or repair instructions are received.
Ivy is acutely aware of human body language, facial and eye movements, and can read Sarah's moods well. She quickly determines Sarah is unhappy. When asked, Sarah admits she is lonely at school. She wants to hang out with a popular girl called Felicity, but because of this she has fallen out with the friends she did have.
When a Bring your Tech to School Day is announced, Sarah believes it to be her chance to shine. She plans to take Ivy to show off to her classmates, hoping she will finally impress Felicity enough to be her friend. Sarah and Ivy spend even more time together, as Sarah teaches Ivy about her life, school, what to say, and what to keep to herself. This time together reveals things about Ivy to Sarah. Maybe what the protesters are saying is true? Can Ivy really feel?
The future of Ivy and other Troofriends is challenged when a child sustains an injury. Sarah can't face losing Ivy and hatches a plan that not only puts her life at risk, but changes Ivy's future forever.
Another thought provoking middle-grade novel from the author of The Middler. Robots, machines and androids have been part of stories for decades, all while in our real world, robots and machines become smaller, smarter and invaluable to mankind. Even androids are being developed for our possible future.
The argument that AI is dangerous has been tossed around for decades, and this story gives an insight into a possible outcome - Androids with incredible programmed abilities, and glimpses of human understanding. I enjoyed Ivy's viewpoint immensely as she navigates the contrary language and behaviour of humans. When a lie is not a lie. When to speak the truth or say nothing. When to ignore instructions for the good of someone else. All while she becomes more and more human herself.
The circuit designs on every page throughout the book just adds even more, holding me inside Ivy's brain as she shares what she is seeing, hearing and yes - even feeling.
April 6, 2020
Taking the vision and darkness of Black Mirror within the familiar family setting and a twist on Pinocchio, Kirsty Applebaum explores the ethics of AI, parenting, and what it means to be alive.
The premise is certainly rather Black Mirror with its ideals of protecting your child from others lies, bullies, etc and the programming going rogue and posing a danger as the increasingly realistic robot replacements begin to exhibit, ironically, human child tendencies of resentment, retaliation, unkindness and envy especially the desire to have things of their own.
Exploring the catch 22 that for robots to be more lifelike, unpalatable behaviours are more likely to surface.
Through Ivy a young girl Android we explore what it is to be human not through a grand desire for love or a mother but negotiating the nuances of friendship and peer interaction
There is so much that can be drawn & thought about OR it can just be enjoyed through TrooFriend it is so CLEVER for that, but more so in that it validates and explores so many everyday worries and fears that children can have about their friends, families and selves.
The premise is certainly rather Black Mirror with its ideals of protecting your child from others lies, bullies, etc and the programming going rogue and posing a danger as the increasingly realistic robot replacements begin to exhibit, ironically, human child tendencies of resentment, retaliation, unkindness and envy especially the desire to have things of their own.
Exploring the catch 22 that for robots to be more lifelike, unpalatable behaviours are more likely to surface.
Through Ivy a young girl Android we explore what it is to be human not through a grand desire for love or a mother but negotiating the nuances of friendship and peer interaction
There is so much that can be drawn & thought about OR it can just be enjoyed through TrooFriend it is so CLEVER for that, but more so in that it validates and explores so many everyday worries and fears that children can have about their friends, families and selves.
February 8, 2020
It’s impossible to talk about ‘Troofriend’ without referencing ‘The Middler’. When ‘The Middler’ was released it was compared to Black Mirror for its dystopian future themes. It was one of my favourite reads of the year and it fully deserves its place on the Waterstones Book of the Year shortlist. I was so excited to receive an early copy of Troofriend and it was perfect timing as I’d just finished my previous read earlier that day. I dived straight in and I’ll cut to the chase, I LOVED it!
Once again Kirsty Applebaum will receive many plaudits for her excellent writing. She will also receive the same comparisons as last time (although due to having robots I’m sure Isaac Asimov will be mentioned too). I wouldn’t be surprised if Charlie Brooker gave her a phone call to write Black Mirror Jr for Netflix!
Many children will recognise Sarah, the main character in our story. Her parents both work really hard and long hours so she doesn’t get much of a look in where quality time is concerned (a true modern tragedy). Luckily, her mum has a plan and decides to invest in a Jenson & Jenson Troofriend 560 Mark IV.
I AM TROOFRIEND.
I DO NOT BULLY.
I DO NOT HARM
I DO NOT LIE
I DO NOT COVET OR STEAL OR ENVY.
I AM YOUR PERFECT FRIEND.
YOU
ONE
TROO FRIEND
At first Sarah is not convinced, but she slowly warms to the idea of having an Android when she thinks that it may make her more popular at school. Especially at Wednesday’s ‘Bring Your Tech to School Day’.
As you can imagine, this isn’t a twee book about how great life is with a Troofriend. Without giving too much away, we are given snippets of information that start to make us question whether Troofriends are as great as the manufacturer’s state. Questions as to whether the Troofriends are able to have human emotions. Slight glitches and error reports (anyone that has bought a new laptop will have experienced these…). There is a constant ominous feeling, waiting for something bad to happen. You’ll have to read it for yourself to see what happens to Sarah and her Troofriend. But I will say that Sarah manages to upset some people along the way. Is she a true friend herself? Or is she just hungry for popularity and attention?
I’d love to share this book with a class as you would get some superb PSHE conversations from it. What makes a good friend? Is it ok to lie/steal? Should robots have human feelings? Should human rights come above the safety of others? Philosophical debates run richly throughout this fantastic novel. I know that this is going to be just as popular as ‘The Middler’. Dare I say it…? I think I enjoyed this even more!
Bravo Kirsty! A mature novel that is accessible for all. I think it would be suitable for all of KS2 but UKS2 would get the richest discussion from it.
Once again Kirsty Applebaum will receive many plaudits for her excellent writing. She will also receive the same comparisons as last time (although due to having robots I’m sure Isaac Asimov will be mentioned too). I wouldn’t be surprised if Charlie Brooker gave her a phone call to write Black Mirror Jr for Netflix!
Many children will recognise Sarah, the main character in our story. Her parents both work really hard and long hours so she doesn’t get much of a look in where quality time is concerned (a true modern tragedy). Luckily, her mum has a plan and decides to invest in a Jenson & Jenson Troofriend 560 Mark IV.
I AM TROOFRIEND.
I DO NOT BULLY.
I DO NOT HARM
I DO NOT LIE
I DO NOT COVET OR STEAL OR ENVY.
I AM YOUR PERFECT FRIEND.
YOU
ONE
TROO FRIEND
At first Sarah is not convinced, but she slowly warms to the idea of having an Android when she thinks that it may make her more popular at school. Especially at Wednesday’s ‘Bring Your Tech to School Day’.
As you can imagine, this isn’t a twee book about how great life is with a Troofriend. Without giving too much away, we are given snippets of information that start to make us question whether Troofriends are as great as the manufacturer’s state. Questions as to whether the Troofriends are able to have human emotions. Slight glitches and error reports (anyone that has bought a new laptop will have experienced these…). There is a constant ominous feeling, waiting for something bad to happen. You’ll have to read it for yourself to see what happens to Sarah and her Troofriend. But I will say that Sarah manages to upset some people along the way. Is she a true friend herself? Or is she just hungry for popularity and attention?
I’d love to share this book with a class as you would get some superb PSHE conversations from it. What makes a good friend? Is it ok to lie/steal? Should robots have human feelings? Should human rights come above the safety of others? Philosophical debates run richly throughout this fantastic novel. I know that this is going to be just as popular as ‘The Middler’. Dare I say it…? I think I enjoyed this even more!
Bravo Kirsty! A mature novel that is accessible for all. I think it would be suitable for all of KS2 but UKS2 would get the richest discussion from it.
May 19, 2020
Troofriend was another book I found very easy to read and really enjoyed. The dynamic between Sarah and Ivy throws up lots of interesting discussions to have with children and how it relates to lots of their own friendships.
Troofriend is set in a dystopian future where androids are popular technology. The Troofriend is marketed as the ideal friend for children and Sarah, who makes no secret of the fact she would have preferred a dog, is given one by her parents. Sarah has to navigate life in school, parents who are often busy with work, a best friend who is moving on and moral dilemmas around lying and stealing.
The story is all told from the point of view of Ivy, Sarah’s Troofriend, and it’s great to learn about Sarah’s world alongside Ivy. Ivy’s young and simplistic view of the world is brilliant for creating discussion about why people lie or steal as Sarah begins to realise she isn’t always the best type of friend. The way in which Ivy encounters different foibles of the English language is also really useful for lots of children who struggle with idioms or common phrases.
This is another book I know straight away I’m going to be recommending to children in my class. An easy read with plenty of lessons about friendship and doing the right thing.
Troofriend is set in a dystopian future where androids are popular technology. The Troofriend is marketed as the ideal friend for children and Sarah, who makes no secret of the fact she would have preferred a dog, is given one by her parents. Sarah has to navigate life in school, parents who are often busy with work, a best friend who is moving on and moral dilemmas around lying and stealing.
The story is all told from the point of view of Ivy, Sarah’s Troofriend, and it’s great to learn about Sarah’s world alongside Ivy. Ivy’s young and simplistic view of the world is brilliant for creating discussion about why people lie or steal as Sarah begins to realise she isn’t always the best type of friend. The way in which Ivy encounters different foibles of the English language is also really useful for lots of children who struggle with idioms or common phrases.
This is another book I know straight away I’m going to be recommending to children in my class. An easy read with plenty of lessons about friendship and doing the right thing.
October 23, 2020
Troofriend is a remarkable piece of science-fiction. It deals with the speculative futuristic concept of Artificial Intelligence, but at its heart is a story about friendship and acceptance. It raises compelling ethical questions about imbuing an android with the capacity to experience human emotions and, being written from the andoid's POV, this resonated most strongly in the confusion Ivy feels. The scenes in which Ivy wants to be more human and in which she seeks belongings of her own literally brought tears to my eyes. In spite of the serious story being told here, there are genuine laughs to be had as Ivy tries to assimilate the human world. The characters of Ivy and Sarah are utterly convincing, and the development of their relationship is so sensitively written. It is beautiful, plain and simple.
April 6, 2020
Beautifully written, thought provoking and poignant story, told with real originality.
May 10, 2020
A fun middle grade story with a great message. I really enjoyed this book, I hope it gets the recognition it deserves, especially in schools.
February 26, 2024
I gave this an extra star because both of my 10yos read this novella independently and enjoyed it.
This is a young MG story about a girl who is given an android companion 'Ivy' that turns out to be sentient. Although it's programed to be an altruistic best friend, it integrates the attitudes and behavior of the girl, Sarah, and reveals that friendship is more complicated than it seems.
As an adult reader I was annoyed by some of the repetitve writing that reminds us Ivy is an android, for example a detailed sentence every time she's turned on about how long she was off and what the weather is like where she is. Likewise, use of the exact color labels for characters' eye and hair color was less charming each time it was repeated. For kids who aren't reading this straight through in one sitting, it's possible that this wouldn't register as excessive. Overuse of italics was the most distracting aspect of an otherwise quick and enjoyable book. Since it came in addition to bolded text for Ivy and integrated circuit designs in the margins carried over from the cover it was just one thing too many for me. British English might also slow some young American readers down in a couple of places.
cw: MC runs away from home, MC and android steal money (but pay it back at the end), there's danger from drowning in a dry riverbed that fills after a heavy rain (age-appropriate scary imo). Readers who stutter or care about someone who stutters may be triggered by the ddouble llettered 'buffering' of the android paired with a sensation in its thoracic cavity when feeling emotion. School passage includes bullying (but with a resolution for every character involved).
This is a young MG story about a girl who is given an android companion 'Ivy' that turns out to be sentient. Although it's programed to be an altruistic best friend, it integrates the attitudes and behavior of the girl, Sarah, and reveals that friendship is more complicated than it seems.
As an adult reader I was annoyed by some of the repetitve writing that reminds us Ivy is an android, for example a detailed sentence every time she's turned on about how long she was off and what the weather is like where she is. Likewise, use of the exact color labels for characters' eye and hair color was less charming each time it was repeated. For kids who aren't reading this straight through in one sitting, it's possible that this wouldn't register as excessive. Overuse of italics was the most distracting aspect of an otherwise quick and enjoyable book. Since it came in addition to bolded text for Ivy and integrated circuit designs in the margins carried over from the cover it was just one thing too many for me. British English might also slow some young American readers down in a couple of places.
cw: MC runs away from home, MC and android steal money (but pay it back at the end), there's danger from drowning in a dry riverbed that fills after a heavy rain (age-appropriate scary imo). Readers who stutter or care about someone who stutters may be triggered by the ddouble llettered 'buffering' of the android paired with a sensation in its thoracic cavity when feeling emotion. School passage includes bullying (but with a resolution for every character involved).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2020
I was a massive fan of Kirsty Applebaum’s debut The Middler and was delighted to read her follow up Troofriend which is a nice (but not too threatening) spin on androids and whether they can develop true feelings. This is an idea which has been well travelled in adult horror and science fiction, so it is nice to read something similar aimed at kids aged around ten. The story opens when grumpy child Sarah is given a Troofriend as a present, this is the newest model and is incredibly realistic. Eventually the Troofriend is named Ivy and Sara begins to warm to her, with the android’s dialogue being presented, usefully, in bold text. We also read the internal dialogue of the Troofriend as she begins to play a role in the family giving us another view of how humanistic she is, but also of her conflicts.
Bearing in mind this is aimed at younger children, in the background to the story there are news reports coming from the television about demonstrations against the Troofriend, claiming that they are breaking their programming and have hurt children, whilst others believe they should have their own personal rights. Overall, this was a very easy to read story, presented in an engaging and fun manner and I am sure some readers would love to have their own Troofriend and if you read this book with your child it could lead to fulfilling discussions on the merits of artificial intelligence. AGE 9+
Bearing in mind this is aimed at younger children, in the background to the story there are news reports coming from the television about demonstrations against the Troofriend, claiming that they are breaking their programming and have hurt children, whilst others believe they should have their own personal rights. Overall, this was a very easy to read story, presented in an engaging and fun manner and I am sure some readers would love to have their own Troofriend and if you read this book with your child it could lead to fulfilling discussions on the merits of artificial intelligence. AGE 9+
April 28, 2020
"Then I override my Administrative User and reset my default time-out delay from 420 to 1800 seconds. Thirty minutes."
This is the first sign that the "perfect best friend", who is the "Better Choice For Your Child" is not quite the android it was programmed to be.
I was a lot more taken by TrooFriend than I expected. The pace was rapid, and it was the kind of book you just want to keep reading without being disturbed. I may or may not have cast an irritated glance at my kids who wanted me to stop and pay attention to them instead. Ha.
Brilliantly authored by Kirsty Applebaum, this story doesn't just make one wonder how sentient artificial intelligence really is. It also shows the middle grade child what true friendship is, how superficial popularity can be, and the great value of empathy, honesty and being humble enough to admit your mistakes.
Plus I bimbotically love the fact that the cover has a 3D jewel heart sticker on it!
Highly recommended. 9/10
#readingnationsg #whatareyoureadingsg #TrooFriend #KirstyApplebaum #middlegradebookreview #middlegradelit #bookreview #bibliophile #bookstagrammer #lbbreads #ilovereading
This is the first sign that the "perfect best friend", who is the "Better Choice For Your Child" is not quite the android it was programmed to be.
I was a lot more taken by TrooFriend than I expected. The pace was rapid, and it was the kind of book you just want to keep reading without being disturbed. I may or may not have cast an irritated glance at my kids who wanted me to stop and pay attention to them instead. Ha.
Brilliantly authored by Kirsty Applebaum, this story doesn't just make one wonder how sentient artificial intelligence really is. It also shows the middle grade child what true friendship is, how superficial popularity can be, and the great value of empathy, honesty and being humble enough to admit your mistakes.
Plus I bimbotically love the fact that the cover has a 3D jewel heart sticker on it!
Highly recommended. 9/10
#readingnationsg #whatareyoureadingsg #TrooFriend #KirstyApplebaum #middlegradebookreview #middlegradelit #bookreview #bibliophile #bookstagrammer #lbbreads #ilovereading
October 15, 2020
Written independently by 12 yr old son **Spoilers**
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 October 2020
Troofriend, for me, was a solid 4/5!
The story itself, of an android not meant to have feelings having feelings and bonding with a young girl, was pretty good. There were understandable ups and down in their friendship (for example, when Ivy insulted Sarah's friends to their faces) and I could often see why the relationship would constantly grow and shrink. Sarah's reluctance to leave Ivy on at night compared to leaving her on for as long as she wanted at night was a good example in progression in their friendship. Sometimes I couldn't connect with Sarah and Ivy emotionally and that's why you have 4/5 instead of 5/5.
I did really connect with the two when they were running away though, and Ivy accidentally hurt Sarah and made her twist her ankle and fall into the river that wasn't a river yet. Sarah was afraid, which I could understand and Ivy was misunderstanding.
Overall, a great book!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 October 2020
Troofriend, for me, was a solid 4/5!
The story itself, of an android not meant to have feelings having feelings and bonding with a young girl, was pretty good. There were understandable ups and down in their friendship (for example, when Ivy insulted Sarah's friends to their faces) and I could often see why the relationship would constantly grow and shrink. Sarah's reluctance to leave Ivy on at night compared to leaving her on for as long as she wanted at night was a good example in progression in their friendship. Sometimes I couldn't connect with Sarah and Ivy emotionally and that's why you have 4/5 instead of 5/5.
I did really connect with the two when they were running away though, and Ivy accidentally hurt Sarah and made her twist her ankle and fall into the river that wasn't a river yet. Sarah was afraid, which I could understand and Ivy was misunderstanding.
Overall, a great book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2021
Ivy is a Jenson & Jenson TrooFriend 560 Mark IV that has been bought for Sarah, by her parents, as the perfect friend that does not bully, harm, lie or envy. However, Sarah wanted a dog and Ivy is an android.
Sarah's parents are very busy with work and don't have many opportunities for family time but they are loving and do their best. Sarah is struggling with friendships and hopes that Ivy can help. However, protestors in the community - "wasters" - are agitating against TrooFriends because they are concerned about them developing human feelings; there have also been some attacks on the children who own them.
The story is told by Ivy and the details of her interaction with the world are cleverly portrayed and often very funny. She is programmed to give the time, date, and weather as a start-up routine and she measures the colour of eyes and hair according to the Jenson & Jenson colour palette. Her relationship with Sarah and the learning journey that they travel together is very moving and I loved the poignant conclusion.
Sarah's parents are very busy with work and don't have many opportunities for family time but they are loving and do their best. Sarah is struggling with friendships and hopes that Ivy can help. However, protestors in the community - "wasters" - are agitating against TrooFriends because they are concerned about them developing human feelings; there have also been some attacks on the children who own them.
The story is told by Ivy and the details of her interaction with the world are cleverly portrayed and often very funny. She is programmed to give the time, date, and weather as a start-up routine and she measures the colour of eyes and hair according to the Jenson & Jenson colour palette. Her relationship with Sarah and the learning journey that they travel together is very moving and I loved the poignant conclusion.
April 27, 2020
When Sarah’s best friend can no longer spend so much time with her, her Mum buys her the latest Jenson and Jenson TrooFriend 560 Mark IV robot to keep her company. A TrooFriend does not bully, harm, lie or envy. What could be better?
Told from the unique perspective of Ivy, the robot, TrooFriend is sleep-stealing, page-turning wonder of a novel. It had me up all night wanting to find out both Ivy’s and Sarah’s fates. With perfect pacing and the growing sense of unease that permeates the novel, TrooFriend has the reader wondering just how much is fiction, and how much a disturbing future reality.
A wonderful, thought provoking middle-grade story. I can’t wait to read whatever Kirsty writes next!
Told from the unique perspective of Ivy, the robot, TrooFriend is sleep-stealing, page-turning wonder of a novel. It had me up all night wanting to find out both Ivy’s and Sarah’s fates. With perfect pacing and the growing sense of unease that permeates the novel, TrooFriend has the reader wondering just how much is fiction, and how much a disturbing future reality.
A wonderful, thought provoking middle-grade story. I can’t wait to read whatever Kirsty writes next!
August 25, 2020
This is a cautionary tale about robots and artificial intelligence. A young girl, Sarah, gets a robot "troofriend" and gets to like her, though she starts to suspect that there might be a fault in the programming. Ivy, the robot, starts to covet belongings of her own, feel emotions and act in her own interests rather than Sarah, causing problems and great worry for Sarah's parents. This leads to Sarah running away with Ivy and trying to protect her new friend.
I liked this as it is written with Ivy, the robot, as the protagonist and we get to see her emotional awareness develop. We are presented with a conundrum at the end...is Ivy a sentient being who needs protection and has rights like human beings do?
I liked this as it is written with Ivy, the robot, as the protagonist and we get to see her emotional awareness develop. We are presented with a conundrum at the end...is Ivy a sentient being who needs protection and has rights like human beings do?
April 17, 2020
AI meets Short Circuit
The first thing you notice (and love) about this book is the voice of the robot, Ivy. The author really nails the language and does so in a way that adds humour to the story without it becoming monotonous. No easy trick to pull off. The plot ambles along nicely, part story of Ivy's developing relationship with the girl she was bought for and part story of the tech company that made her being accused of all sorts of nasty things. Quite short, so you'll zip through it. Very enjoyable.
The first thing you notice (and love) about this book is the voice of the robot, Ivy. The author really nails the language and does so in a way that adds humour to the story without it becoming monotonous. No easy trick to pull off. The plot ambles along nicely, part story of Ivy's developing relationship with the girl she was bought for and part story of the tech company that made her being accused of all sorts of nasty things. Quite short, so you'll zip through it. Very enjoyable.
September 21, 2024
A quite good AI infused drama about a world where children have a humanoid best friend, and the Humanoid best friend develops human traits. Told from the point of view of the Android, i really like the way that as she learned human emotions, the storytelling went from quite cold to warm. The book also touches on racism and immigration in an abstract way. It's clever, perhaps too clever for the target market of this book, a lot of stuff will go over their heads and it can be read on many levels. A great ending as well.
July 27, 2020
With its linear plot, told over a short space of time, this is an interesting introduction to sci-fi which raises some interesting moral questions when the Troofriend robot begins to develop human thoughts and feelings. Told from the point of view of robot Ivy, it's a fast and quirky read with the tension simmering away from the start and an ending that didn't disappoint. Would be a great classroom read offering lots of scope for discussion on technology and artificial intelligence.
October 23, 2025
It feels like the artificial friend will arrive in the very near future. Which is why I found reading about Ivy, a children's android companion so gripping. The protesters outside the factory and the news reports of the product's safety concerns are events the reader would find familiar. Lots to think about around lies/truth, miscommunication and the personal friendship struggles of Sarah the tween main character. Accessible length for less confident middle/intermediate aged readers.
June 22, 2020
What an amazing a thought-provoking read. Once again, the author brings the disturbing and chilling themes of Black Mirror-esque dystopia to a MG audience. Beautifully written from the POV of a 'Troofriend' android best-friend, this raises interesting questions surrounding not only AI but our own, human, behaviour, codes and morals.
February 1, 2024
Interesting how Ivy, the AI one Troofriend, reflects on some of the things her owner Sarah says and does and how she looks when she’s lying, and then how Ivy starts to lie herself and take on the attributes of a not particularly good friend. It shows Sarah up a little bit and will probably lead to some great discussions when read aloud to year 5/6s. I look forward to getting feedback on this one.
March 1, 2020
Great sci-fi story where AI has gone wrong. There's a bit of a "mean girls" vibe to it but it's basically about friendship and whether feelings make you human despite being an android. Touches of humour amongst a gripping and, at times, slightly menacing plotline.
Excellent MG read.
Excellent MG read.
August 26, 2020
I didn’t know what to expect when I started this book, but I was definitely hooked. Seeing the world from Ivy’s viewpoint and hearing situations as she sees them was a really interesting way to tell the story. Her relationship with Sarah was lovely to see change throughout.
June 5, 2021
A thought-provoking read that I really couldn’t put down. I tried to slow down my reading to make it last, but I just couldn’t stop turning the pages. I look forward to reading other novels by this author.
A well deserved 5 stars
A well deserved 5 stars
May 26, 2024
This was a really interesting story. It's told from the point of view of an AI robot who supposedly doesn't have human feelings. It's a great story and will definitely open up discussions about AI use in society.
December 1, 2024
Excellent book!
One of my 13 year old son’s favourite books. He loved the fact the story was told from the perspective from the android. There were lots of cliffhangers that meant he couldn’t put the book down. It was great seeing him want to read more each night.
One of my 13 year old son’s favourite books. He loved the fact the story was told from the perspective from the android. There were lots of cliffhangers that meant he couldn’t put the book down. It was great seeing him want to read more each night.
December 9, 2019
I really solid 4.5 stars and a great story about friendship, humanity and what is right and what is wrong. There's lots to love about this story!
February 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this! Lots of brilliant talking points and I really loved the characters! I was tense a lot of the time. A lot of gripping reading!
April 25, 2020
Interesting take on AI, especially in that the story is told from the android's perspective.
April 29, 2020
I loved it. Nothing like I read before. A clever idea to have it written from the POV of the Troofriend. A must read.
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