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Far Flung Falls #1
Molly and the Machine
Perfect for fans of Stuart Gibbs and James Ponti, this hilarious and poignant middle grade sci-fi adventure set in 1980s Ohio follows a young girl who makes incredible discoveries about family and belonging while chasing a kidnapping robot.
It’s the summer of 1983, and one by one, the kids of Far Flung Falls are disappearing.
With sheer drop-offs at every turn, the woods behind Molly McQuirter’s house have always been a dangerous place—even before something big and metal started lurking in them. But when Molly’s little brother is snatched up before her eyes, she has no choice but to follow. Sure, Wally tends to ruin everything, and his finger practically lives up his nose, but she isn’t about to let him be abducted by some unknown enemy, especially since their mom ran off to Florida two years ago and their dad, who’s slowly morphing into a couch potato, won’t be any help. If Molly wants to protect the family she has left, Wally’s rescue is going to be up to her. So aided a crew of unusually determined pets, Molly sets off on Pink Lightning—her tricked-out bicycle—on a chase through the hills of southern Ohio.
Finding the robot culprit only creates more questions, however, and when the unlikely mastermind behind the robot is uncovered, a new story begins to unfold—one of lost love, family bonds, and some seriously weird science.
It’s the summer of 1983, and one by one, the kids of Far Flung Falls are disappearing.
With sheer drop-offs at every turn, the woods behind Molly McQuirter’s house have always been a dangerous place—even before something big and metal started lurking in them. But when Molly’s little brother is snatched up before her eyes, she has no choice but to follow. Sure, Wally tends to ruin everything, and his finger practically lives up his nose, but she isn’t about to let him be abducted by some unknown enemy, especially since their mom ran off to Florida two years ago and their dad, who’s slowly morphing into a couch potato, won’t be any help. If Molly wants to protect the family she has left, Wally’s rescue is going to be up to her. So aided a crew of unusually determined pets, Molly sets off on Pink Lightning—her tricked-out bicycle—on a chase through the hills of southern Ohio.
Finding the robot culprit only creates more questions, however, and when the unlikely mastermind behind the robot is uncovered, a new story begins to unfold—one of lost love, family bonds, and some seriously weird science.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published June 7, 2022
6 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
About the author
Erik Jon Slangerup
8 books21 followersErik Jon Slangerup is the author of MOLLY AND THE MACHINE, his debut middle-grade novel about a young girl up against a giant robot who kidnaps her brother, out June 7, 2022. The sequel, MOLLY AND THE MUTANTS, will follow in 2023. The books are part of a 1980s action adventure series set in the hills of southern Ohio.
Erik has also written several picture books, including the award-winning DIRT BOY. In 2017, he co-created STORYSNACKER, a read-aloud storytime app ranked “Top 5 Apps in the World for Family and Kids.” Erik Lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife, children, and semi-neurotic wiener-beagle mix.
Erik has also written several picture books, including the award-winning DIRT BOY. In 2017, he co-created STORYSNACKER, a read-aloud storytime app ranked “Top 5 Apps in the World for Family and Kids.” Erik Lives in Columbus, Ohio with his wife, children, and semi-neurotic wiener-beagle mix.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 9, 2022
MOLLY AND THE MACHINE is a fantastic ride of a novel that's packed with action, adventure, lost annoying brothers, and so much heart and humor!!
Even as I realized that '80's setting qualified Slangerup's MG debut as historical -- a fact that gave me more than a little bit of personal pause--I loved this rollicking ride! Smart, inventive, and chock full of exciting, and unexpected, twists and turns this is a great read, and I can't wait to see what Slangerup serves up next!
Even as I realized that '80's setting qualified Slangerup's MG debut as historical -- a fact that gave me more than a little bit of personal pause--I loved this rollicking ride! Smart, inventive, and chock full of exciting, and unexpected, twists and turns this is a great read, and I can't wait to see what Slangerup serves up next!
April 7, 2022
This was such a fun throwback read for this girl who grew up in the 1980s. There's so much in this debut that will appeal to young readers: the sibling relationships at its core (gah, my little brother is so annoying -> omg, a robot has abducted my little brother!), its wide cast of charismatic characters (looking at you, Gruncle!), the adventurous plot, the very 1980s Ohio setting, and, of course, the bathroom humor. Hand to the 8-11 year-old in your life who's looking for their next fun series.
November 4, 2022
Cute middle grade novel that takes place in the Hocking Hills region during the 1980s. Written by a local Cbus guy. I think most kids would enjoy (4th-7th grades). Good characters — you really get to know Molly and her inner monologue throughout the novel. Some of the passages are a bit long-winded, and some elements are repetitive, which keeps me from giving it 5 stars. It could be 50 pages shorter. The book describes really elaborate contraptions and mechanics — it would have GREATLY benefited from having some illustrations thrown in. I think it would have been really helpful for readers to get a sense of the size/scale of “the machine.”
May 13, 2022
If you're not rooting for Molly and her coterie, there's something wrong! This book is a rollicking ride. Erik Jon Slangerup has a gift for the middle-grade voice, for blending the funny with adventure, and for taking us on a journey that makes us wish were were in the front basket of that banana-seated bicycle. So much fun, and I can't wait to experience more of Molly's adventures with family and friends!
June 5, 2022
Super fun, retro awesome, action adventure!
Molly is thrust into an epic quest to save her brother (and their relationship) when a giant brother-plucking robot steals him away from her. Astride her trusty Pink Lightning banana-seated bicycle, with her unique pets along for the ride, Molly faces a series of non-stop challenges that test her mettle, conviction, and assumptions. Throw in a quirky Gruncle Clovis and death-defying close calls, the adventures are sure to please young readers and keep them turning the pages. And "old" readers like me loved it too! With all the references to 80's culture, it was a fun slip-n-slide down memory lane. For fans of The Iron Giant with a dash of Ready Player One. Radical.
Molly is thrust into an epic quest to save her brother (and their relationship) when a giant brother-plucking robot steals him away from her. Astride her trusty Pink Lightning banana-seated bicycle, with her unique pets along for the ride, Molly faces a series of non-stop challenges that test her mettle, conviction, and assumptions. Throw in a quirky Gruncle Clovis and death-defying close calls, the adventures are sure to please young readers and keep them turning the pages. And "old" readers like me loved it too! With all the references to 80's culture, it was a fun slip-n-slide down memory lane. For fans of The Iron Giant with a dash of Ready Player One. Radical.
November 30, 2022
This giant brother-snatching robot sci-fi adventure is filled with 1980s glory.
May 20, 2022
I grew up riding my bike down the prairie path to skip rocks and float sticks on the river that cut through the forest preserve behind my neighborhood. Admittedly, I was never chanced by a "giant brother-plucking robot" (not sure I'll ever stop chuckling at that line) but MOLLY AND THE MACHINE still made me nostalgic for those days when the only thing on the day's agenda was possibility. Slangerup's debut pits the plucky, inventive Molly against obstacle after obstacle in her search for her little brother after he's kidnapped by a mysterious mechanical giant. Along the way, Molly is forced to come to terms with whether her brother is really the nose-picking tagalong she's made him out to be, or maybe another innocent bystander caught in the crossfire of a struggling family. MOLLY AND THE MACHINE is the perfect book for a read aloud with your kids or students. It's got all the action and humor a kid could ask for, and plenty of delightful throwbacks to make the grown-ups smile. Highly recommended! Big thanks to Aladdin/Simon and Schuster and the author for the ARC.
May 25, 2022
This adventurous and funny tale of a brother-plucking robot is filled with memorable characters and laughs while carrying an undercurrent of love and loss. The message of relying on true friendship & family when the going gets tough is woven expertly into a fast-paced race against a seemingly unbeatable foe. Throughly enjoyable; kids will gobble this up!!
May 16, 2022
I'm so thrilled that I got to read an ARC of Molly and the Machine. It was totally unlike anything I'd ever read before, but also so steeped in 80s nostalgia that it felt somewhat familiar.
This book doesn't shy away from some hard-hitting topics, and I adore that fact. It's so important for kids to see themselves and versions of their lives on the page. While I doubt kids experience a giant robot gobbling up their little brother, there are plenty of kids who have dysfunctional families or adults who are simply incapable of taking care of them. For those children, Molly is a fierce, strong, smart, and daring portrayal of how it's possible to rise above your circumstances and take control of your life.
This book doesn't shy away from some hard-hitting topics, and I adore that fact. It's so important for kids to see themselves and versions of their lives on the page. While I doubt kids experience a giant robot gobbling up their little brother, there are plenty of kids who have dysfunctional families or adults who are simply incapable of taking care of them. For those children, Molly is a fierce, strong, smart, and daring portrayal of how it's possible to rise above your circumstances and take control of your life.
July 20, 2022
I read this novel aloud to my 9-year-old daughter, so I asked for her opinion. She described it as "Amazing, exciting, terrifying, and really great." I'll add to that: "Funny, fun, sweet, and action-packed." The characters are likeable (the humans and animals!), the plot keeps you turning pages, and the setting is delightful - both space and time. I'm also familiar with Hocking Hills, where the story is set, and the author does a wonderful job capturing the magic. And as a child of the '80s, all the references were a lot of fun.
March 8, 2022
What an adventure!!! I got completely carried away by MOLLY AND THE MACHINE, about a young girl who sets off on a journey through the woods to rescue her little brother when he’s stolen by a giant robot (described in the story as a “brother-plucking robot,” which gives you a good idea of the humor present throughout the book 😂). The book is set in the 80s (which apparently qualifies as historical fiction 😟), and it took me back to classic 80s adventure stories like Goonies, Labyrinth, and Flight of the Navigator, but without feeling outdated or piling on references that would alienate younger readers. The main character, Molly, is clever and tenacious, and her resourcefulness often saves the day, but it’s her heartfelt emotional journey that will have readers cheering her on. Kids and adults alike will not be able to put it down! Thanks to Simon & Shuster for the Advanced Review Copy!
May 16, 2022
I think kids would love love love this book! Also super extra love that it takes place in Hocking Hills Ohio!!
It is light and easy, filled with lots of adventure. There isn’t a lot of real world connections to this story, so it almost plays as a realistic fantasy / almost sci fi / mystery adventure? Very genre mashed that I think would apply to a lot of readers!!
I would recommend this to readers grades 3-7. Again, it’s a pretty simple, easy, and straight forward story with some classic tropes people can relate to (struggling father after wife left, annoying little brother, feeling alone without friends, being the only one that can save the day, etc…)
It is light and easy, filled with lots of adventure. There isn’t a lot of real world connections to this story, so it almost plays as a realistic fantasy / almost sci fi / mystery adventure? Very genre mashed that I think would apply to a lot of readers!!
I would recommend this to readers grades 3-7. Again, it’s a pretty simple, easy, and straight forward story with some classic tropes people can relate to (struggling father after wife left, annoying little brother, feeling alone without friends, being the only one that can save the day, etc…)
November 2, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Molly lives with her younger brother Wally and father in Hocking Hills, Ohio in the 1980s. Her father has been depressed ever since her mother left them for another man, and while he barely manages to keep a job, he doesn't pay much attention to what Molly does with her time. In true 1980s fashion, he encourages her to find her own fun and not bother him while he watches television, and she is often put in charge of Wally. She does have Darryl, her dog, Crank the cat, Don Carlos the chameleon, and her great uncle Clovis' armadillo Mondo to keep her company, as well as schoolmate Arvin. Clovis has recently given her a new bike, which she has named Pink Lightning, which allows her to travel around her community. Just as she is getting herself organized for the summer, things take anunexpected turn. While she is reluctantly watching Wally, he is spirited away by a giantic robot! Convinced that the Soviets have abducted him (after all, President Reagan thinks they are a menace), Molly sets out to get him back. She eventually runs into Arvin, who was also taken by the robot, but has managed to escape. This takes them on a wild adventure through the nearby woods that involves surprising twists that involve ice cream sundaes, lots of mud, Uncle Clovis' inventions, and an "incredible journey" inside of a massive robot. Are the Soviets really snatching American children? Are armadillos useful in battling giant robots? And what role does the company whose name is on a discarded bolt, Vandervorkel Robotics, play in all of this?
Strengths: Molly's story had a lot of twists and turns that I didn't see coming and don't want to ruin. The robot's creator is rather inspired, and the reasons that it is gobbling up children (and providing them with junk food and decade appropriate games!) is one that will resonate with young readers. It's hard to write good chase scenes, and Slangerup does an excellent job at not only describing Hocking Hills, but using its features well in the romp across its landscape. There is some back story to drive character development, and I was glad to see that Molly's father eventually broke out of his depression to support his children. Since there was a lot of running about, I was glad that the cast of characters was smaller, and Arvin was a good foil for Molly. Wally wasn't as annoying as younger brothers can be. Either that, or Molly is a nicer sister than I was. I might have been invlined just to let the robot take my brother! This is a solid debut by a Columbus author.
Weaknesses: I had trouble believing that Molly would have been able to bring all of the animals along on the adventure. A dog, sure, but it seemed unlikely that a cat, chameleon, and armadillo would have been able to keep up. Young readers will just be glad that animals are involved. (I am still a little traumatized, after nine years, by Apollo the poodle's adventures in Spradlin's Menace from the Deep. Kids, leave your pets at home!)
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who want quirky, humorous adventure like Vlock's Sven Carter & the Trashmouth Effect, Venditti and Higgins' Attack of the Alien Hordes, Bart King's The Drake Equation, and maybe even Condie's The Darkdeep, which shares a similar rural, wooded setting.
Molly lives with her younger brother Wally and father in Hocking Hills, Ohio in the 1980s. Her father has been depressed ever since her mother left them for another man, and while he barely manages to keep a job, he doesn't pay much attention to what Molly does with her time. In true 1980s fashion, he encourages her to find her own fun and not bother him while he watches television, and she is often put in charge of Wally. She does have Darryl, her dog, Crank the cat, Don Carlos the chameleon, and her great uncle Clovis' armadillo Mondo to keep her company, as well as schoolmate Arvin. Clovis has recently given her a new bike, which she has named Pink Lightning, which allows her to travel around her community. Just as she is getting herself organized for the summer, things take anunexpected turn. While she is reluctantly watching Wally, he is spirited away by a giantic robot! Convinced that the Soviets have abducted him (after all, President Reagan thinks they are a menace), Molly sets out to get him back. She eventually runs into Arvin, who was also taken by the robot, but has managed to escape. This takes them on a wild adventure through the nearby woods that involves surprising twists that involve ice cream sundaes, lots of mud, Uncle Clovis' inventions, and an "incredible journey" inside of a massive robot. Are the Soviets really snatching American children? Are armadillos useful in battling giant robots? And what role does the company whose name is on a discarded bolt, Vandervorkel Robotics, play in all of this?
Strengths: Molly's story had a lot of twists and turns that I didn't see coming and don't want to ruin. The robot's creator is rather inspired, and the reasons that it is gobbling up children (and providing them with junk food and decade appropriate games!) is one that will resonate with young readers. It's hard to write good chase scenes, and Slangerup does an excellent job at not only describing Hocking Hills, but using its features well in the romp across its landscape. There is some back story to drive character development, and I was glad to see that Molly's father eventually broke out of his depression to support his children. Since there was a lot of running about, I was glad that the cast of characters was smaller, and Arvin was a good foil for Molly. Wally wasn't as annoying as younger brothers can be. Either that, or Molly is a nicer sister than I was. I might have been invlined just to let the robot take my brother! This is a solid debut by a Columbus author.
Weaknesses: I had trouble believing that Molly would have been able to bring all of the animals along on the adventure. A dog, sure, but it seemed unlikely that a cat, chameleon, and armadillo would have been able to keep up. Young readers will just be glad that animals are involved. (I am still a little traumatized, after nine years, by Apollo the poodle's adventures in Spradlin's Menace from the Deep. Kids, leave your pets at home!)
What I really think: This is a great choice for readers who want quirky, humorous adventure like Vlock's Sven Carter & the Trashmouth Effect, Venditti and Higgins' Attack of the Alien Hordes, Bart King's The Drake Equation, and maybe even Condie's The Darkdeep, which shares a similar rural, wooded setting.
May 29, 2024
Summary: Summer is starting and Molly McQuirter and her brother Wally are at home with an absent father. Their mom abandoned them and dad spends his days watching tv and letting the house and kids be neglected. Molly runs into a few classmates at the beginning of the story, but they are not the friends she would prefer to have. She kind of starts to accept that it will be a lonely summer until her brother mysteriously disappears. Molly is determined to find her brother and sets off after some clues on her bike, Pink Lightning. Molly begins to suspect that the giant robot roaming the Ohio woods might have something to do with Wally’s disappearance and some other disappearances. Molly and her pets risk their lives chasing the robot. Molly is a problem solver and she is determined to solve the mystery and make things right in her town.
Straight Talk for Librarians: This book was so fun to read! It’s hard to know how to classify it. It is realistic fiction, but it can also be considered historical fiction as it is set in the 1980s. It’s also got a bit of a science fiction twist, along with some action and mystery. Molly is the main female character who defies stereotypes as she likes to tinker and fix things. Most of the rest of the characters are boys, so I do think it will appeal to a wide range of readers. This book could be integrated into a STEM program because of all the inventing and tinkering. Those readers who grew up in the 80’s (!) will find lots of nostalgia and remember a time when we were not all connected to our phones at all hours of the day. The setting is southern-ish Ohio, so that local connection is fun. I think the giant robot that acquires a mind of its own is relevant to our AI conversations in society and the implications it might have. If you happen to be in an IB school - the Learner Profile attributes of being a risk-taker and a thinker stand out about Molly. It might also be a good recommendation to math and science teachers so they can push some science-related fiction. It’s a great pick for any middle grade school library and book 2 is already out. If you happen to be a school librarian in Michigan and are going to be at the MASL conference - READ THIS BOOK! So you can be prepared for our Author Breakfast event ;)
Straight Talk for Librarians: This book was so fun to read! It’s hard to know how to classify it. It is realistic fiction, but it can also be considered historical fiction as it is set in the 1980s. It’s also got a bit of a science fiction twist, along with some action and mystery. Molly is the main female character who defies stereotypes as she likes to tinker and fix things. Most of the rest of the characters are boys, so I do think it will appeal to a wide range of readers. This book could be integrated into a STEM program because of all the inventing and tinkering. Those readers who grew up in the 80’s (!) will find lots of nostalgia and remember a time when we were not all connected to our phones at all hours of the day. The setting is southern-ish Ohio, so that local connection is fun. I think the giant robot that acquires a mind of its own is relevant to our AI conversations in society and the implications it might have. If you happen to be in an IB school - the Learner Profile attributes of being a risk-taker and a thinker stand out about Molly. It might also be a good recommendation to math and science teachers so they can push some science-related fiction. It’s a great pick for any middle grade school library and book 2 is already out. If you happen to be a school librarian in Michigan and are going to be at the MASL conference - READ THIS BOOK! So you can be prepared for our Author Breakfast event ;)
September 28, 2024
This was my second attempt at this book. This time I finished, and while there were some parts I liked, it was mostly a miss for me.
Molly and her brother Wally live a semi-neglected existence as their father is mired in a depression since the kids' mother left. As an escape as much as a hobby, Molly immerses herself in her building and tinkering projects when she's not battling with her younger brother Wally. Suddenly though, Wally is in danger and Molly realizes it's up to her to save him, her family, and maybe the whole town.
As much as I enjoy a good Labyrinth-style sibling redemption story, this one felt like it lacked the emotional core. Molly is a pretty closed off character and we don't get to know Wally well enough to care as much as we probably should. The most interesting relationship in the book is between Molly and her "Gruncle" a character not too distantly reminiscent of Old Man McGucket from Gravity Falls, but even that doesn't get much time. Molly's dad feels like the worst kind of fat person stereotype and there's some inconsistent perspective shifting to the dogs POV towards the end that felt too cutesy to be a part of this book. I loved the ending and just wished that more of that feel could have been captured in the rest of it, because it was a bit of a slog. As an 80s kid I was disappointed that the 80s setting wasn't capitalized in further outside of a couple of dropped band names and a couple of isolated instances of 80s slang that felt forced.
There is definitely a good kernel here that could have been an Iron Giant or Wild Robot type story if it was able to key into the emotional center of the characters or go full out into the outdoor survival adventure piece but it didn't have the heart or enough consistent action to fully pull off either.
For another STEM-powered book with a tech savvy girl I'd recommend Weird Little Robots, and as far as technology-meets nature there's the WondLa trilogy and of course, The Wild Robot (coming to a theater near you).
Molly and her brother Wally live a semi-neglected existence as their father is mired in a depression since the kids' mother left. As an escape as much as a hobby, Molly immerses herself in her building and tinkering projects when she's not battling with her younger brother Wally. Suddenly though, Wally is in danger and Molly realizes it's up to her to save him, her family, and maybe the whole town.
As much as I enjoy a good Labyrinth-style sibling redemption story, this one felt like it lacked the emotional core. Molly is a pretty closed off character and we don't get to know Wally well enough to care as much as we probably should. The most interesting relationship in the book is between Molly and her "Gruncle" a character not too distantly reminiscent of Old Man McGucket from Gravity Falls, but even that doesn't get much time. Molly's dad feels like the worst kind of fat person stereotype and there's some inconsistent perspective shifting to the dogs POV towards the end that felt too cutesy to be a part of this book. I loved the ending and just wished that more of that feel could have been captured in the rest of it, because it was a bit of a slog. As an 80s kid I was disappointed that the 80s setting wasn't capitalized in further outside of a couple of dropped band names and a couple of isolated instances of 80s slang that felt forced.
There is definitely a good kernel here that could have been an Iron Giant or Wild Robot type story if it was able to key into the emotional center of the characters or go full out into the outdoor survival adventure piece but it didn't have the heart or enough consistent action to fully pull off either.
For another STEM-powered book with a tech savvy girl I'd recommend Weird Little Robots, and as far as technology-meets nature there's the WondLa trilogy and of course, The Wild Robot (coming to a theater near you).
November 17, 2022
It’s true what they say: You never really appreciate your annoying, nose-picking kid brother until he’s snatched by a giant robot.
But while most kids would simply shout for their parents and let the adults battle the brother-stealing ’bot, that’s not an option for 11-year-old Molly McQuirter.
Her mom left Far Flung Falls, Ohio, two years ago, whisked away in a van with a mystery man with a mullet. (It’s the’80s.) Molly’s dad still is there, though. Technically. Overcome with grief, depression and inertia, he’s too busy bingeing on TV shows and junk food to do much of anything else, including keep track of his kids.
Fortunately for Molly’s brother, Wally, (and for readers), our plucky heroine is a determined STEM girl, a creative problem-solver, and an inventor like her eccentric Gruncle (great uncle) Clovis.
After the robot lifts Wally from the backyard, Molly vows to rescue him. She gathers supplies (including her slingshot and fluffernutter sandwiches) and her delightful animal sidekicks—dog Darryl, cat Crank, and wild-eyed chameleon Don Carlos. Then, she jumps on Pink Lightning, her tricked-out bike, and pedals after the Wally-swallowing robot, even though it very well could be part of a Soviet plot against the US.
Soon, Gruncle, his pet armadillo, and two neighborhood boys are pulled into the search through the wild, wooded hills of southern Ohio. Young readers will cheer for Molly and her friends in this funny, heartfelt, and exciting adventure that offers satisfying twists up to the very end.
But while most kids would simply shout for their parents and let the adults battle the brother-stealing ’bot, that’s not an option for 11-year-old Molly McQuirter.
Her mom left Far Flung Falls, Ohio, two years ago, whisked away in a van with a mystery man with a mullet. (It’s the’80s.) Molly’s dad still is there, though. Technically. Overcome with grief, depression and inertia, he’s too busy bingeing on TV shows and junk food to do much of anything else, including keep track of his kids.
Fortunately for Molly’s brother, Wally, (and for readers), our plucky heroine is a determined STEM girl, a creative problem-solver, and an inventor like her eccentric Gruncle (great uncle) Clovis.
After the robot lifts Wally from the backyard, Molly vows to rescue him. She gathers supplies (including her slingshot and fluffernutter sandwiches) and her delightful animal sidekicks—dog Darryl, cat Crank, and wild-eyed chameleon Don Carlos. Then, she jumps on Pink Lightning, her tricked-out bike, and pedals after the Wally-swallowing robot, even though it very well could be part of a Soviet plot against the US.
Soon, Gruncle, his pet armadillo, and two neighborhood boys are pulled into the search through the wild, wooded hills of southern Ohio. Young readers will cheer for Molly and her friends in this funny, heartfelt, and exciting adventure that offers satisfying twists up to the very end.
September 18, 2022
Molly's mother has run off with a guy in a van with a wizard painted on the side and her father has taken to eating in front of the tv whilst not paying the bills and her little brother has taken to picking his nose. THEN, the brother is kidnapped by a giant robot and Molly sets out on her souped up bicycle to rescue him. All fine. I had some problems:
1. The TEN STORY TALL robot with go-go gadget arms and legs was capable of moving SILENTLY through a dense FOREST. Even in science fiction I was like: sure it's sneaking around undetected. Of course it is. And 6 people can hang suspended in the air from a motorcycle long enough to shoot crossbows and not die. All just perfectly acceptable.
2. Everyone who was a kid in the 80s knows that when your tree-across-a-ravine bridge goes down a kid is supposed to DIE (I see you Leslie) and not miraculously live to tell the tale.
3. Going to your Great Uncle Cletus' isolated cabin in the woods where he is currently drinking moonshine until he passes out is NOT A GOOD IDEA MOLLY. ALL THE RED FLAGS. But apparently it's fine because under the filthy disgusting cockroach infested junk are super cool inventions and a good heart.
All's well that ends well. I guess. 400 pages later...
1. The TEN STORY TALL robot with go-go gadget arms and legs was capable of moving SILENTLY through a dense FOREST. Even in science fiction I was like: sure it's sneaking around undetected. Of course it is. And 6 people can hang suspended in the air from a motorcycle long enough to shoot crossbows and not die. All just perfectly acceptable.
2. Everyone who was a kid in the 80s knows that when your tree-across-a-ravine bridge goes down a kid is supposed to DIE (I see you Leslie) and not miraculously live to tell the tale.
3. Going to your Great Uncle Cletus' isolated cabin in the woods where he is currently drinking moonshine until he passes out is NOT A GOOD IDEA MOLLY. ALL THE RED FLAGS. But apparently it's fine because under the filthy disgusting cockroach infested junk are super cool inventions and a good heart.
All's well that ends well. I guess. 400 pages later...
September 10, 2022
This unique middle grade novel is set in southern Ohio in the 1980s. People who are familiar with Hocking Hills will appreciate how unique it is for a book to be set there, and the author uses the setting well throughout the novel, describing the environment in a vivid way and showing how it influences the characters' experiences.
The story combines common elements of realistic fiction and science fiction in an engaging way. I didn't care for the gross-out humor, and the frenetic action was sometimes difficult to follow, but I enjoyed it overall. The ending is lovely, and I'm curious to see what the author does to continue the series. Kids and adults who are interested in the setting, genres, time period, or STEM themes are likely to enjoy this.
The story combines common elements of realistic fiction and science fiction in an engaging way. I didn't care for the gross-out humor, and the frenetic action was sometimes difficult to follow, but I enjoyed it overall. The ending is lovely, and I'm curious to see what the author does to continue the series. Kids and adults who are interested in the setting, genres, time period, or STEM themes are likely to enjoy this.
August 29, 2022
Packed with all the best "stuffing quarters into arcade games, Transformers and He-Man playing" 80's vibes, Molly and the Machine is a totally rad romp on each page. The story follows Molly as she races after a giant robot that appears out of nowhere in their far from anywhere corner of southern Ohio, all to save her little brother who's been kidnapped by the mysterious person controlling the mammoth hunk of steel. I had so much fun reading this book with its combination of adventure, mechanical wizardry, and enough laughs to make kids everywhere spray Tab soda out their noses!
September 4, 2022
What do you do when a giant brother-plucking robot comes to town and makes off with your annoying little brother? If you're twelve-year-old Molly, you go right after it with the help of your cat, dog, and chameleon, tricked-out bike, and a newfound friend. Set in the 1980s, this delightfully fun story creates a world of arcade games, Soviet scares, neglectful parents, and kids on wild adventures. It's full of heart and explores friendship and family in a nonstop adventure. Middle school kids will love it.
October 30, 2024
This is technically a good, entertaining book, but my brain just didn’t connect with it. I think the target audience would enjoy it a lot more. There was just something about the writing style that made it hard for me to care about the characters or the story. I can recognize that the writing and the characters and the story are all good on some objective level. But about halfway through, I was just ready to get it over with. There’s a sequel that looks interesting, but I don’t know if I’m ever going to pick it up. Maybe some day.
August 4, 2023
My eight year old son and I devoured this book as a read aloud and had such a fun adventure together with Molly. Adults will enjoy the 80s nostalgia mixed in with plenty of twists and turns to keep you hooked. There’s also a refreshing depth and authenticity to the characters that will have you rooting for them until the end. My son laughed out loud several times and was always asking for the next chapter. The rich vocabulary was an added bonus. We can’t wait for more from this author!!
April 8, 2025
I did this as a read-aloud for my third grade students and while the action was enough to interest them, the 80s references were lost on the kids. They loved the robot, and really found empathy for the it. They especially loved that it took place in Hocking Hills, of which so many of my students had prior knowledge. We took it one step further and built a Rube Goldberg machine when we were done. A fun and funny read with unforgettable characters and a great message.
April 15, 2023
Perfect book for kids who like quirky stories filled with adventure and humor...because this has it all! And by the end, I wanted to take a trip to Ohio! There were twists and turns I wasn't expecting (but I don't want to spoil the book for you!) and I enjoyed the science fiction element of the story.
June 23, 2025
If it weren't for the many things in this book that annoyed me, I would have rated it higher. I'd still read the next book, but the robot became annoying, as well as all the sounds everything was making. I eventually started skipping paragraphs and a couple of chapters, too, just to get to the end.
August 31, 2022
My rating is purely personal. I have a hard time reading endless descriptions of smelly body order, stinky animal farts and never-ending descriptions of nose picking! And the random changing POVs made no sense to me.
September 28, 2022
An action-packed romp into the heart and mind of a giant brother snatching robot! Set in rural Ohio with a nostalgic nod to the 80s, this book is for lovers of adventure, relatable sibling love/hate relationships, eclectic pets, tricked out bicycles and all things STEM.
November 13, 2023
Middle school appropriate. This reads like the most action adventure movie of the 80’s ever. Some of it was kind of gross for me (all the talk about nose picking and slime and how disgusting everything smells) but it all felt very cinematic.
April 28, 2024
[Definitely a lower middle grade or upper elementary grade level book]. The author’s note at the end about technology stealing the wonder from childhood is making me wonder…was there was a larger philosophical message in the narrative?
September 5, 2022
A great adventure for middle grade readers. Full of action, inventions, and a few life lessons thrown in along the way.
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