The Girl and the Robot

It’s been six months since 12-year-old Brooklynite Mimi Perez’s father was deported to the Dominican Republic, forcing her and her mother to move from their family home. Now sharing a single bedroom in a neighbor’s house, Mimi—who used to get straight A’s and spend time with her cousin, Jada, and their friends, Benny and Los—has begun skipping school to earn money by fixing broken electronics, hoping to save up for a lawyer and bring Papi home. When her school is invited to participate in a major robotics competition that promises a cash prize for the winner, Mimi’s friends persuade her to compete with them. The tweens’ plans are derailed by the arrival of Dot-E, a robot from outer space that needs their help reuniting with its family. Then Dot-E attracts the attention of federal agents; their presence unnerves Mimi’s mom, who worries for the family’s safety and future. Reports peppered throughout detailing the federal investigation feel somewhat forced. Even so, using endearing third-person prose, Ortega (the Witchlings series) and debut author Rodriguez grapple with grief, belonging, and contemporary attitudes and policies surrounding immigration through a compassionate sci-fi lens. Characters are described as having varying skin tones. Ages 8–12. Agents: (for Ortega) Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary; (for Rodriguez) Richard Abate, 3Arts Entertainment. (Mar.)