Joshua S. Levy, Eighth Grade vs. The Machines, Walker Books, January 2024, 270 pp., RRP $16.99 (pbk), ISBN 9798765608142
Following the disappearance of the entire population of Earth’s solar system, Jack and his middle school friends along with their teachers aboard the Public-School ship 118 (PSS 118) are the only humans left. Their mission is to locate and rescue the rest of humanity. Not such an easy task as they must avoid alien predators, steer clear of a robot civil war and determine who among them might be a traitor. This book is a sequel to Seventh Grade vs. the Galaxy but there is enough context provided about the previous adventure that this book can standalone. Whilst their ship is being repaired, Jack, Ari and Becka continue their space training around the desolate cities. Once they finally take off in the PSS 118, it is captured by a robot army who are commanded by the powerful and self–serving Minister. Jack and his friends are determined to find out what happened to their families but there always seems to be someone on the inside sabotaging their efforts. They suspect there is a traitor in their midst. Could this be possible?
The narrative is interspersed with diary entries which provide varying perspectives and reveal much about each character’s thoughts and feelings. There is an abundance of action and fight scenes to keep the story moving and many references to futuristic technology and weaponry to satisfy the fans of this genre. Robots and robot technology play a major part in the story and the questions about whether robots could take over the world could provide an interesting discussion for students.
Readers with an interest in sci-fi literature, friendship and humour are sure to enjoy this fast–paced if somewhat crazy interstellar adventure.
Recommended for readers 9 – 12 years.
Reviewed by Julie Deane
