SYNOPSIS

Resilience (“Res”) closely observes the scientists (“hazmats”) who build it and its fellow robots; it learns about their emotions, habits, families.

One of the scientists’ daughter, Sophie, starts writing letters to Res (though she never sends them) which lasts during Res’s whole 15-year mission.

When Res and a drone, Fly, are sent off on an exploratory mission to Mars, the two robots become close friends.

Once on Mars, they notice feeling human emotions – hope of making important findings, fear of being left behind, excitement for songs and sights.

Despite some accidents and against mission control’s advice, Res discovers specimen which may hold proof of pre-existing water.

Res’s important discoveries take him back to Earth where he is put on permanent museum display and gets visited by Sophie and her mom (the scientist).

PERFECT AGE 9 – 14

We love

• A sweet imaginative answer to the “What if robots could talk / feel / hear?” question.
• A robot observing – and then discovering in themselves – human emotions offers great opportunities to discuss feelings with readers.
• A creative solution to presenting the human’s perspective of the Mars exploration through Sophie’s letters / diary.
• Well researched, detailed descriptions of scientific concepts and Mars.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• What are three interesting facts you learned about Mars?
• Why is Res motivated to find interesting specimen on Mars?
• Do you think it is possible for a obot to disobey scientific code / human orders? Why do you think so?
• How would you describe Res’s personality? Guardian’s? Fly’s?