Schoolbot 9000

Hepburn’s debut graphic novel is a timely, hilarious take on the increasing presence of artificial intelligence in everyday life. Eleven-year-old James Gordon is surrounded by robot assistants like his mother’s new HomeBot, which she hopes will help her keep house following James’s father’s death. James’s only refuge is at City Square Middle School, where teachers encourage his love of learning and art—until his district is selected to participate in tech conglomerate Bux Global’s Schoolbot program, which aims to replace human teachers with robots. As incoming Schoolbots eliminate class projects and break musical instruments in pursuit of perfect test scores, James realizes that something sinister is afoot. James’s artist father’s death is handled with a light and empathetic touch; his impact on James, felt keenly throughout the novel, proves influential in the protagonist’s determination to stop the robots from taking over his school. Abstract concepts such as AI and technological interfaces are grounded by Hepburn’s brightly colored art, while flat, blue-hued panels highlight James’s growing feelings of isolation. It’s a tender and approachable work that emphasizes the importance of human ingenuity and community over mechanical efficiency. James has pale skin. Ages 9–12. (July)