The first in an original and entertaining sci-fi series for middle school readers from the award-winning author Guy Bass. For fans of the worldbuilding in WALL-E and the themes in The Wild Robot!The year was Something Something. Humans had spread like peanut butter across the galaxy, looking for new planets to call Somewhere… One of those planets was Somewhere Five One Three.When the humans arrive on Somewhere 513, they discover that the robots sent to prepare the planet for humanity's arrival have chosen to keep it for themselves. Only one robot remains loyal: K1-NG, aka King of the Robots. But even with the most powerful robot on their side, the outlawed humans don't stand a chance.
Ten years later, Gnat and her sister Paige are the only humans left and have spent their lives hidden underground. Now they must venture out in search of the one robot that stood by the humans. There's just one problem—the once mighty K1-NG has vowed to never help another human for as long as he lives...
On sale: September 1, 2026
Age: 8-12 years
Grade: Grades 3-7
Page count: 320 Pages
ISBN: 9798217141876
Reading level: Lexile: 760L | Fountas/Pinnell: L
Guy Bass (he/him) is an award-winning author who has written more than thirty books, including the bestselling Stitch Head series, Dinkin Dings, Spynosaur, and Skeleton Keys. He lives in London with his wife.
Alessia Trunfio (she/her) was born in southern Italy, but grew up in Rome, where she still lives. She has wanted to be an illustrator since she was a child but she hasn't excluded the possibility of becoming an astronaut. After graduating in 2013 with an animation degree from the International School of Comics in Rome, Alessia worked as a background artist for some of the most important animation studios in Italy. She currently works as a freelance artist on various animation and illustration projects.
"The story gains momentum as events progress, building to a gripping climax. Paige, Gnat, and Scrap are likeable protagonists with a charming family dynamic...The worldbuilding is digestible yet still complex enough to be engaging. Trunfio’s grayscale illustrations...are wonderfully crafted and provide inspired visuals of the characters and their world."—
Kirkus Reviews
"Memorable characters populate a riveting adventure whose futuristic setting is further brought to life by movement-filled b&w spot illustrations."—
Publishers Weekly
"With strong world building and interesting secondary characters..., this futuristic adventure tale is both out of this world and ever relevant."—
Booklist
