Robot Island [Hardcover]

Forced into stealing valuable books from a rich widow, Willis takes refuge on an abandoned island populated by robots in this new middle-grade novel by acclaimed writer Cary Fagan. For fans of The Wild Robot.

It isn't bad enough that Willis has to live with his cold uncle Tod in a dusty old house of used books. He can't even spend time with his friends Harrison and Galaxi because of the nasty after-school jobs his uncle makes him take on. But then his uncle asks him to visit an old widow lady in the mansion on the hill. 

To his surprise, Willis likes Mrs. Shorthouse and even the books they read together (Little Women, Great Expectations). Meanwhile, taking a rowboat ride, Willis discovers an abandoned town from the 1950s populated by square-headed robots. What is the connection between Mrs. Shorthouse and Robot Island? What will happen after the police find out that Willis has been stealing rare books from the mansion? And when Willis turns on the electricity and the robots of Robot Island come to life, will they turn out to be friends or enemies?Winner of the 2026 IODE Violet Downey Book Award
A 2026 Saskatchewan Young Readers Choice Diamond Willow Award Nominee
A Canadian Children’s Book Centre's Best Book for Kids & Teens, Spring 2026
Shortlisted for the 2026 Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Awards

PRAISE FOR Robot Island

Willis is earnest and perceptive, a boy who’s drawn a harsh lot in life whom readers will root for. . . . Warmly funny and entertaining. —Kirkus Reviews

[T]he prospect of an island run by robots with a 1950s mindset is sure to have readers wondering what if? Fans of lãŒ