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ATTACK OF THE GIANT ROBOT CHICKENS by Alex McCall

ATTACK OF THE GIANT ROBOT CHICKENS

by Alex McCall

Pub Date: Sept. 1st, 2014
ISBN: 978-178250-008-7
Publisher: Kelpies

Robot chicken apocalypse...no one saw that coming!

Scottish 12-year-old Jesse’s older brother was obsessed with apocalyptic possibilities ranging from asteroids to zombies, but when the end did come, it took the form of gigantic robotic chickens that captured all the adults. Eight months into the feathery end of the world, the survivors live in isolated groups throughout the city of Aberdeen. The girl known as the Ambassador goes from group to group, trying to get them to work together. Jesse’s defense mechanism—telling really bad chicken jokes—does not make him popular with his fellow survivors, but group boss Noah trusts him. When the Ambassador arrives with information that might help them take down the oppressive poultry, Noah sends Jesse with her. The two don’t get along at first, but after a run-in with a chicken-worshiping cult and the metal overlords themselves, they form a plan. Can it succeed against laser-eyed, explosive-egg–laying robo-chickens? McCall’s debut won publication with the Kelpies Prize, which seeks new Scottish fiction for young readers. The totally foolish premise is made believable through strong writing and realistic characters. The swift pace and at-times goofy action sequences will charm readers who like their action with a few laughs.

Kids saving themselves from the egg-pocalypse: priceless.

(Post-apocalyptic adventure. 8-12)