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“In the vein of other classic tales of extraterrestrial encounters, this fresh novel puts a contemporary spin on the story of a child who befriends and rescues an alien, highlighting the plight of refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers from both nearby and galaxies far away.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“The focus on immigration, refugees, and asylum seekers makes this book an important and relevant one. The well-developed characters, human and robot alike, will draw in tween readers and keep them invested in this heartwarming, STEM-infused story…A timely coming-of-age tale that crafts important connections to current social and political issues while engaging readers.”
—School Library Journal, Starred Review

The Girl and the Robot

Written by Oz Rodriguez and Claribel A. Ortega
Published by Disney Hyperion

Mimi Perez fixes things. Phones, tablets, speakers, printers. She gets it from her dad—helping him at the family e-repair shop was always one of Mimi’s favorite things to do. But ever since Papi was deported, there’s a lot more than electronics that need fixing in Mimi’s world. Things too big for any twelve-year-old to handle on her own.

Mimi hustles around her Brooklyn neighborhood trying to earn enough money to finally fix her family. There’s no time for school or friends, but Mimi knows it will all be worth it the day Papi comes home. Then her ex-friends approach her with a proposition: enter a robotics competition with them, and they could win $50,000. It could be her chance.

Not part of the plan? A mysterious robot crashing to earth. From space.

The robot is scared, alone, and broken, and federal agents are after her. Mimi does what any street-smart electronics repair person would do: she takes the robot home, fixes her up, and in the process, makes herself a friend.

Suddenly, Mimi is anything but alone. She’s part of a robotics team. She’s sheltering a robot. She’s dodging federal agents. And keeping all of it a secret from her mom.

Join a girl and a robot on their life-changing sci-fi adventure in this coming-of-age story that celebrates kids in STEM, first-gen communities, and the power of friendship.

In an interview with Publisher’s Weekly, Oz Rodriguez was asked, “Fears about deportation are currently widespread. What is your message to potential readers who are experiencing these anxieties firsthand?”

Oz answered, “These fears are not unfounded, and they reflect the cruel and unjust systems that so many are forced to endure. But remember, fear thrives on isolation, and the antidote is solidarity. The structures of oppression can seem unshakable, but history shows us they are not. Organize and connect with others. Together, we have the power to challenge even the most oppressive systems. Your voice matters, and your fight is a part of something much larger.”

Primary ISBN: 9781368081856
Publication Date: March 2025
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (New York City NY)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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Read an Interview with the Creators

Beyond the Book
Source: Publisher’s Weekly