My Robot Buddy
by Alfred Slote
Tandem Library 1986
Great fit for 4th grade
Reading level and content both target 4th–8th grade · ages 9–14
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Genre
Themes
- friendship
- identity
- technology and ethics
- belonging
- family
- loyalty
- trust
- rules and consequences
About this book
A lonely boy is thrilled when his family brings home a lifelike robot designed to be the perfect companion. At first, having a buddy who never gets tired of playing seems like a dream come true. But strict rules about robots make fitting in at school and in the neighborhood complicated, and the boy must decide how to stand up for his friend. Fast-paced chapters and big questions about what makes someone "real" make this an engaging read for middle-grade science fiction fans.
Setting: near-future American suburb and school
Frequently Asked Questions
Is My Robot Buddy right for my child?
Yes — My Robot Buddy is a great fit for 4th grade. The reading level is AR 4.1, which is typical for 4th grade. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 9–14 (4th–8th grade). Themes include friendship, identity, technology and ethics.
How long does it take to read My Robot Buddy?
At a typical 4th grade reading pace, My Robot Buddy takes around 1.6h to finish. The book has 14,500 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.
Does My Robot Buddy have an AR quiz?
Yes — My Robot Buddy has an AR quiz available, worth 2 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.
What grade level is My Robot Buddy?
My Robot Buddy has an AR reading level of 4.1, which places it at a 4th grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Middle Grades (4–8) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.