Troofriend

Imagine having the perfect friend, one who never steals, lies or bullies.

Now you can, with the TrooFriend 560, the latest in artificial intelligence! What can go wrong with a robot buddy? Especially one that's developing human characteristics and feelings, and who has just run away with her human?

A topical and sinister middle-grade novel about artificial intelligence from the Waterstones Children s Book Prize shortlisted author of The Middler.

Related discussion notes and activity sheets available on the Nosy Crow website.

"an agreeably sinister account of artificial intelligence, sentience and corporate obfuscation. Told from Ivy's perspective, Applebaum's second novel is a heartfelt, compelling sci-fi story." - Imogen Russell-Williams, Guardian

"For children growing up in an increasingly virtual world, Kirsty Applebaum's Troofriend asks interesting questions about our relationship with technology. Troofriends are the latest android technology the perfect, trustworthy playmate for children, and a great way to show off at school too. But when Sarah and her android Ivy strike up a real friendship and Ivy seems to be making her own decisions, things get more complicated. A gripping, relevant and thought-provoking read." - The Scotsman

"TrooFriend is a quirky and addictively readable sci-fi novel posing questions about friendship, independence and what it means to be human." - Amanda Craig, New Statesman