Parents' Guide to

The Wild Robot Protects

The Wild Robot Protects book cover: A robot stands on an iceberg submerged in a deep blue sea with a pink sky in the background

Common Sense Media Review

Michael Berry By Michael Berry , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 8+

Beloved robot fights to save home in stirring eco fable.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 8+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 7+

Based on 5 parent reviews

age 10+

Not really worth the read

We absolutely loved the first book, and we certainly enjoyed the second one too as the story continued. However, the third book isn’t holding the kids’ attention, and we’ve been surprised by the insertion of a bit of social agenda with the topic of gender change midway through the story. It felt out of place and forced into the story, and even the kids wondered why it was there. Based on the fact that there is questionable social content and just not a gripping story plot, I’d say stop at the end of the second book. If your kids do read this, maybe read it alongside them and use the gender topic for a time for a healthy conversation about a challenging topic we’re all facing these days.

age 7+
Particularly loved the diverse representation of gender when Roz meets a fish who was born one sex and changed to another later. Can be scary the descriptions of climate change so be sure to talk to your kids while they read this book.

What's the Story?

As The Wild Robot Protects opens, Roz the robot and her animal friends are surprised by the arrival of a sick baby seal who encountered a deadly tide. Soon the entire island's ecosystem is threatened. Roz seems to be the only resident who isn't threatened by the water, so she sets off in search of the source. What she finds tests her strengths to their limit. Can she stop the poisoning of her home and her family friends?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (5 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Simple language can tell a big story, and this heartwarming fable gets the most from its main character's quiet seriousness. Roz's undersea voyage is filled with wonder and humor, expressed through both rich prose and small, charming artwork interspersed throughout. When Roz and the animals ultimately confront the source of the poison tide, it's a well-drawn battle scene of nature vs. technology, with Roz's gentle heroism leading the animals in the fight of their lives. The third installment of an exciting series, The Wild Robot Protects will earn wide acclaim and popularity. Roz is a hero for our time, and it's nearly impossible to resist her earnest charm.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how The Wild Robot Protects depicts climate change. Why are the animals so afraid of the poison tide? How do they hope to save themselves? What can you do to help protect our environment?

  • What does the art add to the reading experience? Why do you think the author wanted to include art in the text?

  • How do people fight back against injustice? Is a peaceful approach always enough?

  • In what ways does Roz show curiosity, compassion, and empathy? Why are these important character strengths for a leader to have?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

The Wild Robot Protects book cover: A robot stands on an iceberg submerged in a deep blue sea with a pink sky in the background

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