Publishers Weekly
11/14/2022
When new teacher Mr. Aidact arrives at Brightling Middle School, the students aren’t initially sure what to make of him. He can catch spitballs in midair and recite the lyrics to any song, coaches the field hockey team to victory, and makes detention fun. While he quickly becomes the school’s most popular teacher, dedicated rule-breaker Oliver Zahn and his partner-in-crime Nathan Popova, both seventh graders, suspect that Mr. Aidact is hiding something. They soon discover that he’s actually a robot created by the United States Department of Education, who was secretly assigned to Brightling for training and research development. But when Mr. Aidact’s future is jeopardized, it’s up to his students to save the day. Primarily told via three alternating student perspectives, Korman (The Fort) delivers an astute exploration of the student-teacher dynamic and a pensive examination of a robot’s potential to experience human emotion. While a majority of the narrative is spent laying the groundwork for Mr. Aidact’s flourishing relationships within the school community, Korman also lends ample space to the supporting cast and their myriad interpersonal trials and triumphs, making for a keenly rendered, fast-paced read. Characters present as white. Ages 8–12. Agent: Elizabeth Harding, Curtis Brown. (Jan.)
From the Publisher
"In this funny and provocative outing...Korman, as usual, takes the side of the kids. Relayed by multiple narrators, the tale offers both different perspectives on effective teaching methods and food for thought about the notion of “personhood.” — Booklist (starred review)
“A school story with a twist, told with humor, insight, and empathy.” — Kirkus Reviews
"A keenly rendered, fast-paced read." — Publishers Weekly
School Library Journal
★ 01/01/2023
Gr 4–6—Oliver, self-proclaimed "number one rule-wrecker," spitballs new teacher Mr. Aidact on the first day of seventh grade. But when Aidact catches the projectile between his thumb and forefinger, it's clear this rookie is no ordinary teacher. Aidact's popularity quickly grows to hero status: teachers dump unwanted assignments on him, and students are enthralled by his vast knowledge and enthusiasm. What is the secret of Aidact's success? Why does he never eat or drink, and why is his student teacher much older than he is? Korman plants clues readers will notice quickly, so only Oliver and the students are shocked when Aidact is revealed to be a robot and his student teacher is a Department of Education engineer assigned to monitor this experimental project. The reveal creates an uproar, compelling the entire school to consider what makes a teacher great—and what it means to be truly human. The controversy also gives Korman opportunity to comment on government, artificial intelligence, and the limitless potential of students. This novel has Korman's trademark humor, fast pace, alternating points of view, and raucous climax. All convey his message with masterful ease: the best teachers don't allow themselves to become robotic. They know that students respond to teachers who are willing to show they're a little bit like them—or to teachers who simply like them. VERDICT Through his understanding of what makes middle schoolers tick, Korman writes the books kids love to read and teachers ought to read.—Marybeth Kozikowski
Kirkus Reviews
2022-09-28
What does it mean to be human?
Mr. Aidact is the new teacher at Brightling Middle School. He immediately makes a strong impression when, despite having his back turned, he reaches out and catches a spitball the moment before it hits his head. This does not endear him to spitball-thrower Oliver Zahn, Brightling’s self-described foremost rule breaker and the first narrator in this tale told through multiple perspectives. Gifted student and field hockey player Rosalie Arnette, like many kids her age, is just trying to figure out how to negotiate the hallways and the middle school social structure. Nathan Popova, Oliver’s best friend, enjoys a good prank but doesn’t want to get in trouble, which is hard when your buddy actively goes looking for it. Steinke Newhouse—who really hates being called Stinky—feels his greatest talent is arguing, which regularly lands him in detention. Although Mr. Aidact seems to be very literal and to lack a sense of humor, he sees and gets each student, meeting them where they’re at. Is he too good to be true? Oliver and Nathan know something’s up—but the answer, which brings in AI and government experiments—surprises even them. Each viewpoint is distinct, and most characters are multifaceted. Most characters default to White.
A school story with a twist, told with humor, insight, and empathy. (Fiction. 8-12)
