If I could only choose one book for this list, it would be I, Robot. It’s a collection of connected short stories written mid-twentieth century, featuring the robots manufactured by Asimov’s fictional organisation, U.S. Robotics and Mechanical Men, Inc. I, Robot explores the ethics and practicalities of artificially intelligent machines, and each story is brilliantly plotted within the strict framework of Asimov’s three laws of robotics. My desert island robot book.
I had to include Frankenstein here. Mary Shelley’s nineteenth century novel has been cited as the first ever work of science fiction – and Victor Frankenstein’s shocking creation, while not a robot, is certainly an artificial intelligence of sorts. Frankenstein explores what it means to be human and examines the ethics and unforeseen consequences of creating a self-aware being. Would the rest of this list even exist without it?
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Any other comments
Any other comments