Chicklish: REVIEW: Mo-Bot High by Neill Cameron

Review by Luisa.

Asha isn't happy about starting a new school in the middle of nowhere - and she's even less happy when she arrives on her first day and almost the first thing she sees is a fight... between two giant robots. And none of her classmates seem to think it's weird. Then Asha gets on the wrong side of the school bullies and suddenly she's fighting inside a giant robot herself, thanks to a special feature on her phone. She's doing pretty well, too, despite being a beginner. Meanwhile, a mysterious school caretaker seems to be keeping a close eye on Asha - and the dinner ladies aren't quite what they seem. What is really going on at Mo-Bot High, and what exactly does it have to do with Asha?

Originally one of the cartoon strip series in The DFC, Book One of Mo-Bot High has been collected in a hardback as part of the DFC Library and it would make a perfect present.

Its brilliantly drawn, colourful robots and tense action scenes will appeal to children (and grown-ups) of all ages, and the book has definite teen appeal as Asha struggles with high school cliques (with a difference - these are Mo-Bot cliques, after all). There are hints of Asha's family problems, too. Mixed in with all the mystery and drama is great humour - I especially adored the "fashion battle" experts Jessica and Sophie, who made me laugh nearly every time they opened their mouths. I loved the way the battles all centred on the female population of the school - as Asha's wannabe friend Shelley points out, the boys do have access to Mo-Bots, but "all they do is play mecha-football all day long. It's totally boring."

Filled with action, suspense, brilliant tongue-in-cheek humour and amazing illustrations, this book is wonderful and I highly recommend it. I want the next book and I want it now!

Review by Luisa

Visit the Mo-Bot High website to find out more

Read a preview of Mo-Bot High