In 1942, Isaac Asimov wrote “Runaround,” the classic science fiction story that introduced the Three Laws of Robotics that would come to govern the actions of robots in his robotic-based stories as well as those of other science fiction writers. Since that time, robots have been a mainstay of science fiction and Hollywood tales of space exploration from the days of “Metropolis” to C3PO and R2D2 in “Star Wars.”

But robots aren’t just for movie sets and the pages of futuristic fiction.

This Scholastic NOVA Book is divided into three sections . . . Why Robots Can’t Tie Shoelaces But Can Go To Mars, Memorizing The Encyclopedia Doesn’t Make You Intelligent, and If Computers Are So Smart, How Come They Didn’t Invent Artificial Intelligence . . . and helps upper elementary grade readers investigate to learn exactly what robots can and cannot do as they explore the possibilities of robots in their futures. With technology becoming ingrained in the students’ everyday lives, this book introduces them to an assortment of robots, including astrobots, Dinamation dinobots, and Hollywood’s own Robbie, C3PO, R2D2, and Hal.

Colorful drawings, photographs, sidebar essays, and an easy-to-read text all work together to help readers understand robots and computers. A timeline of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence shows the highlights of robotic science and gives young readers a look at the research and what might come next. It’s an engaging first look at artificial intelligence. From supercomputers to Gary Kasparov challenging a computer to a chess match, the diverse information here is sure to spark the imaginations of young readers.

Recommended, especially for readers interested in science and robotics. ( )