Listen to a sample
Unboxing Libby
- Author
- Steph Cherrywell
- Narrator
- Grace Rolek
- Publisher
- Hachette Audio
- Publish Date
- 1 April 2025
- Run Time
- 8 hours 40 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
- Genre
- Children’s / Teenage fiction: General fiction, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Friends and friendships, Children’s / Teenage fiction: General fiction, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: First experiences and growing up, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Science fiction, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Science fiction, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Space, stars and the solar system
What to expect
AI meets American Girl Dolls in this quirky novel about a group of preteen androids who have been cast aside and have to make their own way in the world.
Max isn't always sweet and bubbly. That wouldn't be an issue except for the fact that she's programmed to be. "Max" isn't even her real name. She's a Libby– one of the most popular A.I.Cademy Girl social robots, which top the sales charts for girls ages eight to twelve. They look almost human and there’s a companion to fit every personality. Wendys are smart. Robins are sporty. Noras are artistic. And Libbys? As the box they come in says: Always chipper, cheerful, and sweet, Libby(TM) makes the perfect friend.
But despite her packaging and her programmed memories, Max is feeling the opposite of perfect. The only thing she wants to know is why. But this question uncovers bigger answers than she bargained for – like the shocking fate of the other A.I.Cademy Girls, and what the founders of their idyllic community are really hiding. Max may not be the perfect Libby, but she’ll have to embrace what makes her uniquely Max to save herself and her friends before they're all sent to the junkyard.
Critics Review
-
"Cherrywell has crafted a riveting sf dramedy, complete with cautionary observations of our modern society, packaged neatly in a sweet (AI) teen’s POV. Between chapters, advertisements describing the book's androids as products adds humor in a smart satirization of marketing, inviting readers to read between the lines. Any fan of friendship stories will adore this tale of a preteen robot finding her true self."—Booklist, starred review
-
“This charming, feel-good work turns the concept of robots resembling sentient American Girl–style dolls into a heartfelt exploration of self. Cherrywell’s debut thoughtfully delves into themes of self-exploration, bullying, friendship, and individuality…. An endearing story about being true to oneself.”
—Kirkus
User Reviews
No reviews yet.
Details
- Author
- Steph Cherrywell
- Narrator
- Grace Rolek
- Duration
- 8 hours 40 minutes
- Release Date
- 1 April 2025
- ISBN
- 9781668647455
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Hachette Audio
- Genre
- Children’s / Teenage fiction: General fiction, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: Friends and friendships, Children’s / Teenage fiction: General fiction, Children’s / Teenage personal and social topics: First experiences and growing up, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Science fiction, Children’s / Teenage fiction: Science fiction, Children’s / Teenage general interest: Space, stars and the solar system
Synopsis
AI meets American Girl Dolls in this quirky novel about a group of preteen androids who have been cast aside and have to make their own way in the world. Max isn't always sweet and bubbly. That wouldn't be an issue except for the fact that she's programmed to be. "Max" isn't even her real name. She's a Libby– one of the most popular A.I.Cademy Girl social robots, which top the sales charts for girls ages eight to twelve. They look almost human and there’s a companion to fit every personality. Wendys are smart. Robins are sporty. Noras are artistic. And Libbys? As the box they come in says: Always chipper, cheerful, and sweet, Libby(TM) makes the perfect friend. But despite her packaging and her programmed memories, Max is feeling the opposite of perfect. The only thing she wants to know is why. But this question uncovers bigger answers than she bargained for – like the shocking fate of the other A.I.Cademy Girls, and what the founders of their idyllic community are really hiding. Max may not be the perfect Libby, but she’ll have to embrace what makes her uniquely Max to save herself and her friends before they're all sent to the junkyard.
About xigxag
xigxag is an independent, UK-based audiobook platform and the UK's only B Corp certified audiobook company. We offer nearly 150,000 audiobooks, all with professional human narration. No AI-generated voices. xigxag is rated an Ethical Consumer Best Buy for audiobooks and a top-rated ethical bookshop.
There is no subscription. You buy the audiobooks you want, you own them permanently, and prices start at $13.95. The more you listen over the year, the less you pay per book, and there is always a selection in Listen for Less from $7.95. You can also send audiobooks as gifts using our audiobook gift cards or in-app gifting.
Every audiobook on xigxag has honest reviews covering both the book and the narration, and our community features make it easy to share what you are listening to, discover what others recommend, and find your next listen.
Download or stream on iOS, Android, or in your browser. Browse the full catalogue at xigxag.co.uk.