Set in the year 2222, the story explores humanity's expansion into space as Earth's population pressures lead to the creation of 900 robots tasked with building a city on Mars. A pivotal twist occurs when the project's father reconfigures a robot originally designed for elder-care, infusing it with his own DNA to create Lawrence, a robot modeled after himself. This unique twist raises questions about identity, purpose, and the implications of human-like robots in a new frontier.
An arc of light across the sky and shots fired from a U.S. Navy Blue Angel F/A-18 supersonic hornet fail to collide; the light vanishes from the sky, and the light energy of the android Lawrence streaks to the earth and into the labs of C&L Automation, straight to the alien disc brought previously from Mars.Dr. Paul Linsdale, unaware of Lawrence’s return, celebrates the birth of his son, Lawrence Love Linsdale, and goes to congress to request approval and funding for a project that will quell the dangerous supervolcano in Yellowstone National Park.Congress gives the go-ahead, and for nine years the project proceeds. A ring of 1,000 manmade geysers operate to help Old Faithful bring an end to the supervolcano.Dr. Linsdale’s son, visiting C&L and exploring on his own, happens upon the alien disk. There he is enlisted by his namesake, Lawrence, to help him flee the planet he has saved twice. Now he seeks only to live in peace, far beyond the Milky Way, with Lilah, the elder care robot who loves him.Is a nine-year-old boy up to the task? Can Lawrence finally succeed in his quest for true love? More important for Earth, can the Yellowstone be saved?Antonion Borges leads us from the historical roots of mankind to the far reaches of an unknown time and space. Interspersed with the quests of Linsdale and Lawrence, TV news broadcasts offer a glimpse into life in 2262.
The narrative emphasizes personal transformation as a catalyst for broader change. It explores the journey of self-discovery and growth, suggesting that individual actions can have a significant impact on the world. Themes of responsibility, introspection, and the interconnectedness of personal and global issues are woven throughout, encouraging readers to reflect on their roles in creating a better future.
A pivotal event for the United States of America was its Civil War in the 19th century, but understanding its complexities is daunting to both adults and children. Cocoa and Company offers a simple version of events in a story even beginning readers can understand. It is told in a way that will captivate older elementary school readers, as well as parents who read the book aloud for younger children. Pairing whimsy with historical fact, as well as fun with a social conscience, Borges has dared to take on the entire timeframe of a bloody, costly war. Here is a story parents and teachers will embrace as a teaching tool, especially because it is an engaging tale. Children will enjoy the antics and bravery of a boxer dog, a Chihuahua, a Labrador retriever and a border collie. These lovable characters are certain to live in the minds of readers for a very long time.
