Can I Build Another Me?
Shinsuke Yoshitake
- Reading
- Afterwards, invite a drawing or short list of what a child might teach a robot, with no pressure to disclose private experiences.
- Themes
- Identity beyond a list of facts: Kevin tries to teach a robot everything needed to behave like him, including preferences, abilities and personal details. The story presents identity as more complicated than an inventory of facts, inviting reflection on what makes someone distinct.
- Chores, cleverness and responsibility: Kevin buys a robot so that it can take over boring tasks such as homework, tidying and helping at home. The premise treats avoiding chores humorously, while the wider situation creates a question about whether a clever solution removes responsibility or simply changes the problem.
- Worth knowing
- Some prompts involve talking about personal qualities, experiences or what others think. Let the child choose what to share; the book’s ending and the extent of any resolution remain unclear.