When a kid grows up without one of their parents, it's not uncommon to wonder what they're like. Even if the remaining parent does the absolute most. Even if it's made abundantly clear that the other parent isn't someone who ought to be wondered about or looked for. A child can't help but wonder. "Are we alike?" "Do they wish they could see me?"

Rarely, though, does a child have to consider whether their absent parent orchestrated a robot uprising.

In The Sinister Secrets of Singe, that's just one thing that makes young Noah's life unusual. He lives alone with his mother Marie and his robot caretaker Elijah, in a house that mysteriously grows larger every night. There, he helps Marie build mechanical items, growing increasingly skilled but never really knowing what he's making. One day, Noah discovers the secret of their little family's growing house... and, in doing so, begins to uncover further secrets about his father and himself.

His discovery will take him outside of his strange-but-familiar home for the first time in his life. With the help of a band of pirates, including reluctant new friend Winona, Noah and Elijah will travel to Singe. There, the truth about the infamous Alton Physician—Noah's father—waits to be discovered.

The Sinister Secrets of Singe, while clearly written for young readers, in no way talks down to them. It's an engaging read with relatable characters, solid dialogue, and an intriguing story. The story doesn't shy away from complex science fiction concepts, but rather holds younger readers' hands through them. It's rare to run into a story that's both accessible to and respectful of young readers in this way, and it's a joy when these books do come up.

Most of all, it's a story that hits upon a lot of feelings its readers may grapple with. Feeling like they're oversheltered or not listened to. Wanting the love and respect of someone who may not return it. Laboring under the assumption of adults that they're just Their Parent 2.0. Making mistakes while trying to do the right thing. And, most importantly, learning that humanity isn't a binary of "monster" and "hero"... that there are people, often close to us, who aren't evil but also aren't necessarily what we hope for them to be.

Sean Ferrell's writing is well complemented by Graham Carter's black-and-white illustrations. They have a bit of a modern stop-motion aesthetic to them that fits well with the story. And best of all... it's Book 1. While the book closes with a perfectly satisfactory ending, there's plenty of room for more. And it looks like "more" is exactly what we're getting.

The Sinister Secrets of Singe is a fantastic first sci-fi for young readers, replete with classic tropes and an interesting setting. The robotics of this world—both friend and foe—have plenty of room to evolve. Literally. 

The Sinister Secrets of Singe goes on sale June 6.