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Cog by Greg Van Eekhout
Built to learn by doing, a curious robot sets out across the city after a disastrous accident separates him from the scientist he calls family. Cog is a heartfelt, funny adventure about friendship, free will, and what it really means to be smarter—and more human—every day.
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In Cog, did you enjoy ...
... a gentle, character-centered robot story that treats AI feelings and choices with warmth over hard tech specs?
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
If what grabbed you in Cog was watching COG learn by living—choosing messy, human experiences over a clean factory reset to please a corporation—then Roz’s journey in The Wild Robot will hit the same sweet spot. Like COG’s bond with Gina and his ragtag robot pals, Roz slowly earns a place in a community, discovering empathy and purpose beyond her programming. It’s soft, thoughtful sci-fi that’s more about heart than hardware.
... a non-human protagonist’s quest to figure out who they are and what they’re for in a world that wants them to be something else?
The Last Human by Lee Bacon
You liked how COG refuses to be wiped and goes off-script to protect the people he cares about. In The Last Human, XR_935—a dutiful robot—discovers a forbidden human girl and starts questioning every rule he’s lived by. Much like COG sneaking back into the corporation to set things right, XR risks everything to rewrite his purpose. It’s a brisk, funny, identity-forward adventure with big feelings and bigger decisions.
... a funny, found-family road trip where unlikely companions outwit a powerful organization?
The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex
If you loved COG teaming up with his oddball robot crew to outmaneuver the company chasing a reset, you’ll enjoy how Gratuity and the alien J.Lo become an unexpected family-on-the-run in The True Meaning of Smekday. The humor lands even as the duo faces big threats, and—like COG’s loyalty to Gina—their bond becomes the heart of the mission.
... quippy, kid-friendly sci‑fi humor threaded through a high-stakes caper?
Space Case by Stuart Gibbs
COG’s smart, deadpan observations and the witty teamwork that powers his escape-and-infiltration will translate perfectly to Space Case. Dash narrates with the same breezy wit while piecing together a moon-base mystery that pits kids against secretive adults—much like COG poking holes in the grown-ups’ plans. It’s zippy, clever, and laugh-aloud fun.
... a clear, urgent mission that propels young heroes to defy authority and solve practical problems under pressure?
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
If COG’s focused objective—evade a factory reset, rescue the person who believes in him, and expose the company—kept you turning pages, The City of Ember offers a similarly driven quest. Lina and Doon race against a failing city and unhelpful officials, decoding clues and building a plan the way COG and his friends assemble their daring break-in. It’s a swift, puzzle-forward ride with real stakes and a hopeful payoff.
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