Bot Camp by Paul Clarke

A Middle Grade Action Novel published by Green Hill Publishing (08/14/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

“If you want to win, you need ruthless efficiency.” 

Daniel doesn’t really have any friends, but he’s passionate about robotics and bot competitions. Daniel has his heart set on winning a spot at billionaire Bernad’s elite bot camp. All he has to do is win the local bot wars competition against his fierce rival, Mary, and her machine, Big Bertha. This underdog story isn’t just about Daniel’s big dreams of wowing Bernard; it’s also about teamwork, leaning on others’ strengths, and learning to step up as a leader.

Keywords:

Bot Camp, Robotics, Bot Battle, Camp, 12-Year-Olds, Billionaire, Leadership, Winning, Competition

My Review:

Daniel’s story pulls the reader in because he needs to win, and he doesn’t just win from the get-go. His victories are earned, not handed to him. This story and watching Daniel face up against difficult challenges give readers a front-row seat to both the thrills of competition and the real-life challenges of becoming a good teammate and leader.

The author has made battle bots exciting because they play a pivotal role for both Daniel and the plot. The action, especially battle scenes, feels cinematic and very exciting, just like a Spy Kids movie.

This book concisely presents numerous lessons, yet packages them in an engaging way. There are many themes to grasp and learn from, such as friendship, teamwork, loyalty, empathy, and leadership, without feeling like they overwhelm the plot.

Daniel has never had many friends, let alone been the leader of a team, but he steps up when it counts to save the day. It’s easy to root for him. He rises to the occasion, but he’s not the only one. The author has created a diverse set of characters that are all brilliant in their own way. There are many ways to be a genius, creative, and/or good at something. The author naturally weaves in diversity without it feeling forced. Each of the many kids at bot camp has their own, albeit quick, backstory. They feel real and not reduced to a single defining characteristic.

The villain is exaggerated enough to feel fun and fitting in the story, just like the bad guy in Sonic or Minions.

The writing is surprisingly visual and accessible. Even readers not familiar with battle bots or robotics (like me) can follow the action and understand what is going on. It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the action, just like Daniel does in the story.

This book will definitely make you want to watch a bot battle! It’s a great book for readers interested in robotics, battle bots, or simply a fun, quick book full of adventure. Parents and teachers, in particular, will appreciate the positive messages seamlessly embedded throughout.

This novel was published by Green Hill Publishing on 08/06/2025 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information

Goodreads