I Robot by Isaac Asimov

The three laws of Robotics:
1) A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2) A robot must obey orders givein to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3) A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

With these three, simple directives, Isaac Asimov changed our perception of robots forever when he formulated the laws governing their behavior. In I, Robot, Asimov chronicles the development of the robot through a series of interlinked stories: from its primitive origins in the present to its ultimate perfection in the not-so-distant future--a future in which humanity itself may be rendered obsolete.

Here are stories of robots gone mad, of mind-read robots, and robots with a sense of humor. Of robot politicians, and robots who secretly run the world--all told with the dramatic blend of science fact and science fiction that has become Asmiov's trademark.

"I Robot" by Isaac Asimov is part of the mentor text collection which is part of the 7th grade SchoolWide curriculum series purchased by our school district. Surprisingly, the book is essentially a series of short stories about robots and their impact on the futuristic world. One of my favorite quotes was, "Every period of human development has had its own particular type of human conflict--its own variety of problem that, apparently, could be settled only by force. And each time, frustratingly enough, force never really settled the problem. Instead, it persisted through a series of conflicts, then vanished of itself,--what's the expression, --ah, yes 'not with a bang, but a whimper', as the economic and social environment changed. And then, new problems, and a new series of wars.--Apparently endlessly cyclic." (pg. 200). The book is extremely challenging and would be good a fit for gifted/advanced readers. My favorite story in the collection would be the first one, "Robbie". If you are looking for a classic, sci-fi, challenging text....this one is for you!  This title can be found in the Evans IMC.