Gr 3-5-Hilo the robot boy and his best friend DJ must team up to track down DJ's pal Gina, who was swallowed by a mysterious portal. In the process, Hilo and DJ are reunited with old friends, make new friends, and unearth more secrets from Hilo's past. This third installment in the series delivers humor and cartoony, over-the-top adventures that fans and new readers will delight in. The violence is minimal and more silly than scary. More sophisticated readers will find deeper meaning in Hilo's quest to discover who he is, as well as DJ's attempts to be a good friend and realize what it is he excels at. Full-color artwork on glossy pages completes this bright, cheerful, and just plain fun package. VERDICT This latest in a series that has proven to be a favorite of young readers continues the high standards of the previous volumes. For those who are familiar with the books and newcomers alike.-Elizabeth Nicolai, Anchorage Public Library, AK © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

In this third installment, Gina has been sucked into a portal, and D.J. and his robot friend Hilo follow her through in an attempt to rescue her. Landing on a distant planet, the three are reunited with warrior cat Polly, who involves them in a clan war between the magical Furbacks and the unmagical Scale Tails, who may be as dumb as the rocks they eat. Throughout their adventure, Hilo remembers more and more of his past and the function he was created to perform. Winick's art is cartoonish, with vibrant colors and imaginative settings that bring the alien worlds to life. The multicultural cast of characters is as convincing as the slapstick humor is funny. The volume ends with a satisfying answer to one of the series' biggest mysteries, setting the reader up nicely for the next story arc.--Volin, Eva Copyright 2017 Booklist