THE COOL CODE 2.0

AI antics abound in this graphic sequel.

In this follow-up to The Cool Code (2022), the trio of coding friends—Zoey, Morgan, and Daniel—once again face C.C., their adorable yet mischievous llama AI. After leaving a program open on a public computer, their proprietary popularity-making software falls into the lap of Marcus, a shy sixth grader who’s virtually invisible among his classmates. When C.C. advises him to gain notoriety through ostentatious pranks and social division, Morgan immediately realizes what has happened. She, Zoey, and Daniel must change C.C.’s algorithms before it’s too late, but when a programming error makes a clone of C.C., Morgan decides she must stop Marcus and C.C. herself. This sophomore effort follows closely in the footsteps of its predecessor, with peppy pacing and pleasing, full-color illustrations with a contemporary slant. The characterizations can feel thin, however, alongside a noticeable lack of actual coding (there are just vague glimpses of screens), which may leave readers underwhelmed and frustrated. A tidy resolution buttons up loose ends neatly but feels a bit forced and saccharine. Despite these missteps, thanks to the growth of AI, this installment will have appeal due to its subject matter and alluring visuals. Zoey and Marcus read white; Daniel appears Black, and Morgan is cued Asian.

Timely but doesn’t quite hit its mark.