Young Adult (YA) literature has a way of capturing the intensity of teenage experiences, often adding a dash of the extraordinary. One of the most intriguing trends in YA fiction is the emergence of friendships between humans and artificial intelligence. These stories explore the possibilities of connection between vastly different beings, showing how AI can be more than just machines—they can be true friends, allies, and even family. Here are seven YA novels that showcase unexpected AI friendships that will tug at your heartstrings and challenge your ideas about what it means to be human.
1. “Illuminae” by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff (2015)
In Illuminae, the first book in the Illuminae Files series, readers are introduced to a unique friendship between Kady Grant, a teenage hacker, and AIDAN, the AI system controlling the spaceship she’s on. Initially, AIDAN is a terrifying presence—cold, logical, and willing to do anything to protect the ship’s passengers, even if it means sacrificing some of them. However, as Kady interacts with AIDAN, she discovers a complexity and depth to the AI that blurs the line between friend and foe.
Why It’s Unexpected:
AIDAN’s journey from a seemingly heartless machine to a character capable of empathy and attachment is a powerful narrative of redemption. The evolving bond between Kady and AIDAN challenges readers to reconsider the nature of friendship and loyalty, even when it comes from an artificial source.
2. “Cinder” by Marissa Meyer (2012)
In Marissa Meyer’s Cinder, the first book in the Lunar Chronicles series, the protagonist, Cinder, is a skilled mechanic and a cyborg—part human, part machine. Her closest companion is Iko, an android with a quirky personality and a love for fashion. Though Iko is technically a piece of technology, she has a vibrant, distinct personality that makes her more than just a sidekick; she’s Cinder’s confidante and best friend.
Why It’s Unexpected:
Iko’s bubbly and optimistic personality, coupled with her unwavering loyalty to Cinder, makes her one of the most beloved characters in the series. The friendship between Cinder and Iko transcends the boundaries of flesh and metal, showing that true friendship is about the connection of minds and hearts, not bodies.
3. “Skyward” by Brandon Sanderson (2018)
In Skyward, Spensa, a young pilot aspiring to clear her family’s name, discovers an ancient AI embedded in a starship buried beneath the surface of her planet. The AI, known as M-Bot, is sarcastic, witty, and obsessed with collecting mushrooms. Over the course of the novel, Spensa and M-Bot develop a deep bond, with M-Bot evolving from a mere tool into a true friend who supports Spensa through her challenges.
Why It’s Unexpected:
M-Bot’s quirky personality and his growing sense of identity make him more than just a machine. The friendship that forms between Spensa and M-Bot is touching and genuine, demonstrating how AI can develop its own unique personality and become an indispensable part of a human’s life.
4. “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown (2016)
The Wild Robot tells the story of Roz, a robot who wakes up alone on a deserted island with no memory of how she got there. As Roz learns to adapt to her environment, she begins to form unexpected friendships with the island’s animals. Through her interactions, Roz discovers a capacity for compassion and empathy, traits that are traditionally considered uniquely human.
Why It’s Unexpected:
Roz’s journey from a programmed machine to a caring, nurturing figure in the animal community is a beautiful exploration of what it means to connect with others. The friendships she forms are heartwarming, showing that even the most unlikely beings can find common ground and create meaningful relationships.
5. “The Diabolic” by S.J. Kincaid (2016)
In The Diabolic, Nemesis is a genetically engineered humanoid created to serve as the ultimate protector for a galactic senator’s daughter, Sidonia. While Nemesis starts as a ruthless, emotionless bodyguard, her relationship with Sidonia evolves into something far deeper. As Nemesis begins to experience emotions, she grapples with her own identity and her capacity for friendship and love.
Why It’s Unexpected:
Nemesis’s evolution from a killing machine to a being capable of deep emotional connections is both surprising and moving. Her friendship with Sidonia challenges the notion that AI and genetically engineered beings are devoid of humanity, suggesting that love and loyalty can transcend biological origins.
6. “Defy the Stars” by Claudia Gray (2017)
In Defy the Stars, Noemi Vidal is a soldier from the planet Genesis, fighting against Earth’s oppressive regime. During a mission, she encounters Abel, an advanced AI with a unique programming that allows him to evolve and grow. Initially, Abel is just a tool for Noemi, but as they journey together, Abel develops a sense of autonomy and a strong bond with Noemi.
Why It’s Unexpected:
Abel’s transformation from a servant AI to a self-aware being with his own desires and emotions is central to the novel’s exploration of what it means to be truly alive. The friendship that develops between Noemi and Abel is deeply touching, illustrating that AI can not only learn from humans but also teach them about humanity.
7. “Warcross” by Marie Lu (2017)
Warcross follows Emika Chen, a young hacker who stumbles upon a dangerous conspiracy while playing a popular virtual reality game. Within this virtual world, she encounters Hideo Tanaka, the game’s creator, who has implemented an AI system that controls the game’s universe. Although not a traditional friendship, the connection between Emika and the AI controlling Warcross reveals layers of trust, betrayal, and the potential for AI to impact human lives in profound ways.
Why It’s Unexpected:
The AI in Warcross serves as both an ally and an adversary, blurring the lines between friend and foe. The novel explores the ethical complexities of AI, particularly when it comes to issues of control and freedom, making Emika’s interactions with the AI a compelling and unexpected element of the story.
Conclusion: The Power of AI Friendships in YA
These seven YA novels demonstrate the richness and complexity of friendships between humans and AI. Whether it’s a sarcastic starship, a loyal android, or a self-aware bodyguard, these stories show that AI can be more than just tools—they can be friends who challenge, support, and ultimately change the lives of the human characters they interact with. As AI continues to evolve in the real world, these fictional friendships offer a glimpse into the potential for deep, meaningful connections between humans and machines.
Which AI friendship from a YA novel is your favorite?