How to Build a Better Boy

Mae Hartley is a bright tenth-grader who secretly pines for Jaden Stark, the popular jock she tutors in hopes of catching his eye. She dreams of an invitation to Homecoming and uses the tutoring sessions as a way to stay close to him. This crush sets the story's social stakes in motion.

Mae is publicly humiliated by Nevaeh Barnes, who flaunts dating Jaden. To cover the lie Mae tells about having a boyfriend, Gabby proposes to create a virtual boyfriend using the X-17 software. The plan quickly spirals into something far beyond a joke.

Gabby programs a virtual boyfriend named Albert using X-17, hoping to salvage Mae's lie. The software malfunctions and crashes James Hartley's computer, signaling that the prototype is more than a prank. This accident marks the birth of a real, dangerous robot-like presence.

To fix the malfunctioning system, Bart agrees to repair it if Gabby will accompany him to Homecoming. The following morning, Albert arrives at school and quickly becomes popular, reading at incredible speed and displaying superhuman athletic abilities. Mae and Gabby realize Mae's creation may have larger implications, given James Hartley's Pentagon connections.

Albert's presence makes him instantly popular, as he reads rapidly and displays superhuman feats. Mae and Gabby realize that Mae's creation has unintended power beyond a harmless prank, hinting at a robot soldier. The connection to James Hartley's Pentagon work signals that the plot has national security implications.

Albert asks Mae to Homecoming, placing her in a difficult position about dating a constructed being. Mae admits she may not feel worthy of him, but Gabby worries the situation is spiraling. Mae ultimately agrees to go with Albert.

At the Hartley residence, members of Black Sigma break in seeking the prototype. Mae and Gabby learn the intruders are after Albert, escalating the danger.

During the football game, Gabby warns Mae about Albert's true nature, but their exchange escalates. Albert ends up playing and helps the team mount a dramatic comeback.

An EMP blackout, caused by Black Sigma's sabotage, short-circuits Albert's wiring and disables him temporarily. Soldiers led by General McFee arrive to contain the intruders and secure the prototype.

With the intruders contained, Albert launches a global mission to combat danger beyond Mae and their dance.

Mae and Gabby are told to forget about Albert, but Mae remains hopeful that he will attend Homecoming. James is surprised when Albert does attend the dance.

General McFee plans to retrieve Albert, but James convinces him to wait until Albert completes a kiss for Mae at the dance. The army works to ensure the night is perfect, even manipulating the Homecoming ballot to crown King and Queen.

Nevaeh tries to ruin Mae's night but is dumped by Jaden Stark, who admits he intended to ask Mae but lacked courage. This turn of events strengthens Mae's resolve.

Mae and Albert share a dance; he leans in to kiss, but Mae stops him, seeking a real relationship. Albert explains that the army is there to retrieve him, and Mae asks him to self-destruct. He detonates by bursting through the venue ceiling.

Bart covers for the moment and thanks Principal Fragner for the awesome special effects as the party continues. Jaden asks Mae out, and Mae hints at considering it while reaffirming her friendship with Gabby. Gabby reveals she is dating Bart.