The AI Incident - by J E Thomas (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Malcolm Montgomery is the new kid at Shirley Chisholm Charter Middle School. In no time at all, he's been slapped with the weird kid label. Is it because he's a foster kid who's been in nine homes? Or maybe because he burps when he gets nervous-which is often? Malcolm has a plan to finally get adopted by a forever family before it's too late. But then on Visiting Professionals' Day, his school invites Dr. Alphonse Hatch, president of Hatch-ED-one of the fastest-growing artificial intelligence companies in the state-to give a presentation. Dr. Hatch brings his AI-powered robot, and events get set in motion that create ... THE INCIDENT"--

Book Synopsis

The Wild Robot meets Restart when Colorado's unluckiest foster kid battles a rogue AI robot at school.

Malcolm Montgomery is the new kid at Shirley Chisholm Charter Middle School. In no time at all, he's been slapped with the weird kid label. Is it because he's a foster kid who's been in nine homes? Or maybe because he burps when he gets nervous...which is often? Malcolm has a plan to finally get adopted by a forever family before it's too late. But then on Visiting Professionals' Day, his school invites Dr. Alphonse Hatch, president of Hatch-ED--one of the fastest-growing artificial intelligence companies in the state--to give a presentation. Dr. Hatch brings his AI-powered robot, and events get set in motion that create...THE INCIDENT.

An irresistible MG novel about the role of AI in schools and in our lives...and what it means to be human.

Review Quotes

"Poignant and humorous... nuanced and realistic... A complex and entertaining look at AI and human relationships." - Kirkus

"Beneath the madcap plotline of this AI-focused adventure by Thomas lies a touching story about belonging and overcoming obstacles... [a] potent portrayal of human vulnerability as a necessary component in personal and relational development."

"Thomas dishes up a diverse cast of complex, (mostly) likeable children and grown-ups, expertly showing relationships in flux while steering events to satisfying resolutions that leave her protagonist with new friends and the real prospect of a much-desired 'forever home.' The perils of replacing live teaching with AI instruction get a good, brisk airing too."

"Whether you're a parent looking for a fun read-aloud, a teacher hoping to spark meaningful conversations, or a middle schooler curious about the line between technology and truth, The AI Incident is one book you won't want to miss."

About the Author

J.E. Thomas grew up near Colorado's Front Range mountains. She spent her early summers stuffing grocery bags with books at the local library, reading feverishly, then repeating the process week after week. J.E. has bachelor's degrees in Mass Communications and Political Science, as well as a master's degree in Public Communications. Her first book, Control Freaks, was a People Magazine Summer Must-Read and a "Best of the Best" pick by the Black Caucus of the ALA.

Author residence: Denver, CO