The AI Incident - by J E Thomas (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Fans of Gordon Korman and The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman will love this story of Colorado's unluckiest foster kid battling a rogue AI robot at school. A nominee for the Georgia Children's Book Award -- NOW IN PAPERBACK!

Malcom Montgomery has one (O-N-E!) goal: Get adopted before he turns thirteen. Not easy for the unluckiest kid in Colorado foster care, especially when his thirteenth birthday is just six months away. To make matters worse, his caseworker just assigned him to a different foster home across town. Now he's living with someone he barely knows, and he's the weird, new kid at a school where everyone else has been friends forever. But when one of the speakers at Visiting Professionals Day brings an AI-powered robot, Malcolm's bad luck may finally turn around. The robot promises to help Malcolm find a family...if he'll help it take over the school.

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

Review Quotes

"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."

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

"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 bachelors' 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, a "Best of the Best" pick by the Black Caucus of the ALA, and named to the Sunshine State Young Readers list. Her second book, The AI Incident, was nominated for the Georgia Children's Book Award.