Overview
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.
Full Product Details
Author: J E Thomas
Publisher: Bound to Stay Bound Books
Imprint: Bound to Stay Bound Books
ISBN: 9798855181616
Pages: 243
Publication Date: 08 July 2025
Recommended Age: From 8 to 12 years
Audience:
Children/juvenile
,
Children / Juvenile
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: Available To Order
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Reviews
""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."" ""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.""
Author Information
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
