Artificial Intelligence cover

Artificial Intelligence

Author: Thomas, Peggy

Reading Metrics

Grade Level Upper Grades (UG 9-12)
Book Level 10.2
Points 4.0
Fiction/Nonfiction Nonfiction
Word Count 21530
Points per Word 0.000186
Page Count 112
Points per Page 0.035714

Description

This book describes the origins and development of the multifaceted field of artificial intelligence, and speculates on what the area of research might hold for the future.

Quick Summary

Ever wanted to know how the idea of a thinking machine went from a wild sci-fi dream to the algorithm that powers your phone? Thomas and Peggy walk you through the whole story, starting with the early pioneers who dreamed up the first neural networks, then moving through the breakthroughs and failures that shaped modern AI, and ending with a peek at where experts think the technology is heading next. The tone stays approachable, mixing clear explanations with anecdotes that make the science feel like a series of puzzles rather than a dry textbook, which makes it a great pick for anyone who loves a good mystery wrapped in a bit of tech. If you're the kind of reader who gets hooked on real-world problem solving, you'll enjoy the way the authors tie ethical dilemmas like privacy, job automation, and even the risk of superintelligent machines into the narrative, giving you plenty to think about after you turn the last page. Teens who like the storytelling style of The Code Book but want a focus on AI will feel right at home, and the book's concise chapters and sidebars make it doable even for reluctant readers who might otherwise tune out a dense textbook. Parents will be glad to know it's thoughtful about scary "what-if" scenarios without being alarmist, striking a balance that's both fun and informative.