Review by Booklist Review
The concept of artificial intelligence, or AI, shouldn't be new to most young readers, since it's a frequent feature of sci-fi movies, TV shows, and even the game show Jeopardy!, which famously featured a computer contestant, Watson, that beat its human competitors. There's more to AI than a dystopian future of robot overlords, however, and McPherson cogently lays out the concept from its inception, with Lovelace and Babbage's analytical engine, to contemporary research on the topic, including neural mapping, the ways AI is already integrated into current technology, and depictions in popular culture. In addition to laying out the basic research at hand, McPherson also raises critical questions, such whether we should allow computers to make ethical choices, given that those circumstances are so complicated that a simple algorithm likely wouldn't suffice. On magazinelike pages packed with inset boxes and sidebars, as well as photos of scientists and their machines, McPherson's straightforward, accessible text offers fascinating, thought-provoking, and up-to-date information on a high-interest, very relevant topic to contemporary teens. Extensive back matter includes further reading and source notes.--Lock, Anita Copyright 2017 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 6 Up-McPherson has written an exciting, and often disturbing account, of the history and current issues surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) that is bound to appeal to young adults interested in robotics, programming, engineering, the history of science, or science and society debates. The nonjudgmental approach of the topic manages to convey the hope for society that AI offers while not shying away from the potential dark side, particularly in the areas of lost jobs or the notion that machines are devoid of human empathy. The clear text is complemented by engaging pull quotes and sidebars, and librarians will appreciate the navigable headings that lead readers through the prose. Aspiring teen authors interested in science fiction will find plenty of popular culture and literary references, as well as possible inspiration for their next novel. McPherson references key authors and books throughout the text, and the extensive back matter provides ample opportunities for researchers and report writers. Source notes are included. However, the lack of actual footnote numbers in the main text may result in confusion. VERDICT An excellent addition to collections eager to encourage STEM conversations.-Courtney Lewis, St. Catherine's School, Richmond © Copyright 2017. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Artificial intelligence is explored in detail, with attention to the development of the scientific fields underlying the concept. The history of computing, robotics, neural networks, and the ethics of possible independent artificial life are included in the engaging conversation. Photographs of the various technologies and their inventors break up the dense text. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
McPherson presents the evolution of artificial intelligencemachines with the "humanlike ability to reason and solve problems." That definition opens McPherson's tour d'horizon of artificial intelligence, immediately placing readers on shaky ground. Philosophers have been debating "to reason" since long before Descartes. There is little doubt that McPherson richly explores the women and men who develop machines to do the drudge work of mechanical production and everyday life, but do either the amusingly crafty Watson, which took down the Jeopardy! game show champs, or Deep Blue, which humiliated Garry Kasparov, qualify as "a truly thinking machine, able to learn on its own and modify its own programming without human input"? The ability for a machine to reckon if/then is part of its programming. Sentience, which includes feeling, is stickier. How is it possible, as McPherson writes, that a machine programmed by humans "might not share human social and ethical valuessuch as notions of fairness, justice, and right and wrong"? Throughout, there's too much supposition and not enough science; emblematic of this is a failure to convey exactly how Google Brain arrived at the concept of a cat without being commanded to: "All on its own, it had developed the concept of cat.' " McPherson conveys the thrill of the possibility inherent in AI, but she's frequently a giant step ahead of the game. (Nonfiction. 13-18) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
