Do I need to be a coder to help my kid with this book?

Not at all. The book is designed for parents and kids to explore together. If you can navigate a web browser, you can handle the projects.

Is there a specific computer or software needed?

Most projects use free, web-based tools. A standard laptop or Chromebook with a webcam and internet access is all you need.

Does this book cover ChatGPT and LLMs?

Yes, it covers the basics of how Large Language Models work, but it focuses more on the underlying concepts of machine learning that power all types of AI.

Is it too 'math-heavy' for a 9-year-old?

It keeps the math 'under the hood.' It focuses on logic and patterns rather than complex equations, making it very accessible for the target age.

AI for Kids – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

AI for Kids

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2025

90%

WISE Score

A jargon-free jumpstart into the tech shaping their world, minus the doom-scrolling.

AI for Kids

book

2025

90%

WISE Score

A jargon-free jumpstart into the tech shaping their world, minus the doom-scrolling.

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Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a solid, no-nonsense primer for the kid who is tired of just using apps and wants to know what's happening under the hood. It moves past the 'AI is magic' phase and into the 'AI is data and math' phase in a way that doesn't feel like schoolwork.

In a world where AI is everywhere, this book is a useful 'decoder ring.' It’s particularly good for parents who want to encourage STEM literacy without just handing over a smartphone and hoping for the best.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 8-12 range. Younger kids will need a co-pilot for the projects, while 13+ kids might find the 'Ada & Algo' framing a bit too young and want something more technical.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

The book uses friendly guides, Ada and Algo, to frame complex tech in a collaborative, supportive way. It avoids the 'doomsday' or 'hyper-optimization' tropes often found in tech media.

Imaginative

Encourages kids to see AI as a tool for creation rather than just consumption. The hands-on project focus invites kids to think about how they can solve problems in their own world.

Safe

As a book, it's inherently low-risk, but it gains extra points for explicitly including chapters on digital citizenship and responsible AI use.

Enriching

High marks for teaching foundational concepts like machine learning and neural networks to a middle-grade audience. It prepares kids for the technical reality of 2026.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Hands-on focus that uses accessible tools like Google's Teachable Machine to make abstract concepts concrete.
Ada & Algo serve as non-intimidating guides, keeping the tone light and focused on exploration rather than a dry textbook feel.
Ethics-first approach that doesn't just teach how AI works, but asks kids to think about how it should be used responsibly.
Career mapping helps older kids see the connection between their current interests and future roles in a tech-driven economy.

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What to Watch For

Screen time required for the interactive projects; you can't really finish this book without a laptop or tablet nearby to try the experiments.
Independent publishing sometimes means the layout or illustration quality isn't quite at the level of a major house like DK or Scholastic, but the content is solid.

Conversation Starters

"If you could train an AI to do one of your chores perfectly, which one would it be and why?"
"Do you think an AI could ever truly be 'creative' like an artist, or is it just following instructions?"
"Why is it important for the people who build AI to be diverse and think about different types of users?"
"If an AI makes a mistake, who do you think is responsible: the person who built it or the person who used it?"

Deep Dive

From Consumer to Creator

Most kids in 2026 are already 'using' AI daily—whether it's through YouTube recommendations, TikTok filters, or school chatbots. AI for Kids attempts to flip that script. Instead of being passive users, it pushes kids to understand the training process. The inclusion of Teachable Machine activities is the highlight here. It’s one thing to hear about 'training data,' but it's another thing for a kid to use their webcam to teach a computer to recognize their dog versus a stuffed animal.

The Independent Factor

Because this is an independently published book by Alex Byte, you aren't getting the massive production budget of a legacy publisher. However, that often means the content is more current. Traditional publishing cycles can take two years, which is an eternity in AI. This book feels like it was written by someone actually working in the field who wanted to explain their job to their niece or nephew.

If your kid is already into Scratch or basic Python, this is the perfect companion. If they aren't 'techy' yet, the friendly illustrations and 'adventure' framing make it a low-stakes entry point into a topic that can otherwise feel overwhelming or even a bit scary.

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