Smart Machines: How AI is Changing Our World, written by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Pui Yan Fong. Orca Book Publishers. 2025. $26.95 ages 12 and up

"Chatbots are pretrained using trillions of bits
of data. With all that knowledge at their digital 
fingertips, you'd think they'd be pretty smart. 
They're not. Remember, AI system models don't 
understand any of the data - not a single bit. 
They guess at what words mean. They generate 
answers based on probabilities, not genuine 
comprehension."

I needed to read this book once; then I read certain parts of it again. There is much to learn about AI and what it is, how it works, how it is changing our world, and what's next. We are using it when some may not even know it. Truthfully, it can do a lot of good for those who know how to use it legally and with caution. There are drawbacks, as with any new technology that is not completely understood. 

In this new addition to the Orca THINK series, Helaine Becker takes on an ever-changing subject to help inform her middle and high school audience ... their parents and their teachers. An introduction defines AI and Intelligence, seeing both as very different from each other. AI appears to be here to stay. 

"According to a recent study conducted by tech giant IBM, more that 35 percent of businesses around the world used AI in 2022. Many more are adding it every day."

Eight chapters are noted in the Table of Contents: Once Upon a Time ... AI's Origin Story, The Dawn of the Computer Age, How It Works, A Deeper Dive into Deep Learning, Transforming the Field of AI, Artificial Intelligence Gets Real, Crossing the Line - When AI Becomes Uh-Oh, AI's Vulnerable Underbelly, and finally, The Future of AI. As in all useful and important nonfiction, a glossary, list of resources and index follow. 

I'll admit I started with Chapter Six - Artificial Intelligence Gets Real. I wanted to start with where I am, and what I think I need to know at this point. Describing uses for AI in parts of our lives such as getting around town and money matters made easier with AI technology, then following up with facts provided for The Gray Zone helps readers understand that not everything about AI is perfect. As grocery stores with AI supported shopping carts create a virtual copy of what's in that cart and charge it to your account as you walk out the door may appeal, what about the reduction in the need for real workers to be in those stores? 

Ms. Becker does a terrific job in explaining how AI works. Many complicated concepts are presented in text that is clear and accessible with visuals that support the information shared. Allowing her readers to see concrete examples of some of the limitations is also very important. There is so much we do not yet know about AI and its functions. 

There is a lot to think about. Handled responsibly and with careful thought for its consequences, AI can be of use to schools and students. While AI is not truly intelligent; it is however making huge differences in the world today. We owe it to ourselves to learn what we can about it. This book provides a great start for doing just that!