The Proto Project: A Sci-Fi Adventure of the Mind for Kids Ages 9-12 - Softcover

Featured Children's Book Selection by Kirkus Reviews - November 2019

Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up
Lexile score 600L-700L | DRA 28 | Guided Reading Level N
2019 Readers' Favorite® Five Star Award | RECOMMENDED by the US Review | Praised by Booklife and Publishers Weekly

From the best-selling award-winning author of Code 7: Cracking the Code for an Epic Life, Bryan R. Johnson

When Jason meets his mom’s billion-dollar invention, an artificial intelligence device named Proto, he accidentally gets caught up in a mysterious adventure. Proto goes missing, and then people go missing. Now Jason and his coolest-neighbor-ever Maya must risk their lives to prevent global mayhem. But who is behind this devious plot? Is it another AI? The FBI? Or any other abbreviation with an I? What exactly is there to learn about artificial and human intelligence while fighting for your life against a legion of furry puppies or a battalion of drones? A lot— if you live to tell about it.

The Proto Project

• Designed to be read independently by young readers, boys and girls, ages 8-12 (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th grade)
• Best for kids who have outgrown chapter books / leveled readers and are ready for middle-grade books
• A wonderful gift for anyone looking for fun and funny reading with content that is age-appropriate for kids at home and in school

Best for kids who ...

• Adore contemporary realistic fiction combined with fantasy and science fiction, told with humor and tall-tale flair
• Love fast-paced novels filled with humor, mystery, suspense, and adventure
• Ideal for readers who enjoy popular series books like I Survived, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Encyclopedia Brown, Hardy Boys, Babysitters Club, Mysterious Benedict Society, National Geographic Kids and love books by top authors like James Patterson, Kate Dicamillo, and Dav Pilkey.

Great for gift-givers, parents, and educators looking for ...

• An entertaining and educational novel for upper-elementary and middle school tweens
• Upholds strong values, encourages intellectual curiosity with a growth mindset, and inspires social and global responsibility
• Encourages interest in STEM careers (science, technology, engineering and math)
• Incorporates potential real-world applications of modern developments in Artificial Intelligence in concert with Biology, Chemistry, and Physics
• Emphasizes collaboration and teamwork to benefit the greater good

Available in hardcover, paperback, and Kindle.

"Johnson (Code 7, 2017) offers a well-calculated balance of suspense and humor for middle school readers .... Action sequences are exciting and dramatic. The novel also provides food for thought in considering how AI could help or hurt humanity. Although the villains are over the top, they do give voice to some of the forces that might want to use AI for selfish, grandiose reasons. A well-written, fast-paced and thoughtful adventure." - Kirkus Review

"The Proto Project: A Sci-Fi Adventure of the Mind is a fast-paced and exciting novel that makes the techiest James Bond spy thriller seem old-fashioned and stodgy by comparison ....The plot is zany and unpredictable, and Johnson’s characters are a hoot to watch as they expand their imaginations, skills, and world-views in response to the crisis they’re facing. I found this book impossible to put down and am hoping that the author considers giving Maya, Jason and Proto another global challenge to work with ...The Proto Project: A Sci-Fi Adventure of the Mind is most highly recommended." - Readers' Favorite 5-star review