THE AI INCIDENT

Ruffin Prentiss captures the angst of 13-year-old Malcolm Montgomery as the teen balances the uncertainty of foster care with the daily turmoil he experiences in middle school. Tops on Malcolm's list of things to do: Be adopted "before it's too late." When his new school begins to implement an AI-powered robot in the classroom and he is chosen to maintain it, the bullies pounce on him. Prentiss brings out the awkwardness of a time of great emotional change as Malcolm seeks acceptance at school and at home. His best intentions seem to go awry at every turn, making the balance between the two even more difficult to manage. After testing begins at school, things go off the rails for the teen in a hilarious yet heartwarming way. S.D.B. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2025]