The Smart Soccer Ball Mystery
Machine Learning for Kids · Book 1
A 24-page illustrated picture book about an AI soccer ball that learns from all the wrong examples — written by Nick and his wife Nancy for their sons.
About the book
What happens when a smart soccer ball learns from all the WRONG examples?
Ten-year-old Nolan is PUMPED when his coach gives him a high-tech AI soccer ball to test. There's just one problem: the SmartBall 3000 tells him to close his eyes before shooting!
With help from his younger brother Nathan and their tech-savvy dad, Nolan discovers the AI learned from terrible examples, the kindergarten team's "silly soccer" game! Can Nolan reset the AI and teach it the right way? And why does their dog Oreo keep trying to steal the ball?
What kids will learn
- How AI learns from examples and patterns
- Why the quality of training data matters
- Critical thinking about technology
Includes discussion questions, AI words to know, and a try-it-at-home activity. A perfect read-aloud for classrooms, libraries, and STEM programs.
A peek inside
Buy a signed copy direct from the authors
Nick and Nancy will sign your copy and ship it to you. Shipping is added at checkout.
Teachers and librarians: classroom sets of 5+ get a discount. Email Nick to order. A free classroom guide is available on request by email.
Prefer Amazon? Paperback $14.99 · Kindle $4.99 (free on Kindle Unlimited)
Paperback ISBN 979-8-252610-07-8 · Hardcover ISBN 979-8-1828-7871-5 (coming soon through bookstores and libraries)
Questions about the book?
Classroom sets, library orders, or a signed copy for a gift — just say hi.