The Proto Project: A Sci-Fi Adventure of the Mind for Kids Ages 8-12

by Bryan R. Johnson, Cynthea Liu (Editor)

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.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2019

Reviews

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

This was a fun book that really keeps a reader engaged. I can totally see this as a kick-butt Disney movie. So much action how can a middle grader not fall in love with Jason, Maya and Proto, his mom’s million dollar AI machine come to life.

I am not sure if this is a series, but I am sure it could be molded into one. This is the type of book that can get a kid interested in science, math, tech stuff and computers without even trying.

This story draws you in little by little and you see everything through the eyes of Jason and his fight to save his mom from kidnappers and keep her precious AI experimental bot safe from the bad guys. The addition of Maya in this was genius since she kept the main character grounded as he went through the struggles and knew he didn’t have to go through it all alone.

What a wonderful book for a middle grader. If you have a kid and need a cool Christmas gift, definitely package this up right away!

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

[Icy_Space_Cobwebs Join the Penguin Resistance! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this novel is designed for middle graders, I found it delightful, with a good sense of humor plus some worthwhile lessons about loyalty, friendship, humanity, and right action. The characters are endearing and "Proto," the AI, is a gem.

[Bella Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Proto Project: A Sci-Fi Adventure of the Mind for Kids Ages 8-12 is an exciting and thought-provoking journey that combines science fiction with adventure, perfectly suited for young readers. The story follows a group of curious kids who become involved in a high-stakes, mind-bending mission that challenges their perception of reality. The author does an excellent job of blending scientific concepts with engaging, age-appropriate storytelling. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with action and mystery, which keeps readers on the edge of their seats while subtly introducing them to complex ideas like neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and the potential of the human mind. The world-building is immersive, with the author painting vivid scenes of futuristic technology and environments, all while maintaining an accessible tone for younger audiences.

The characters are relatable and well-developed, each bringing unique qualities to the group dynamic. Whether it's their problem-solving skills, bravery, or curiosity, readers will easily connect with the diverse group of protagonists. The themes of teamwork, curiosity, and the importance of thinking critically are woven throughout the book, encouraging young readers to ask big questions about science and the world around them. The writing style is clear and engaging, ensuring that even kids who may not be avid readers will find themselves captivated by the plot. While the science fiction elements are rich and imaginative, the book never loses sight of its target audience, making it a perfect balance of fun and educational content. Overall, The Proto Project is a fantastic choice for kids who love adventure and science fiction, sparking both their imagination and intellectual curiosity.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Proto Project
Author: Bryan R. Johnson

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 22
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 22 readers:
20 would read another book by this author.
22 thought the cover was good or excellent.
22 felt it was easy to follow.
21 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 16 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
22 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
20 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
‘I loved that so much happened all the time. I also liked the AI robot and how he was trying to help his mum. The best character was Maya who kept everybody calm.’ Boy, aged 11
‘This book made me think a little bit about computers and robots and how powerful they can be. The story was gripping. I loved how Jason and Maya got on and how they solved all the dilemmas in the story.’ Girl, aged 11
‘I thought this was funny and exciting. I understood everything that happened. Th author is a very good writer who knows how to keep me interested and turning the page.’ Boy, aged 10 – with a little help from his teacher
‘Fantastic adventure story.’ Boy, aged 9

To Sum It Up:
‘A fun adventure packed full of thrills and spills. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Juliet Morton · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute masterpiece of storytelling! The author’s ability to weave together multiple threads into a cohesive, engaging narrative is unparalleled. Every character is richly detailed, each with their voice and journey that intertwines beautifully with the others. The emotional depth is astounding; it left me both laughing and crying, sometimes within the same chapter. The themes explored are universal yet handled with a sensitivity that makes them feel fresh. I was completely blown away by how everything came together in the end. I had high hopes for this one, especially given the rave reviews, but it left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. The writing itself is beautiful, with some truly breathtaking passages, but the story seemed to lack direction. It felt like a series of vignettes rather than a cohesive narrative, and I struggled to stay engaged. The characters, while interesting, didn’t feel fully fleshed out, which made it difficult to connect with them. There are moments of brilliance, but they’re scattered throughout rather than sustaining the entire book.

[Fiona Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were parts of this book that I absolutely loved—the descriptive writing, the unique setting, the ambitious scope of the story. However, I found the pacing to be a bit slow, especially in the middle sections. Some characters felt well-developed, while others came across as one-dimensional. The ending was a bit predictable, which was disappointing given the potential of the premise. I don’t regret reading it, but it didn’t quite live up to the high expectations I had going in.

[Tia Kaur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolute delight from start to finish. The dialogue was sharp and witty, bringing the characters to life in such a natural way. The story was both heartwarming and heartbreaking, striking a perfect balance that kept me emotionally invested throughout. The pacing was spot-on, with just the right mix of action and reflection. It’s one of those rare books that leaves you feeling both satisfied and longing for more. A must-read!

[Tegan Houghton · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were aspects of this book that I really enjoyed, but it ultimately fell a bit flat for me. The world-building was excellent, creating a setting that was both unique and immersive. However, the characters felt a bit one-dimensional, and their motivations weren’t always clear. The plot had potential, but it didn’t quite come together in a satisfying way. I finished it, but I wasn’t as captivated as I’d hoped to be.

[Avishkar Kotwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book shows the things when do in our age . we think our future but we forgot our present. so we should always try to do things in right time .
this book shows the humanity love between mom and son . if you are week so don't say it's you're weakness try to make your strong Ness. try to see big dreams it will help you . set goal that sky is a limit.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

👌

My children love these little books. They thoroughly enjoy each and every story, as if they are all unique and individual without any cause for similarity among them. Even though sometimes, they might seem tedious and repetitive to me as a parent, I do enjoy being able to read short-stories to my children that are clean and respective.

[Neil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Now this certainly took me back to my childhood years.

Due to the age range this was written for, younger children may struggle with some of the dialogue.

I did find it a thoroughly enjoyable story for probably 11 early teens.

[Sophia Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good attempt, but it left me with mixed feelings. There were some brilliant moments, but they were overshadowed by a plot that felt too predictable. The writing was solid, yet the characters lacked depth in places. I finished it, but I wasn’t as satisfied as I hoped. It’s enjoyable, but not unforgettable.

[Sterling Novak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really good for people that love things like AI and technology. Something I liked about the book was where it all goes and how they explain what happens. Some parts are funny. My favorite character was Proto because he is smart, funny, and curious.

[Anton Osika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would encourage most kids should read or listen to this book to be inspired to work on things that are helpful to humanities future.

Maybe not strictly as high quality writing as best selling kid’s authors though.

[Dani · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5 stars. This book is just not for me. The characters were too simple and there was little to no character development. I think if I were smaller, I would have enjoyed this book. There were some parts that were intriguing but most of it just made me want to do other things.

[Mikail Nasser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but not great

I would recommend this book to ages 9-12 to be honest it was very good the action was there and the excitement to

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boys loved it

[CR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

Spectacular book filled to the brim with action and suspense. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes an exciting book.

[Nathan Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The mission, machinery, and the story were good.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

yes

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

My son would rate this higher than I have. He enjoyed the AI and the rolliking plot. It was a fun book to read together that challenged him with some new words.

[Beverley Turnquest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice

This was a great sci-fi adventure that would make a great movie. The characters are both unique and well developed. The story leaves you wanting more, in a good way

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Sci-fi book/audiobook to read with my 10 year old daughter!

[Katie M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kid liked it fine.

[Dylan Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cool book

[Sarvottam · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter’s first science fiction book

It was good book to start science fiction for my 7 year old.
It’s about boy named Jason and his search for his mother with Proto and Maya.

[Brenda Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun book for middle school age. Great imagination and adventure.

[Kurtis Mcdowell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a beta reader for, and received an ARC of, this story for review purposes. The author requested a review, but made no conditions for it. I am writing this review based solely on my enjoyment of this story in particular, and the author's writing overall.

The Proto Project is a great fun adventure with twists and turns, fun science, and interesting takes on near science. The book is upbeat and age appropriate. Jason and Maya are great kids out for a great adventure from real flying bikes, to immobilizing foam, no killing or kissing, although there is a few bad guys that are stunned unconscious. The story revolves around bad guys trying to get hold of this billion dollar gizmo that Jason's mom has been working on and somehow ends up in Jason's backpack after a field trip to mom's work. So Relax in your secret lair, grab a cool drink, and enjoy the Proto project!