When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she finds herself alone on a remote, wild island after a shipwreck. With no idea how she got there or what her purpose is, Roz must adapt to her harsh surroundings by learning from the island's hostile animal inhabitants. She befriends the animals, including an orphaned gosling named Brightbill, and becomes a part of the island community. However, her mysterious past eventually comes back to haunt her, forcing her to make difficult choices that impact her new family and the island itself. The novel explores themes of technology vs. nature, community, and personal responsibility[2][3][5].
In this book, Kai-Fu Lee and Chen Qiufan imagine the world in 2041 and how it will be shaped by AI. The book combines speculative storytelling and scientific analysis to introduce readers to various AI technologies such as deep learning, mixed reality, robotics, artificial general intelligence, and autonomous weapons. It explores the potential benefits and harms of these technologies and their impact on daily life, including topics like autonomous vehicles, deepfake videos, augmented reality, job loss, and the implementation of Universal Basic Income.
Set in a dystopian future, 'Klara and the Sun' follows the story of Klara, an Artificial Friend (AF) who is purchased by a mother for her ailing daughter, Josie. Klara, powered by solar energy, develops a deep bond with Josie and becomes obsessed with the Sun, which she believes has the power to save Josie's life. The novel delves into themes of loneliness, the nature of consciousness, and the societal implications of genetic engineering and artificial intelligence. Through Klara's observations and interactions, the book explores the human condition and the complexities of love, faith, and sacrifice in a world marked by social inequality and technological advancements.
Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning at the age of 8, which gave her extraordinary math abilities. Homeschooled since then, Lucy is now ready for college at 12 but must first pass the 'test' of middle school as insisted by her grandma. She must make one friend, join one activity, and read one non-math book. The story follows Lucy's challenges and growth as she navigates middle school, friendships, and her own unique abilities.
Libraries can be a space for community building and idea exchange. During this new era of AI–what is already happening in the library?
That's what we explore this week with three different perspectives on the way the Librarian is a critical voice on all things AI.
Ready to meet our guests?
Zakir Hossain is a Teacher-Librarian and independent researcher. He’s passionate about academic integrity and artificial intelligence literacy development. Born and raised in Bangladesh, Zakir has lived and worked in Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Zakir can be reached via @DuZakir on X and zakir.reseachtl@gmail.com
Danny Glasner has been a technology coach, learning support, and for the past seven years, a library/media specialist otherwise known as a teacher-librarian. He has worked in schools for the past 21 years in Toronto, Istanbul, Hanoi, Zhuhai, Beijing, Phuket (as the whole school librarian for UWC Thailand), Ho Chi Minh City, and now Tirana, Albania. The library brings many of Danny’s passions together; love of reading, critical and creative thinking, artificial intelligence, technology in general, diversity, justice, belonging, sustainability, mindfulness, and global citizenship. The library Is a safe space where the entire learning community is made to feel welcome and seen. Danny utilizes his network to bring people together, to help students connect ideas, and to amplify their actions by broadening their audience. His passion for connecting people and ideas inspired him to co-found inTLlead.org, an international grassroots teacher-librarian leadership group, and #inTLchat, a hashtag and chat that connects librarians all over the world. He is the founding coordinator of 21st Century Library Connection Miniconference and the library strand for 21CLHK Main Conference held in Hong Kong, February 12-15 2025.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-glasner-99a833268/
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14262254/
https://www.instagram.com/dannyglasner/
https://groups.io/g/intllead
https://medium.com/@dannyglasner
Heeru Bhojwani is a dedicated librarian with over 25 years of experience, blending her expertise in literacy, research, and digital innovation. Beginning her journey in primary schools with a focus on literacy, she later advanced to secondary education, promoting research skills, student voice, and choice. Heeru is the co-founder of the Liferarian Association, where she coaches librarians, building their skill sets and supporting underserved communities by helping fund library initiatives. She established the National Jarul Book Award to honor excellence in children’s literature and has published three multilingual anthologies representing over 10 languages. Heeru has presented at NESA, ISTE, and collaborated with KSIPD, running workshops that inspire librarians.
https://heerubhojwani.com/
Liferarian.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/heeru-bhojwani-76975011
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Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 Educators 
