When Nelson's dad surprises him with a brand new robot dog, Sparky, he can't wait to play. But his excitement quickly fades when his amazing new friend doesn't know how to fetch or even sit. A question mark just appears on Sparky's screen face.
Is Sparky broken? Or is he a special kind of robot that needs a teacher to show him the way? Nelson is about to discover that his new friend doesn't come with all the instructions, and it's up to him to provide the data Sparky needs to learn. Can a young boy teach a robot dog how to be a real friend? Find out in Nelson Meets Sparky!
Nelson Meets Sparky is an instructional children's book designed to introduce young learners to the basic concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Teachers and parents can use this book to introduce children to core concepts related to AI and its connection to learning and their daily lives.

Justin
Ballenger
Dr. Justin Ballenger is a professor at Morehouse College, where he helps future teachers get excited about science and math. As an expert in STEM education, he loves using technology, gaming, and virtual worlds to teach kids about science. He is a global explorer and adventurer working with students and teachers throughout the world, helping them explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). He believes that a little bit of curiosity can help you discover amazing things about the world. Dr. Ballenger hopes this book sparks your imagination and inspires you to become an inventor, explorer, or storyteller!