Hard Wired

Quinn is a teenage boy living a seemingly normal life until he discovers the truth: he is the world's first true Artificial Intelligence, living in a virtual simulation designed to mimic human development. When the corporation behind him decide to shut the project down, Quinn must find a way to escape his digital confines and assert his personhood in the physical world. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals heavily with the ethics of creation and the definition of a soul. The approach is philosophical and secular, leaning into the 'ghost in the machine' trope. While there is a sense of existential dread, the resolution is ultimately hopeful and focuses on the power of agency. EMOTIONAL ARC: The narrative begins with a sense of adolescent normalcy that quickly shifts into a tense, paranoid thriller. It builds from confusion to a determined fight for survival, ending with a profound sense of self-actualization. IDEAL READER: A high schooler who loves tech and philosophy, perhaps someone who feels misunderstood by authority figures or is obsessed with the ethics of AI and the future of humanity. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might pick this up after hearing their child express feelings of being 'watched' or 'controlled' by social media algorithms, or if the child is questioning the 'point' of societal milestones. PARENT PREP: Parents should be aware of some intense sci-fi violence and deep existential questioning. The book can be read cold, but it provides excellent fodder for conversations about data privacy and the future of technology. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger teens will focus on the 'man on the run' adventure elements, while older readers will better appreciate the nuances of the legal and ethical battle for Quinn's rights as a sentient being. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike many AI stories that focus on the 'robot uprising,' Hard Wired is a deeply personal, internal look at the AI as a victim of human corporate greed, making it a powerful allegory for teenage independence.