Children’s Librarian Helen Morgus recommends AI Literacy Fundamentals by Ben Jones.
Are you afraid of AI?
You are not alone. And maybe like me, you’re tired of being afraid. To help cast out my fear, I checked out this book.
The book is for nontechnical human beings. Where his straight-forward syntax needs support, Ben Jones uses easily grasped analogies and examples.
And he uses illustrations where too many words would otherwise pile up.
After reading AI Literacy Fundamentals, I was emboldened. I asked AI to generate a two-paragraph review. To my astonishment, Copilot, Microsoft’s AI tool, picked up on the nuances of tone and accessibility in Jones’ writing, going far beyond a summary of the content. For better or worse, I like this review, and I agree with it.
Is this progress? I think so. Am I still afraid? Yes, but less for myself and more for my grandchildren, who MUST learn critical thinking and other intellectual skills, so their brains will thrive and they will know the joy of working their own imaginations and minds.
AI Literacy Fundamentals is a concise and approachable guide for readers seeking a clear understanding of artificial intelligence without technical overwhelm.
Jones explains foundational concepts—such as what AI systems are, how they learn from data, and where they are commonly used—in plain language that makes the subject accessible to non‑technical audiences. The book avoids hype and sci‑fi tropes, instead grounding AI in everyday contexts that help readers see how these systems already shape work, education, and decision‑making.
What sets the book apart is its strong emphasis on critical judgment and responsible use.
Jones repeatedly highlights the limitations of AI, addressing issues like bias, over‑automation, and misplaced trust in algorithmic outputs. Rather than presenting AI as something to fear or blindly adopt, AI Literacy Fundamentals equips readers with the mindset needed to evaluate AI claims thoughtfully. As a result, the book works well as a foundational resource for anyone who wants to engage with AI confidently, ethically, and realistically.
