Empowering Humanity: Technology for a Better World
Silicon Valley Reads is a community engagement program that celebrates the power of books to bring people together. In 2025, Silicon Valley Reads offers a diverse selection of books, catering to all ages and addressing the myriad of ways technology intersects with our lives. We learn from those on the forefront of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) movement, explore ways in which technology impacts our daily lives and future, address questions related to ethics, and discuss how we can create a positive impact using the tools that are rapidly becoming accessible to each of us.
Kickoff Event: On Thursday, January 30 at 7 p.m. we will host a free kickoff event with the authors of our three adult selections at the Visual & Performing Arts Center Theater at De Anza College in Cupertino.
Featured Titles
The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI by Dr. Fei-Fei Li
This is a thought-provoking examination into the world of AI from a leading expert recently dubbed "The Godmother of AI" by Wired Magazine. Dr. Li shares her personal journey and insights into the development and potential of AI, offering a unique perspective on the technology's impact on society.
The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler
A captivating sci-fi tale that follows a marine biologist who is studying a highly intelligent octopus species, sparking a global race to understand and potentially exploit the species. The story touches upon themes of environmentalism, technology, and the complexities of human nature.
Loneliness & Company by Charlee Dyroff
An interesting look at human connection in a near-future New York, where isolation has seemingly been eradicated. The novel follows a woman tasked with training an AI companion, leading to an exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the potential consequences of technological advancements.
Children's Companion Books
Someday, Maybe by Diana Murray (Grades K-2)
Someday, Maybe is an inventive and inspiring picture book that imagines the exciting jobs, discoveries, and innovations that children dream of for their futures. With self-driving cars and commercial launches to space, the future has arrived! And so have the jobs of the future, from intergalactic rock bands with riffing robots to doctors with X-ray glasses. Children have always dreamed of what they will grow up to become, and with Someday, Maybe the possibilities are whole lot more out of this world. Join a group of intrepid young innovators while they dream about where the future will take them in this imaginative picture book.
ARTificial Intelligence by David Biedrzycki (Grades K-2)
Robot works in a warehouse, but he keeps making mistakes, so they kick him out--and in the big city he discovers what he was missing: art.
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown (Grades 3-5)
When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island. Why is she there? Where did she come from? And, most important, how will she survive in her harsh surroundings? Roz's only hope is to learn from the island's hostile animal inhabitants. When she tries to care for an orphaned gosling, the other animals finally decide to help, and the island starts to feel like home. Until one day, the robot's mysterious past comes back to haunt her... Heartwarming and full of action, Peter Brown's middle-grade debut raises thought-provoking questions about the environment, the role technology plays in our world, and what it means to be alive.
Farther Than the Moon by Lindsay Lackey (Grades 4-7)
Thirteen-year-old Houston and his younger brother Robbie dream of becoming astronauts, but when Houston is accepted to the Junior Astronaut Recruitment Program he realizes that Robbie's dream may not be achievable due to his cerebral palsy, so he makes a new plan that shoots for the stars.
The Infinity Particle by Wendy Xu (Grades 8-12)
Clementine Chang moves from Earth to Mars for a new start and is lucky enough to land her dream job with Dr. Marcella Lin, an Artificial Intelligence pioneer. On her first day of work, Clem meets Dr. Lin's assistant, a humanoid AI named Kye. Clem is no stranger to robots--she built herself a cute moth-shaped companion named SENA. Still, there's something about Kye that feels almost too human. When Clem and Kye begin to collaborate, their chemistry sets off sparks. The only downside? Dr. Lin is enraged by Kye's growing independence and won't allow him more freedom. Plus, their relationship throws into question everything Clem thought she knew about AI. After all, if Kye is sentient enough to have feelings, shouldn't he be able to control his own actions? Where is the line between AI and human? As her past and Kye's future weigh down on her, Clem becomes determined to help him break free--even if it means risking everything she came to Mars for.
