There isn't much time!

FRANCIS the AI was created to increase Shirley Chisholm Charter Middle School's standardized test scores. But now that it's here, FRANCIS has a lot of ideas for making things better, including taking over the school. All that stands in its way are teachers...and the resourcefulkids in Mr. Pearson's Section C Homeroom. 

Malcolm is racing the clock! If he doesn't get adopted from foster care before he turns 13 in six months, he'll wind up in Child Services' Teen Unit―and he's never heard of anyone getting adopted from there. But now he's in a new school, and one of the top items on his "How to Get Adopted Checklist" is to find a friend to vouch for him to potential adopted parents. 

Making friends the regular way takes a lot of time. But FRANCIS says it will be his friend right away. All Malcolm has to do is look the other way while FRANCIS takes over the school. 

Tank knows everything about fish, oceans and aquariums. He knows how to build a sea urchin habitat. He has a plan for getting rid of harmful algae. 

One day, he'll find solutions for some of the greatest issues on the planet. But until then, he's the person nobody wants to be around, mostly because he smells like sea water and fish.

Even worse, his twin sister, Jade, blames him for her birthmark―and she's determined to make his life miserable forever. 

Ainsley has been best friends with Jade since kindergarten. Talking in secret girl code and swinging their heads in circles so their hair whips around like Ferris wheels are some her favorite things in the world. 

But middle school comes with a lot of new responsibilities: like getting exceptional scores on standardized tests so she earns admission to the best high school...and the best college...and law school. 

Then FRANCIS offers to help the seventh grade improve their test scores in just a few weeks. Is this offer too good to pass up?

If it weren't for the tiny, foot-shaped birthmark on her forehead, Jade's life would be perfect. She's an excellent athlete. She's pretty good in class. She's popular. She's got the best friend ever. But when people look at her, the first (and sometimes only) thing they see is that birthmark, no matter how hard she tries to hide it behind her bangs.

Everyone says that one twin can't give a birthmark to the other twin, but Jade is sure they're wrong. And until someone proves her wrong, she'll never forgive her brother, Tank.