Maya and the Robot, Eve L. Ewing
Maya and the Robot, Eve L. Ewing
1 Rating(s)
List: $15.00 | Sale: $10.50
Club: $7.50

Maya and the Robot

Author: Eve L. Ewing

Narrator: Bahni Turpin

Unabridged: 4 hr 42 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 07/13/2021


Synopsis

From award-winning author Eve L. Ewing comes a middle grade novel about a forgotten homemade robot who comes to life just when aspiring fifth-grade scientist Maya needs a friend -- and a science fair project.

Maya's nervous about fifth grade. She tries to keep calm by reminding herself she knows what to expect. But then she learns that this year won't be anything like the last. For the first time since kindergarten, her best friends Jada and MJ are placed in a different class without her, and introverted Maya has trouble making new friends.

She tries to put on a brave face since they are in fifth grade now, but Maya is nervous! Just when too much seems to be changing, she finds a robot named Ralph in the back of Mr. Mac's convenience store closet. Once she uses her science skills to get him up and running, a whole new world of connection opens up as Ralph becomes a member of her family and Maya begins to step into her power. In this touching novel, Eve L. Ewing melds together a story about community, adapting to change, and the magic of ingenuity that reminds young listeners that they can always turn to their own curiosity when feeling lost.

About The Author

Eve L. Ewing is the award-winning author of Electric Arches, 1919, and Ghosts in the Schoolyard. She also wrote the acclaimed Ironheart and Champions series for Marvel Comics. Her work has appeared in many venues, including the New York Times, the New Yorker, the Washington Post, and Vanity Fair. Born and raised in Chicago, she was a middle school teacher before completing her doctorate at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Currently she is an assistant professor at the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration.Christine Almeda is a Filipina American freelance illustrator, character designer, and lover of sunshine. She graduated from Montclair State University with a BFA focused on character design and children's media. She believes in the power of creativity, diverse storytelling, and that art can make life more beautiful. Learn more at christinealmeda.com or connect with the illustrator @eychristine. 


Reviews

Goodreads review by Bookishrealm on August 06, 2021

In the past few years there have been some major conversations related to women in STEM particularly women of color in STEM. There have been major campaigns to encourage young women of color to consider STEM related fields as a career choice. Unsurprisingly, books play a major role in influencing, m......more

Goodreads review by Darla on June 24, 2021

Where can I get my own Ralph? I loved the inside look at Maya's research and applications of the scientific method to get him up and running. The neighborhood that Maya lived in was also a wonderful addition to the narrative. There are some tissue-worthy moments as well as some high-five opportuniti......more

Goodreads review by Caitlin on July 24, 2021

This middle-grades novel is so good! It's super engaging, has a great message, relatable characters, and would do well as a mentor text for lots of different skills and strategies. I am excited to use it as a read-aloud this year!......more

Goodreads review by Rummanah (Books in the Spotlight) on April 03, 2023

I had hoped this would be a series because I loved Maya and Ralph! Stem-tastic! Review coming soon.......more

Goodreads review by Jessica on January 05, 2025

I found this book to be a fun and relatable story, perfect for upper elementary and middle school readers. It offers great representation of BIPOC characters and women in STEM, who feel authentic in their experiences and emotions. There is a wonderful balance of humor and poignant moments, including......more


Quotes

PRAISE FOR MAYA AND THE ROBOT

A School Library Journal Best Book of 2021
FOUR STARRED REVIEWS 

"A... positive lesson in bravery, intelligence, and friendship." --Booklist

*"A warm, unforgettable story about following your passions and being yourself." --Kirkus, starred review.

*"A heartfelt title that seamlessly brings tech and creativity to a tween audience with delightful characters and gentle humor."
–-Ashleigh Williams, School Library Journal, starred review.

*"Not only is this story about using one's curiosity and ingenuity to get through a tough time, it's also about the power of community. Christine Almeda's... winning illustrations and relatable topics make Maya and the Robot significant and meaningful." --Lana Barnes, Shelf Awareness, starred review.

*“Interspersed with charming, animation-style b&w illustrations by Almeda, Ewing’s tender-hearted middle grade debut wholly conveys the strength it takes to come out of one’s shell, the thrill of discovery and creation, and the power of pursuing wonder.” –-Publishers Weekly, starred review.

“[T]he perfect read for kids who need a push to pick up a chapter book. Highly illustrated and easily relatable, Maya and the Robot combines friendship struggles, teacher problems, and yes, science....” -- NPR.org
 
"With heart, humor, and ultimately hope, Maya and her beloved robot remind us that even in the most difficult times, there is light on the path... and friendship makes it that much more visible."
--Nic Stone, #1 New York Times bestselling author of DEAR MARTIN


“‘Maya and the Robot,’ a delightful tale by Eve L. Ewing, champions young people’s interest in technology and the world of science fairs…Animated by Christine Almeda’s engaging illustrations, it all makes tech and science seem cool, fun and accessible. And the message, to me at least, is clear: Young readers, don’t be daunted by technology and science.” -- The New York Times Book Review