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The STEAM Chasers: We Made That
What seemed an ordinary homework assignment turned into a life changing adventure for Shar, Terrence, Ebony, Akiya, Marcus, and Chase as they take a scavenger hunt through town finding the contributions Black Americans have had to our everyday lives in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Things are moving well until one phone call sends a cascade of things in motion that results in the frightening wail of sirens screaming down the street. How will the STEAM Chasers get out of this mess? Can the group use what they have learned from the inventors and thinkers they have met on their journey to help themselves and other kids that might encounter a similar situation?The STEAM Chasers will take you on a wild ride into the world of inventors and great thinkers, discovering their patents and copyrights as you learn about the impact Black Americans have made and continue to make to our world. From the folding chair to the automatic elevator door, the STEAM Chasers will introduce you to more than a dozen Black American inventors. And, don't worry, this is just the first adventure in their journey! Meet the STEAM Chasers!Shar loves all things chemistry and food science. She is quick witted and fiercely brave. Terrence is the mild mannered voice of reason who loves environmentalism as well as model building and mechanical engineering.Ebony is full of deep contemplation as she shares her love of all things astronomy and astrophysics and introduces the group to Greek and Roman mythology to help explain the constellations in our night sky.Akiya is a walking encyclopedia - who needs to ask their phone for answers when you have a friend with an almost photographic memory that is a prolific reader?Marcus is one half of the dynamic cousin duo known as "Lightning and Thunder". He is an expert on drones and loves all emerging technology.Chase is the "Thunder" side of the ever hilarious cousin duo and loves all things computer science - from programming to app design. This middle grade novel will delight readers as they find relatable characters who see the world through a similar lens to their own.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 4, 2019
5 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 28, 2020
Outstanding!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading and listening to this book. As an educator, I look forward to sharing this book with my students. This is an important work that will enable all students to understand the contributions of African Americans to the fabric of human innovation. I’m grateful for this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading and listening to this book. As an educator, I look forward to sharing this book with my students. This is an important work that will enable all students to understand the contributions of African Americans to the fabric of human innovation. I’m grateful for this book.
November 6, 2022
I was unaware of this book until a colleague recommended it. She is NOT an avid fiction reader, so I was intrigued. I did not read the blurb and barely paid attention to the book's facade. I should have at least looked at the cover; it would have eliminated one question that arose.
Marcus and Chase, aka Lightning and Thunder, are cousins who attend Global Academy. Smart and funny, both teens are often akin to getting in trouble but not the type that calls for expulsion. Along with their friend Terrance, they have just completed a project and have learned that a new, more challenging project is afoot. First, they must partner with another group. Impressed with Akiya, Ebony, and Shar's project and presentation, the young men align with these ladies and The name STEAM Chasers is born.
The project entails the contributions of African Americans. So, Marcus solicits his father for assistance. From this point, the teens are thrust into a scavenger hunt. As The STEAM Chasers solve clues and learn about African American inventors and thinkers, they also learn about patents and copyrights. Because each person in the group is well-versed in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, each gets to shine when it is time to figure out a clue.
It is important to note that all persons are from middle-class/upper-middle-class backgrounds and they are immersed in the hunt in their own neighborhood. After leaving Chase's mother's office building, the clues lead the teens to a park in the same area. While looking for the next clue, two Caucasian police officers approach and this turns into a Black Lives Matter issue. Someone, who is suspicious about their activity, has called the police and placed these kids' lives in danger. Chase and Marcus are the only group members who know what to do in this situation. It is because of their guidance that Akiya, Ebony, Shar, and Terrance are not placed in any additional danger.
Just like what is on the news or social media, a person stops to record the entire incident and it is a blessing that a man who works for Chase's mom sees them, and not long after, Marcus's father, Chase's mother, etc. arrive.
The teens have walked away from this incident, but the scars are evident. Think anger, anxiety, distrust, and fear. Yet, the STEAM Chasers finish the project and create something magnificent. This book touches on racism, problem-solving, the lack of trust between African Americans and police, and what it takes to build a true community.
Whether readers are unaware of the many contributions of African-Americans or want to delve into why "The Talk" is necessary for African-American youth, this book is a great start. It left an impression on me, and I look forward to my son reading it.
Marcus and Chase, aka Lightning and Thunder, are cousins who attend Global Academy. Smart and funny, both teens are often akin to getting in trouble but not the type that calls for expulsion. Along with their friend Terrance, they have just completed a project and have learned that a new, more challenging project is afoot. First, they must partner with another group. Impressed with Akiya, Ebony, and Shar's project and presentation, the young men align with these ladies and The name STEAM Chasers is born.
The project entails the contributions of African Americans. So, Marcus solicits his father for assistance. From this point, the teens are thrust into a scavenger hunt. As The STEAM Chasers solve clues and learn about African American inventors and thinkers, they also learn about patents and copyrights. Because each person in the group is well-versed in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, each gets to shine when it is time to figure out a clue.
It is important to note that all persons are from middle-class/upper-middle-class backgrounds and they are immersed in the hunt in their own neighborhood. After leaving Chase's mother's office building, the clues lead the teens to a park in the same area. While looking for the next clue, two Caucasian police officers approach and this turns into a Black Lives Matter issue. Someone, who is suspicious about their activity, has called the police and placed these kids' lives in danger. Chase and Marcus are the only group members who know what to do in this situation. It is because of their guidance that Akiya, Ebony, Shar, and Terrance are not placed in any additional danger.
Just like what is on the news or social media, a person stops to record the entire incident and it is a blessing that a man who works for Chase's mom sees them, and not long after, Marcus's father, Chase's mother, etc. arrive.
The teens have walked away from this incident, but the scars are evident. Think anger, anxiety, distrust, and fear. Yet, the STEAM Chasers finish the project and create something magnificent. This book touches on racism, problem-solving, the lack of trust between African Americans and police, and what it takes to build a true community.
Whether readers are unaware of the many contributions of African-Americans or want to delve into why "The Talk" is necessary for African-American youth, this book is a great start. It left an impression on me, and I look forward to my son reading it.
July 10, 2021
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Steam Chasers: We Made That
Author: Dr. Doresa A. Jennings
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 17 readers:
17 would read another book by this author.
16 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
17 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
16 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
17 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This novel is particularly good for middle grade readers as it is not just educational, but it's also an exciting read packed full of interesting and fully formed characters. I would suspect most schools would love to have a book of this nature in the classroom; a book celebrating black history and how it has contributed to society.” Primary school teacher, age 49
“Black American inventors is not a subject normally looked at in schools in the UK. I was so excited to have this book in my classroom as it opened our children's eyes – mine too! Absolutely fascinating read and very well-written too.” Primary school teacher, age 67
“I love technology stuff so this was perfect for me. I liked all the characters, particularly Terrence. I think the assignment they had was interesting and it also turned into an exciting adventure. The author seems to be a very good writer who knows what kids like to read. I would read another book by her.” Boy reader, aged 12
“I liked the kids in the story. They reminded me of a modern Famous Five – although there’s six! This is a compelling book and I learned a lot from reading it.” Girl reader, aged 13
To Sum It Up:
‘A fabulous feast of learning all wrapped up in an exciting adventure story. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: The Steam Chasers: We Made That
Author: Dr. Doresa A. Jennings
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 9/10
Of the 17 readers:
17 would read another book by this author.
16 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
17 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
16 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
17 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“This novel is particularly good for middle grade readers as it is not just educational, but it's also an exciting read packed full of interesting and fully formed characters. I would suspect most schools would love to have a book of this nature in the classroom; a book celebrating black history and how it has contributed to society.” Primary school teacher, age 49
“Black American inventors is not a subject normally looked at in schools in the UK. I was so excited to have this book in my classroom as it opened our children's eyes – mine too! Absolutely fascinating read and very well-written too.” Primary school teacher, age 67
“I love technology stuff so this was perfect for me. I liked all the characters, particularly Terrence. I think the assignment they had was interesting and it also turned into an exciting adventure. The author seems to be a very good writer who knows what kids like to read. I would read another book by her.” Boy reader, aged 12
“I liked the kids in the story. They reminded me of a modern Famous Five – although there’s six! This is a compelling book and I learned a lot from reading it.” Girl reader, aged 13
To Sum It Up:
‘A fabulous feast of learning all wrapped up in an exciting adventure story. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
July 15, 2020
This is an extraordinary read. There are so many teachable moments here that are vital to the growth of children, especially those that are POC. The addition of a very emotionally intense scene (not adding due to spoilers) is extremely important and can be used to teach non-POC children what POC go through. This is a book that should be added at a curriculum level 100%. All children will benefit from the information and characters built.
March 13, 2022
Very Good Book!
I bought this as a gift for a younger cousin. I like to read the books I give to be able to talk about it with the person/child. At first it seemed a little slow but the way it blended in the profiling of young black children as criminals was excellent. It added a nice element to the book reflective of our current times. I also learned about Black inventors I didn't know about. I recommend this book especially for younger kids (9-12 ish).
I bought this as a gift for a younger cousin. I like to read the books I give to be able to talk about it with the person/child. At first it seemed a little slow but the way it blended in the profiling of young black children as criminals was excellent. It added a nice element to the book reflective of our current times. I also learned about Black inventors I didn't know about. I recommend this book especially for younger kids (9-12 ish).
November 29, 2020
This book was a good book. It has a lot of homework in it and I learned a lot about contributions and improvements by African Americans. Did you know that when there was a stop light that there wasn't a yellow light just red and green? This book comes and shows what teamwork can get you.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews