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Maya and the Robot
From award-winning author Eve L. Ewing comes an illustrated 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 readers that they can always turn to their own curiosity when feeling lost.
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 readers that they can always turn to their own curiosity when feeling lost.
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First published July 13, 2021
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About the author
Eve L. Ewing
98 books1,197 followersDr. Eve Louise Ewing is a writer and a sociologist of education from Chicago. Ewing is a prolific writer across multiple genres. Her 2018 book Ghosts in the Schoolyard: Racism & School Closings on Chicago's South Side explores the relationship between the closing of public schools and the structural history of race and racism in Chicago's Bronzeville community.
Ewing's first collection of poetry, essays, and visual art, Electric Arches, was published by Haymarket Books in 2017. Her second collection, 1919, tells the story of the race riot that rocked Chicago in the summer of that year. Her first book for elementary readers, Maya and the Robot, is forthcoming in 2020 from Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House.
Her work has been published in many venues, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Nation, The Washington Post, The New Republic, Poetry Magazine, and the anthology American Journal: Fifty Poems for Our Time, curated by Tracy K. Smith, Poet Laureate of the United States. With Nate Marshall, she co-wrote the play No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks, produced by Manual Cinema and commissioned by the Poetry Foundation. She also currently writes the Champions series for Marvel Comics and previously wrote the acclaimed Ironheart series, as well as other projects.
Ewing's first collection of poetry, essays, and visual art, Electric Arches, was published by Haymarket Books in 2017. Her second collection, 1919, tells the story of the race riot that rocked Chicago in the summer of that year. Her first book for elementary readers, Maya and the Robot, is forthcoming in 2020 from Kokila, an imprint of Penguin Random House.
Her work has been published in many venues, including The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Atlantic, The Nation, The Washington Post, The New Republic, Poetry Magazine, and the anthology American Journal: Fifty Poems for Our Time, curated by Tracy K. Smith, Poet Laureate of the United States. With Nate Marshall, she co-wrote the play No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks, produced by Manual Cinema and commissioned by the Poetry Foundation. She also currently writes the Champions series for Marvel Comics and previously wrote the acclaimed Ironheart series, as well as other projects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
August 7, 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, motivating, and encouraging youth. Maya and the Robot is a great example of Black girls in STEM that I wish I would have had growing up.
Maya and the Robot starts with bang as Maya's robot creates a huge and devastating mess in the school cafeteria. Assuming that readers have no idea what's going on, Maya takes them through the series of events that led up to this opening event. What is so amazing about this novel is that it tackles a number of different things like school age friendships, bullying, grief, insecurity/confidence, etc. It does so in a way that's accessible and appropriate for the target audience. Maya goes through some serious changes and learns how to find her voice after finding herself in a new classroom without her best friends. During this time, she acquires Ralph (the robot) from Mr. Mac whose son used to own and work on Ralph. Maya puts her science and technology skills to the test in order to get him working again. It's interesting that through this robot, Maya learns so much about herself and those around her. What's so great is that all the adults in Maya's life are extremely supportive of her goals in relationship to Ralph even the adults that Maya thinks don't notice or care about her. She has so much determination and passion and it was so great to see her make so many great strides to becoming a great scientist and a great friend.
The writing of this is extremely accessible and easy to follow. Even the more science based aspects of the books especially those related to Ralph were easy to understand. One criticism that I do have of this book is that it reads young. While it is labeled as a middle grade novel, Maya's voice feels a tad bit on the younger side. Fifth grade is considered to be in the realm of middle grade; however, I don't see a lot of older middle grade readers picking this one up. Nevertheless, it is great representation of Black girls who love STEM. Although Maya does have issue with other students at school, I feel as though most of this book is focused on her success and love for science. It was fast paced and I really loved seeing everything come together in the end. Definitely give this one a try.
Maya and the Robot starts with bang as Maya's robot creates a huge and devastating mess in the school cafeteria. Assuming that readers have no idea what's going on, Maya takes them through the series of events that led up to this opening event. What is so amazing about this novel is that it tackles a number of different things like school age friendships, bullying, grief, insecurity/confidence, etc. It does so in a way that's accessible and appropriate for the target audience. Maya goes through some serious changes and learns how to find her voice after finding herself in a new classroom without her best friends. During this time, she acquires Ralph (the robot) from Mr. Mac whose son used to own and work on Ralph. Maya puts her science and technology skills to the test in order to get him working again. It's interesting that through this robot, Maya learns so much about herself and those around her. What's so great is that all the adults in Maya's life are extremely supportive of her goals in relationship to Ralph even the adults that Maya thinks don't notice or care about her. She has so much determination and passion and it was so great to see her make so many great strides to becoming a great scientist and a great friend.
The writing of this is extremely accessible and easy to follow. Even the more science based aspects of the books especially those related to Ralph were easy to understand. One criticism that I do have of this book is that it reads young. While it is labeled as a middle grade novel, Maya's voice feels a tad bit on the younger side. Fifth grade is considered to be in the realm of middle grade; however, I don't see a lot of older middle grade readers picking this one up. Nevertheless, it is great representation of Black girls who love STEM. Although Maya does have issue with other students at school, I feel as though most of this book is focused on her success and love for science. It was fast paced and I really loved seeing everything come together in the end. Definitely give this one a try.
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 opportunities. Includes some friendship do's and don'ts as well as a classroom teacher who does not seem to be a good match at first. No teacher is the perfect fit for every child, but that does not mean there are not many opportunities to learn and grow in the classroom.
Thank you to Kokila and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Kokila and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2021
I wish there were more books like this when I was a young reader! Maya is a shy, science-loving Black girl growing up in a working class Chicago neighborhood. When she discovers Ralph, a friendly homemade robot, she’s feeling lonely after being assigned to a different fifth-grade classroom from her two best friends. Ralph ultimately helps her learn more not just about science and technology, but also the power of friendship and the importance of believing in herself. This is a great book for elementary or middle school-age kids, especially if they’re interested in STEM. Thanks to Eve Ewing’s team for the advanced readers copy.
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!
August 4, 2023
Note: Read-aloud with J & A. They each gave this 5 stars.
December 31, 2022
Maya is having a difficult year. First she's separated from her best friends, Jada and MJ, and then she ends up in the mean teacher's class. The one thing she's looking forward to is the science fair. She's been waiting for her chance to enter when she got to 5th grade.
While Maya is helping her friend, Mr. Mack, clean out the cupboard in his store she comes across something amazing, a real robot! Ralph was made by Mr. Mack's son, Christopher, a genius who went to Harvard. He hasn't been used for awhile, but Mr. Mack gives him to Maya.
Maya isn't sure how to get Ralph working until she visits the library with her aunt. In a presentation about batteries Maya figures out what she needs! Luckily the presenter at the library has an extra for her to take.
When Ralph comes to life Maya's whole world changes. Now she has a friend! Ralph helps with chores, helps Mr. Mack translate, goes shopping with her mom, and comforts Maya when she needs it.
Unfortunately things don't go well at the science fair, what could be wrong with Ralph?!
What I liked about this book:
*Maya was shy and it was very realistic. I also liked how the author showed the other perspective - sometimes people that are shy may come off as unfriendly when they aren't trying to be. Maya learns that in the end. I like that students who are shy can relate to Maya and in a safe way learn about how they may appear to others. As someone who was pretty shy growing up, I really appreciated that.
*As an aunt who loves being with her niece and nephews, I liked how it showed her aunt as part of her life. :)
*I liked Maya's community and how it showed the diversity. The book talked about how Mr. Mack wished he could communicate better with all his neighbors that spoke so many languages. I think a lot of people feel that way. It would be wonderful to speak lots of languages.
*So much of school revolves around friends and which classes you're in. It can make a big difference in a young life when they are separated from their friends. I think Ewing showed this well and I think it's a feeling a lot of young readers will understand.
*Maya's parents are divorced but she has a good relationship with both of them. I thought it was pretty realistic.
*Maya's family doesn't have a lot of money but it's something that is inferred, not a major part of the story. I liked that the author showed a realistic family situation where there is still stability and joy, even without a lot of money. Sometimes I feel like books either focus on extreme poverty or extreme wealth without a lot in between.
While there is a lot to like in this book, I still gave it three stars because it was all very surface level. There was SO much going on that we never really got deep with any one thing. I know that is more similar to how real life is - so many things happening at once - but I don't think it works as well in a book.
In the end when the author threw in the all I could think was "are you kidding me?!?" That was just a step too far for me in this type of book. I love the idea of sharing a book about girls in STEM but that addition made it inaccessible for a lot of young readers I know. On the other hand, it will probably help other readers be seen because, sadly, it's a facet of their lives. I can appreciate the author trying to include so many different people. (She also includes a minor character with they/them pronouns.)
Even though Maya is in fifth grade and some of the themes were meant for older readers, the book read more like a third grade level book. There's nothing wrong with that, just something to note.
Overall, this is a book I would keep in a classroom library, and recommend to readers, but it's not one I would use for a read aloud or a book group because of some the things I mentioned.
While Maya is helping her friend, Mr. Mack, clean out the cupboard in his store she comes across something amazing, a real robot! Ralph was made by Mr. Mack's son, Christopher, a genius who went to Harvard. He hasn't been used for awhile, but Mr. Mack gives him to Maya.
Maya isn't sure how to get Ralph working until she visits the library with her aunt. In a presentation about batteries Maya figures out what she needs! Luckily the presenter at the library has an extra for her to take.
When Ralph comes to life Maya's whole world changes. Now she has a friend! Ralph helps with chores, helps Mr. Mack translate, goes shopping with her mom, and comforts Maya when she needs it.
Unfortunately things don't go well at the science fair, what could be wrong with Ralph?!
What I liked about this book:
*Maya was shy and it was very realistic. I also liked how the author showed the other perspective - sometimes people that are shy may come off as unfriendly when they aren't trying to be. Maya learns that in the end. I like that students who are shy can relate to Maya and in a safe way learn about how they may appear to others. As someone who was pretty shy growing up, I really appreciated that.
*As an aunt who loves being with her niece and nephews, I liked how it showed her aunt as part of her life. :)
*I liked Maya's community and how it showed the diversity. The book talked about how Mr. Mack wished he could communicate better with all his neighbors that spoke so many languages. I think a lot of people feel that way. It would be wonderful to speak lots of languages.
*So much of school revolves around friends and which classes you're in. It can make a big difference in a young life when they are separated from their friends. I think Ewing showed this well and I think it's a feeling a lot of young readers will understand.
*Maya's parents are divorced but she has a good relationship with both of them. I thought it was pretty realistic.
*Maya's family doesn't have a lot of money but it's something that is inferred, not a major part of the story. I liked that the author showed a realistic family situation where there is still stability and joy, even without a lot of money. Sometimes I feel like books either focus on extreme poverty or extreme wealth without a lot in between.
While there is a lot to like in this book, I still gave it three stars because it was all very surface level. There was SO much going on that we never really got deep with any one thing. I know that is more similar to how real life is - so many things happening at once - but I don't think it works as well in a book.
In the end when the author threw in the all I could think was "are you kidding me?!?" That was just a step too far for me in this type of book. I love the idea of sharing a book about girls in STEM but that addition made it inaccessible for a lot of young readers I know. On the other hand, it will probably help other readers be seen because, sadly, it's a facet of their lives. I can appreciate the author trying to include so many different people. (She also includes a minor character with they/them pronouns.)
Even though Maya is in fifth grade and some of the themes were meant for older readers, the book read more like a third grade level book. There's nothing wrong with that, just something to note.
Overall, this is a book I would keep in a classroom library, and recommend to readers, but it's not one I would use for a read aloud or a book group because of some the things I mentioned.
May 19, 2022
My favorite thing about this book is the representation and diversity like a Black girl in STEM and a non-binary character. I didn't expect to cry a little either tbh but it was def worth it 😊
April 3, 2023
I had hoped this would be a series because I loved Maya and Ralph! Stem-tastic! Review coming soon.
Read
August 18, 2023
Trigger & Content Warnings
Death from gun violence mentioned
Death from gun violence mentioned
December 4, 2021
Maya is looking forward to the start of school...but is disappointed when she realizes her two best friends are in a different class. The first few months of school are challenging because Maya feels isolated and alone. But that changes when her local store owner gifts her an unfinished robot. Maya gets the robot (named Ralph) running and it brings together her family, her community, and her classmates.
A fun early chapter book with a focus on STEM, friendship, school relationships, and building strong communities.
A fun early chapter book with a focus on STEM, friendship, school relationships, and building strong communities.
January 5, 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 loneliness, shifting friendship dynamics, and loss that are age-appropriate and meaningful. The science elements are also easy to understand and add an educational layer to the story for budding scientists.
July 21, 2022
I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this neighborhood and would love to read more books like it! There are still issues and people dealing with struggles, but they are all so connected and friendly and just neighborly. Maya is a great heroine with worries kids her age would relate to (feeling lonely, wondering if you are good enough). Some of the plot decisions towards the end were maybe a bit on the nose for me, but overall I valued my time with this story.
January 29, 2022
"Five and a half stars. The themes were robots, science, and school. Maya was a girl who likes Legos. In Mr. Mac's store she finds a robot. She brings it to school. Its name is Ralph. It went haywire because Zoe Winters had messed with it, and it was flinging food because someone named Marcus was saying, 'Food fight, food fight!' Since it had gone haywire, when he was saying that, you would usually have to say his name (Ralph) and then he would say a command, but he went haywire since that Marcus guy was saying that. It was interesting. I found it so exciting that I read ten chapters at night and in the morning seven chapters, and I finished it on the date 1-29-22. I would recommend it to everyone, especially kids who like robots."
--first grader
--first grader
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2023
Family read aloud. Sweet story about hard changes, friendship, being yourself, and the coolness of science. I love how this book introduced my country living kids to urban life. The characters were so sweet that I wished i could live in their neighborhood and shop at Mr. Mac’s store. Wonderful vocabulary words.
May 16, 2024
Extremely cute middle grade novel about a girl and her robot. While I’m not the audience for this, I could see it being appealing to kids in the 10-13 range, especially if they have an interest in STEM. I like how the characters talk like real kids and are not aged up to sound like high schoolers. Bonus for the main character being BIPOC.
August 10, 2021
What a great book! It was well-written, funny, and heart-warming. It dealt with a few different subjects but didn't feel bogged down by them. Those subjects include science, friends, school, and gun violence. I really hope we get to see more of Maya, her friends, and Ralph!
August 1, 2021
Loved this one--perfect for grades 3/4/5
August 16, 2021
Such a sweet lovely book!
March 3, 2022
very cute book! It turned out to be much more than I expected!
January 23, 2024
This is a great middle grade Bluestem novel for kids who love science, robots, and friendship. No wonder so many of my students have been reading it… I’m looking forward to talking about it with them!
July 21, 2025
2025-26 Elementary School Battle of the Books selection
Pretty good!
Pretty good!
August 27, 2021
Maya lives in the city with her mom and baby brother, Amir, and her 5th-grade year is starting off very poorly. First, she has a difficult (somewhat boring) teacher. Next, she learns that her two best friends will not be in her class. Thirdly, she has to deal with Zoe who is unkind to her. So she has to try to make friends while also adjusting to a less friendly instructor (who calls her Patricia, even though everyone knows she goes by Maya!). However, 5th grade also means the school science fair. Maya loves science, technology, engineering, and math and she is doubly excited when she finds Ralph in the back of Mr. Mac's store.
This is a lovely, heartbreaking, and hopeful story about Maya dealing with loneliness, her community, and the evolution of friendships. Written from Maya's POV, we learn about her community as she does: in ways that transcend her typical interactions, but also through the lens of the adults around her. Maya begins to gain confidence in herself while also learning to find her voice and speaking up for herself. Eve Ewing touches on grief, loss, bullying, jealousy, and loneliness in a way that is relatable to middle-grade readers and will pull on the heartstrings of any adult tempered with humor and hopeful resilience of different characters.
E-ARC provided by NetGalley.
This is a lovely, heartbreaking, and hopeful story about Maya dealing with loneliness, her community, and the evolution of friendships. Written from Maya's POV, we learn about her community as she does: in ways that transcend her typical interactions, but also through the lens of the adults around her. Maya begins to gain confidence in herself while also learning to find her voice and speaking up for herself. Eve Ewing touches on grief, loss, bullying, jealousy, and loneliness in a way that is relatable to middle-grade readers and will pull on the heartstrings of any adult tempered with humor and hopeful resilience of different characters.
E-ARC provided by NetGalley.
September 10, 2022
Like most books about robots, I wish this had been more about the robot and less about Maya. A book with a robot protagonist is more my jam.
July 13, 2021
Friendship, jealousy, loneliness, grief, finding your voice, resilience, and pursuing your interests are all themes tucked neatly into this story about a girl and her new mechanical companion. Maya’s best friends are in a different class this year, and for the first time, Maya is not looking forward to school. On top of that, Zoe is mean to her, and her teacher calls her by her first name instead of by Maya. But then, Maya finds a robot in the stock room while working at the store for Mr. MacMillan. She loves science and engineering, and this is exciting! She finds out that Mr. Mac’s son Christopher built the robot years ago, but Christopher is gone now, and Maya is not sure where he is. Maya gets the robot to work and all is well until sabotage at the science fair!
This is a good story with heavy moments tempered with humor and fun. Maya learns that there is more to people than she can see on the outside, that Christopher was shot and killed 10 years ago and Mr. Mac is still really sad, that Zoe is mean because she’s jealous and thinks Maya’s life is perfect, that her teacher calls her the wrong name because she doesn’t know any different and Maya never spoke up to correct her.
Highly recommended!
This is a good story with heavy moments tempered with humor and fun. Maya learns that there is more to people than she can see on the outside, that Christopher was shot and killed 10 years ago and Mr. Mac is still really sad, that Zoe is mean because she’s jealous and thinks Maya’s life is perfect, that her teacher calls her the wrong name because she doesn’t know any different and Maya never spoke up to correct her.
Highly recommended!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2021
4.5 stars; really liked this one!
Read
November 6, 2025G, P
July 23, 2025
Read, for kid book club, July 2025.
Ch 1. Food fight, present day.
Maya created the robot that is creating havoc in the cafeteria during the Science Fair, robot is throwing food.
zoe winters, popular girl, has choc pudding on her project and in her hair.
Maya's best friend, Jada, her bridge project is destroyed.
Maya is addressed by the principal.
Ch 2 is a Flashback to when the problems began/first day of school:
Maya shares room w little brother
her mom works 2 jobs
best friends mj and Dana, don't live nearby
pancakes make the world a better place
Maya finds out she is in Ms. Rodriguez class (very strict, not fun), while Jada and MJ are in Ms. Montgomery class (the coolest 5th gradecteacher); firstvuear they aren't in the same class together.
Ch 3. Maya doesn't correct teacher calling her Patricia. Learns Jada and mj won't be in her same recess and she is lonely.
ch 4. mac's everything store. "next week is another chance for things to be better."
learns Mr. mac has son Christopher, realizes she knows very little about his life.
---besides home, do you have a safe place or a safe adult you can talk to?
ch 5. closet clean out, Meet Ralph.
ch 6. Maya feels left out from her friends at the assembly to talk about the science fair.
ch 7. Daddy picks Maya up - adventure to the library. learns that Daddy doesn't want to tell her about Chris. Maya is frustrated that Chris didnt have the instructions for Ralph all figured out.
ch 8. museum w Aunt Lou. Acquiring the z battery.
---who would like a peanut butter and honey and banana and cinnamon and jelly sandwich?
System reset and Ralph is following commands!
ch 9. Ralph can learn. Maya takes him to Mr. Mac's store, and Mr Mac gets teary eyed thinking of Chris.
ch 10. email ro Dr. Yazzie. ralph helps get them ready for school. lonely at school, meets Elijah. is not very nice to him on the playground when he asks why she is alone, introduces himself as new this year.
--- why do you think she isnt very nice to Elijah, and could she have handled it differently or better? if so, how?
ch 11. grocery shopping w Ralph.
Maya and mom discuss some of the hardships of school, developing new friendships.
ch 12. Ralph learns different languages
ch 13. sadness companionship sequence.
Maya learns that Christopher is not alive. Sad even though she never met him, bc she knew him through Ralph, and sad for Mr. Mac.
ch 14. Christopher's memorial, shot 10 years ago.
ch 15. science fair. what did zoe do to Ralph?
ch 16. zoe hits reset. Ralph starts food fight.
Jada and mj and Elijah (new kid) come to the rescue, telling Maya and the principal that zoe messed with Ralph.
turns out, Zoe wanted to be friends, but had trouble just saying hi.
ch 17. Cleaning up after the food fight. friends come thru, and Elijah might be a new friend, too. mj and Jada thought Maya was too busy for them (important to talk things out).
1st grader asked about Ralph, which she thought was her science fair project. Maya talked for 15 min, and did a great job. Ms. Montgomery graded her on Ralph, and realized she liked to be called Maya, maybe she isnt so bad.
1st grader asked if she was a real scientist, and Maya answered Yes!
Overall, I am prob not the target audience, but reading because my 3rd grader wants to do a bookclub.
Parts are very heavy for an elementary aged book. but well done, easy to relate to the characters. who hadn't felt lonely?
I liked that Maya is easy to relate too. that her intellect, race, divorced parents, they/them pronouns (of minor character) were just part of life and not the story itself.
didn't like: Maya just happens to be able to get her hands on a z battery when she needs it. Seems especially easy to teach Ralph and seems that was over simplified.
Ch 1. Food fight, present day.
Maya created the robot that is creating havoc in the cafeteria during the Science Fair, robot is throwing food.
zoe winters, popular girl, has choc pudding on her project and in her hair.
Maya's best friend, Jada, her bridge project is destroyed.
Maya is addressed by the principal.
Ch 2 is a Flashback to when the problems began/first day of school:
Maya shares room w little brother
her mom works 2 jobs
best friends mj and Dana, don't live nearby
pancakes make the world a better place
Maya finds out she is in Ms. Rodriguez class (very strict, not fun), while Jada and MJ are in Ms. Montgomery class (the coolest 5th gradecteacher); firstvuear they aren't in the same class together.
Ch 3. Maya doesn't correct teacher calling her Patricia. Learns Jada and mj won't be in her same recess and she is lonely.
ch 4. mac's everything store. "next week is another chance for things to be better."
learns Mr. mac has son Christopher, realizes she knows very little about his life.
---besides home, do you have a safe place or a safe adult you can talk to?
ch 5. closet clean out, Meet Ralph.
ch 6. Maya feels left out from her friends at the assembly to talk about the science fair.
ch 7. Daddy picks Maya up - adventure to the library. learns that Daddy doesn't want to tell her about Chris. Maya is frustrated that Chris didnt have the instructions for Ralph all figured out.
ch 8. museum w Aunt Lou. Acquiring the z battery.
---who would like a peanut butter and honey and banana and cinnamon and jelly sandwich?
System reset and Ralph is following commands!
ch 9. Ralph can learn. Maya takes him to Mr. Mac's store, and Mr Mac gets teary eyed thinking of Chris.
ch 10. email ro Dr. Yazzie. ralph helps get them ready for school. lonely at school, meets Elijah. is not very nice to him on the playground when he asks why she is alone, introduces himself as new this year.
--- why do you think she isnt very nice to Elijah, and could she have handled it differently or better? if so, how?
ch 11. grocery shopping w Ralph.
Maya and mom discuss some of the hardships of school, developing new friendships.
ch 12. Ralph learns different languages
ch 13. sadness companionship sequence.
Maya learns that Christopher is not alive. Sad even though she never met him, bc she knew him through Ralph, and sad for Mr. Mac.
ch 14. Christopher's memorial, shot 10 years ago.
ch 15. science fair. what did zoe do to Ralph?
ch 16. zoe hits reset. Ralph starts food fight.
Jada and mj and Elijah (new kid) come to the rescue, telling Maya and the principal that zoe messed with Ralph.
turns out, Zoe wanted to be friends, but had trouble just saying hi.
ch 17. Cleaning up after the food fight. friends come thru, and Elijah might be a new friend, too. mj and Jada thought Maya was too busy for them (important to talk things out).
1st grader asked about Ralph, which she thought was her science fair project. Maya talked for 15 min, and did a great job. Ms. Montgomery graded her on Ralph, and realized she liked to be called Maya, maybe she isnt so bad.
1st grader asked if she was a real scientist, and Maya answered Yes!
Overall, I am prob not the target audience, but reading because my 3rd grader wants to do a bookclub.
Parts are very heavy for an elementary aged book. but well done, easy to relate to the characters. who hadn't felt lonely?
I liked that Maya is easy to relate too. that her intellect, race, divorced parents, they/them pronouns (of minor character) were just part of life and not the story itself.
didn't like: Maya just happens to be able to get her hands on a z battery when she needs it. Seems especially easy to teach Ralph and seems that was over simplified.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2023
4.5. I loved reading this book! I can definitely see myself rereading it, and that’s not something I say often!! Firstly, the pacing was great as something was always happening to propel the plot or the characters forward, which meant I was super engaged from the get-go.
Maya was a fantastic MC. I loved her nerdiness around science, and her drive and curiosity to learn more. I myself learnt some sciency facts from her, and really enjoyed her accessible explanations. The feelings that she experienced with being separated from her friends at school were so honest and took me right back to when I was going through a similar time. Maya also had so much joy and playfulness which was so lovely to see as the reader! The story is mostly focussed on Maya’s character development, specifically in relation to her gaining confidence in herself as a scientist, but also in learning the nuances of friendship. I thought both aspects were really well done.
Ralph was also a fab character. He was adorable and I was giggling out loud when he was trying to cheer Maya up.
There were three others themes that, while not focal points of the story, were important nonetheless and executed brilliantly. These were bullying, grief, and community. The story explores the impact of bullying and social isolation, and even why someone might become a bully (though of course it doesn’t excuse the act of bullying itself). The book also shows what grief can look and feel like. In particular, I loved how it showed the validity of the grief of children. Finally, and one of my favourite parts of the book as a whole, was the depiction of community. At home, Maya is surrounded by people who love and support and KNOW her and one another. It was just so heartwarming to see.
The plot did feel a little directionless at times which is why I docked half a star, but obviously it wasn’t that much of a biggie!
Maya was a fantastic MC. I loved her nerdiness around science, and her drive and curiosity to learn more. I myself learnt some sciency facts from her, and really enjoyed her accessible explanations. The feelings that she experienced with being separated from her friends at school were so honest and took me right back to when I was going through a similar time. Maya also had so much joy and playfulness which was so lovely to see as the reader! The story is mostly focussed on Maya’s character development, specifically in relation to her gaining confidence in herself as a scientist, but also in learning the nuances of friendship. I thought both aspects were really well done.
Ralph was also a fab character. He was adorable and I was giggling out loud when he was trying to cheer Maya up.
There were three others themes that, while not focal points of the story, were important nonetheless and executed brilliantly. These were bullying, grief, and community. The story explores the impact of bullying and social isolation, and even why someone might become a bully (though of course it doesn’t excuse the act of bullying itself). The book also shows what grief can look and feel like. In particular, I loved how it showed the validity of the grief of children. Finally, and one of my favourite parts of the book as a whole, was the depiction of community. At home, Maya is surrounded by people who love and support and KNOW her and one another. It was just so heartwarming to see.
The plot did feel a little directionless at times which is why I docked half a star, but obviously it wasn’t that much of a biggie!
June 15, 2023
The story opens as Maya's robot, Ralph, single-handedly ambushes the highly anticipated school science fair. Projectile pudding. Mashed potato missiles. Hardly an exhibit is spared from the surprise attack. The ambush seems at odds with the friendly portrayal of Ralph on the book cover, so Maya launches into a backstory to provide context.
Faced with an introvert's worst nightmare, Maya starts her fifth-grade school year learning that her best friends were placed in a different class together, and she has been left on her own. To make matters worse, Jada and MJ get the fun teacher, while she is stuck with the strict one.
As she struggles to connect, to find a sense of belonging, Maya is gifted a partially completed robot and a science notebook belonging to the son of a family friend. Enter Ralph. Much of the robot's lower body has been completed - but he still needs programming work and an energy source. Reading the owner's notebook, using the scientific method, and researching independently leads Maya to some discoveries that create a robot... and a friend.
Maya and the Robot is a highly engaging book. Author Eve L. Ewing covers a wide range of things throughout it (bullying, friendships, building confidence, encouraging STEAM) while keeping flow and accessibility for her readers. With all of the interest in artificial intelligence, Maya and the Robot is a book I predict will stir students' interest as they dig into the 2023-2024 Iowa Children's Choice nominee list.
The debate surrounding the dangers (and benefits!) of AI is sure to be at the forefront of our minds in the coming months and years - but for right now, readers can rest assured that Maya's robot is programmed to save the day!
Faced with an introvert's worst nightmare, Maya starts her fifth-grade school year learning that her best friends were placed in a different class together, and she has been left on her own. To make matters worse, Jada and MJ get the fun teacher, while she is stuck with the strict one.
As she struggles to connect, to find a sense of belonging, Maya is gifted a partially completed robot and a science notebook belonging to the son of a family friend. Enter Ralph. Much of the robot's lower body has been completed - but he still needs programming work and an energy source. Reading the owner's notebook, using the scientific method, and researching independently leads Maya to some discoveries that create a robot... and a friend.
Maya and the Robot is a highly engaging book. Author Eve L. Ewing covers a wide range of things throughout it (bullying, friendships, building confidence, encouraging STEAM) while keeping flow and accessibility for her readers. With all of the interest in artificial intelligence, Maya and the Robot is a book I predict will stir students' interest as they dig into the 2023-2024 Iowa Children's Choice nominee list.
The debate surrounding the dangers (and benefits!) of AI is sure to be at the forefront of our minds in the coming months and years - but for right now, readers can rest assured that Maya's robot is programmed to save the day!
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