Gr 3–7—Science-loving Maya is facing challenges at school: Her best friends aren't in her class, and she has the
strictest teacher in the fifth grade. Maya soon encounters Ralph, a half-finished robot in her corner store's back
room, which she builds into a friend. Ralph makes life easier—until sabotage throws a wrench into things, literally
and figuratively. Ewing's heartwarming novel blends STEM, social-emotional learning, and the importance of
community.

Independent reading level: 3rd-7th grade

Recommended Ages: Gr. 3-6

Plot Summary: Maya is shocked to learn that her two absolute besties are not in the same 5th grade class as her after all. And they have the teacher who loves science and Maya has the teacher who is very strict, which is very ironic since Maya is a devoted scientist who uses books and the Museum of Science and Industry to learn. On the first day, Maya shrinks in response to the strictness. Maya can't even tell Ms. Rodriguez that she goes by her middle name, not her first name. Maya is lonely as her friends, when they do get time together, start talking about what happens in their classroom. When Mr. Mac asks Maya to help in his store, Maya is thrilled. She's even more thrilled when she finds a robot in the closet that she's cleaning out for him. Out of anyone, she is the one who could actually get the robot to work. How will this robot cause chaos and disaster at the science fair, explained in the first chapter?

Setting: Chicago though not explicitly explained as such, but mention of Sears Tower and Museum of Science and Industry

Characters:
Maya - AKA Patricia Maye Robinson, 5th grader
MJ - Maya's best friend
Jada - Maya's best friend
Ralph - Christopher's robot, found in closet at Mr. Mac's store
Christopher - Mr. Mac's son, could be lonely sometimes, absolutely loved science and robots
Mr. Mac - owned a store
Dr. Yazzie - professor at Stanford University who was working with Christopher
Terrance - was friends with Christopher
Daddy - picks up Maya once a week for Pancake Dinner
Mom - very supportive of Maya
Amir - Maya's baby brother, toddler who doesn't speak much, uses diapers, and stays in a stroller often
Ms. Rodriguez - Maya's teacher
Ms. Montgomery - MJ and Jada's teacher

Recurring Themes: science, robots, friendship, race relations, Black Lives Matter, chores, family, shy, confidence, loneliness, flashback

Controversial Issues:
The volunteer at the museum is they/them.

Personal Thoughts: Although I thought the writing seemed ever so slightly telling instead of showing, I still found myself getting emotional at the end. For a book for this age group, there are a lot of themes that are all age appropriate. Because Maya did burst into tears a few times, it showed she was human and a 5th grader, otherwise she seemed beyond her years in her maturity as she handled loneliness.

Genre: realistic fiction

Pacing: medium
Characters: not too many and somewhat developed
Frame:
Storyline:

Activity: ( )

Maya is a new fifth grader who is nervous because her friends will not be in her class this year. She discovers a robot that, with her help, comes to life. The robot starts to cause trouble for Maya through realistic fiction elements but with a sci-fi twist. ( )

Maya is going into 5th grade -- only to discover that her best friends aren't in any of her classes. She quickly starts to feel isolated and unsure of herself, though she tries to let her love of science carry her through. She meets a new friend, Ralph the robot, in the closet at Mr. Mac's store and uncovers another story while restoring Ralph and learning about his maker. A sweet and sensitive look at grief, friendships, and learning to believe in yourself. The illustrations are really awesome and add a lot of interest to the book. ( )