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. Gr 3–7—Maya, who is Black, can't wait to start fifth grade; she loves school and learning, and spending time with her friends. But everything shifts when she finds out besties MJ and Jada won't be in strict Ms. Rodriguez's class with her. They were transferred to Ms. Montgomery's, the super cool teacher who plays bass guitar and even does science experiments in her classroom. Things only get worse from there; Maya is in class with her bully, and feels too intimidated to correct Ms. Rodriguez about her name. Her first week of school is so unbearably lonely that Maya decides to create the perfect new friend—a robot. The robot that convenience store owner Mr. Mac had half-finished in his back room, his late son Christopher's pet project that never got finished. But Maya finds the perfect energy source, and suddenly she has Ralph; someone to talk to, to teach, someone to do chores and help her mom out—and most importantly, a companion. Even as Maya continues to miss her friends and struggle socially in school, everything Ralph-related is smooth sailing—until he is sabotaged at her school's big science fair. Maya is a lovable, creative kid who readers will be rooting for from the start. Ewing imbues her with a curious, introspective spirit; Maya's astute yet age-appropriate descriptions of her feelings may help young readers become more attuned to their own. There is a strong subtext of community care and support as Maya fondly describes her diverse neighborhood, full of people of various skin tones and ethnicities. This sweet story of a shy girl adjusting to new circumstances also shows her researching unfamiliar terms, experimenting, and asking big questions, all necessary skills for scientists. And perhaps the most important skill of all: collaboration, as Maya works with Christopher's notebook to bring his vision to life. Tweens will encounter potentially new STEM vocabulary and concepts like prototype, actuator, and bioinspiration. Almeda's buoyant black-and-white art breathes life into an already lively cast and plot. VERDICT A heartfelt title that seamlessly brings tech and creativity to a tween audience with delightful characters and gentle humor. Highly recommended for young fiction collections.—Ashleigh Williams, School Library Journal 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 Ti