Maya and the Robot

Written by Eve L. Ewing · Illustrated by Christine Almeda

A young girl navigates the challenges of fifth grade with the help of a robot companion.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,134 ratings

224 pages· 37,370 words· Est. 5 hour read

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Fifth-grader Maya faces a year of unexpected changes when her best friends are placed in a different class. Struggling to adapt, she discovers Ralph, a forgotten robot, in a store closet. Using her science skills, Maya brings Ralph to life, finding an unexpected friend and ally. As Ralph becomes part of her family, Maya learns to embrace her own power and curiosity. Will this newfound friendship help Maya navigate the challenges of growing up and finding her place in the world?

From the publisher

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.

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