top of page
Search

The Great Cafeteria Robot Challenge: Designing, Testing, and Thinking Like Engineers

On May 5, 2026, my very first traditionally published children’s book will be released through the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)… and yes, I am beyond excited.

This book is a love letter to kids, STEM, engineering, and robots — all wrapped inside a joyful, accessible picture book designed for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade.

Because robotics doesn’t belong behind lab doors. It belongs in classrooms. It belongs in communities. It belongs in the cafeteria, apparently. 😉


🤖 The Story: Engineering in Action


The story follows a vibrant, multicultural group of 4th graders who notice a problem in their school cafeteria: recycling is not going well.

Instead of complaining, they do what engineers do.

They:

  • Identify the problem

  • Brainstorm solutions

  • Design and build a robot

  • Test and improve their prototype

  • Work together (because no one builds robots alone)

Through their journey, young readers are introduced to:

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Robotics fundamentals

  • Engineering design

  • Systems thinking

  • Iteration and testing

All in a way that feels playful, imaginative, and age-appropriate.


🌍 Representation by Design


Representation in STEM is not an afterthought in this book. It is foundational.

The classroom reflects the world our children actually live in — diverse, collaborative, and brilliant. Students see characters who:

  • Ask big questions

  • Make mistakes

  • Solve real problems

  • Lead with creativity

  • Think like engineers

Most importantly, readers see that scientists and engineers are not “other people.” They are kids in classrooms just like theirs.






🧠 More Than a Story — A Mindset

This book does more than introduce robotics and AI.

It teaches:

  • Curiosity is powerful

  • Innovation starts with noticing

  • Collaboration multiplies ideas

  • Engineering is a systematic process

  • Problems are invitations to create

It gently opens the door for children to see themselves as:

  • Scientists

  • Technologists

  • Engineers

  • Mathematicians

And maybe even future roboticists solving the world’s most pressing problems.


📚 Why This Matters

This milestone is deeply personal.

Traditional publishing through NSTA means this story will reach classrooms, educators, and families nationwide. It affirms that children’s literature can:

  • Be joyful

  • Be technically accurate

  • Be inclusive

  • Be empowering

And still be fun.

Robots, teamwork, cafeteria chaos — all of it.


🎉 Save the Date: May 5, 2026

If you are:

  • An educator looking for engaging STEM integration

  • A parent raising a curious problem-solver

  • A school leader building inclusive STEM culture

  • Or someone who believes engineering belongs everywhere

Mark your calendar.

This book is for the next generation of innovators.

Because the future of STEM?It’s already sitting in a 4th grade classroom — building a robot to fix the recycling bins.

bottom of page