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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.

For readers in grades 2-4, readers who love STEM, or anyone who has ever needed a friend.

“A delightful tale…Ralph leads Maya into a subplot that grapples with the sad consequences of gun violence. He helps her see some of her classmates in a new light and forge stronger connections with her neighbors, friends and teachers, ultimately deepening her understanding of human relationships.”
- The new york times

“Maya is a winning protagonist amid a warm, mostly Black cast, continually grounded and guided by her compassion, ingenuity, and curiosity. 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]

“Maya is a lovable, creative kid who readers will be rooting for from the start. Ewing imbues her with a curious, introspective spirit…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.
- School Library Journal [starred review]

"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

“life with a robot is anything but simple, and along the way Maya learns important things about robotics as well as friendship, grief, and loss. In Maya, Ewing has created an instantly sympathetic character who shares a special bond with a really cool robot…A warm, unforgettable story about following your passions and being yourself.”
- kirkus [starred review]

“Highly illustrated and easily relatable, Maya and the Robot combines friendship struggles, teacher problems, and yes, science, to tell the story of how fifth-grade Maya finds ways to adapt and thrive when everything seems wrong... a fantastic addition to the genre and has the bonus of not just being about the internal struggles of the main character but offering fully formed familial relationships and community as well.”
- NPR