Overview

High-school sophomore Cam feels she must prove herself in her computer science class and RoboSub team in this realistic and empowering, witty young adult STEM read. An inspiring debut that takes on self-discovery and gender discrimination in the engineering and coding fields, perfect for 12+ year olds. High-school sophomore Cam feels she must prove herself in her computer science class and RoboSub team in this realistic and empowering, witty young adult STEM read. An inspiring debut that takes on self-discovery and gender discrimination in the engineering and coding fields, perfect for 12+ year olds. High school sophomore Cam has always created techie things, like a ring she implanted with an NFC chip. This semester, she finally gets the chance to take a computer science elective. Cam tries to ignore the obnoxious boys who don't believe she should be in the class at all. Cam conspires with her quick-witted best friend, Viv, and they engineer their way onto the extracurricular RoboSub team. That ultimately lands them at a national competition as the only two girls on their team. Will Cam rise to the occasion and confirm-not to others, but to herself-that she belongs? Readers will be pulled into this realistic and rousing YA STEM coming-of-age book that's sure to inspire girls in science to pursue classes, careers, and spaces that others believe they should have no part in. "" Imposter is a celebration of everything we aim to foster through our programs-curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and the courage to dream big."" -Alicia Gavin, Director of Communications and Marketing at RoboNation

Full Product Details

9781623545635

Table of Contents

Reviews

Cait Levin’s Imposter is far more than a novel—it’s a testament to the transformative power of STEM education and an ode to the courage and tenacity of young innovators. Told through the eyes of Cam, a high school student navigating the challenges of joining her school’s RoboSub team, this story is a moving reminder of the grit, perseverance, and camaraderie that define the RoboNation community. What makes this book especially meaningful is Cait’s connection to the RoboSub program and the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. While a teacher at Beaver Country Day School, a longtime competing school with RoboSub, she was introduced to a passionate team of educational advisors, brimming with wisdom, heart, and a touch of delightful eccentricity who have dedicated themselves to supporting and engaging the next generation. Her decision to channel the inspiration she drew from the RoboSub students and advisors into this novel reflects the deep and lasting impact that programs like RoboSub have on our students. Cait’s story—both as an author and as a STEM education advocate—serves as an incredible example of how the lessons learned through STEM go far beyond technical skills. It’s about discovering your voice, your resilience, and the ability to tackle challenges with creativity and confidence. Cam’s story resonates deeply with anyone who has ever felt the pull of imposter syndrome or questioned whether they truly belong. Levin artfully illustrates Cam’s struggles with self-doubt and her growth as she learns to code, build, and collaborate alongside her teammates. Through unwavering dedication and the support of a few steadfast friends, Cam pushes through adversity and not only emerges as an integral member of the team but also uncovers a deep sense of confidence and belonging that transcends the boundaries of the RoboSub arena. For us at RoboNation, seeing someone like Cait connecting so deeply with one of our programs and resonating with our diverse community is profoundly inspiring. Cait’s ability to articulate the highs and lows of a student’s journey, from technical setbacks to personal triumphs, is a gift not only to readers but also to the larger STEM community. It’s a celebration of everything we aim to foster through our programs—curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and the courage to dream big. Cam’s story in Imposter echoes the experiences of so many students who come through RoboNation programs, from RoboSub to SeaPerch, and everything in between. It’s about finding strength in the face of adversity, learning to lean on your community, and discovering that success isn’t just about winning a competition. —Alicia Gavin, Director of Communications and Marketing at RoboNation

A high school sophomore learns how to code—and how to fight back against gender discrimination. Cameron Goldberg, whose Jewish parents are Panamanian and American (implied white), and her best friend, Vivian Knix, finally get to enroll in electives now that they’re entering 10th grade. Cam, a maker who loves to tinker, has chosen Introduction to Computer Science, but when she finds she’s the only girl in the class, and even the teacher is surprised to see her there, she starts to realize just how unwelcoming tech can be to women. Determined, she and classmate Jackson design a game that features a woman main character who fights—literally—the forces of prejudice she faces in the industry. Cam and Viv also join an all-boys competitive robotics team, where their significant contributions are ultimately celebrated, although they endure repeated discrimination, especially from one of the club’s copresidents. This affirming debut shines a light on the ways women and girls are often made to feel like imposters in STEM fields. With believable dialogue, snappy pacing, and clever use of coding elements for chapter headings and section breaks (the latter are denoted by ""br""), Levin’s novel is a thoroughly engaging read that gives powerful voice to an important issue without coming across as preachy. An inspiring, unapologetically feminist takedown of misogyny in STEM culture. —Kirkus Reviews Sophomore Cam is excited about the computer science class she can finally take. But she is the only girl in the class, and the boys are not shy about letting her know that she is not welcome. The teacher barely acknowledges her and does nothing to stop the unpleasantness. Cam is determined to stick it out, especially when she reads about the difficulties women face in STEM fields. She combats her situation by pairing with Jackson, the other sophomore, for a class project, and they create a game that reflects the issues Cam reads about. Then she joins the RoboSub team with her friend Viv. As she expands her skill set, she starts to receive the respect and recognition she deserves. Cam is feisty and fun, even when her imposter syndrome takes hold. Best friend Viv is assertive and confident, especially when she can operate in her wheelhouse, marketing. The other characters are familiar: supportive parents, teachers (both dedicated and not), and boys who can accept a girl into coding. For STEM girls everywhere. —Booklist Cait Levin’s Imposter is far more than a novel—it’s a testament to the transformative power of STEM education and an ode to the courage and tenacity of young innovators. Told through the eyes of Cam, a high school student navigating the challenges of joining her school’s RoboSub team, this story is a moving reminder of the grit, perseverance, and camaraderie that define the RoboNation community. Cam’s story echoes the experiences of so many students who come through RoboNation programs, from RoboSub to SeaPerch, and everything in between. It’s about finding strength in the face of adversity, learning to lean on your community, and discovering that success isn’t just about winning a competition. —Alicia Gavin, Director of Communications and Marketing at RoboNation Imposter is emotionally resonant. Levin expertly captures the anxiety of the unfortunate realities of gender inequities in STEM balanced with the joy of friendship, the thrill of learning something new, and the triumph of taking a stand against injustice. —Code.org

Author Information

Cait Levin is an innovative educator, project manager, and leader of teams. She is skilled in instructional design, public speaking, accessible learning, and strategic management and growth. Cait earned a BA from Barnard College and an MA from Middlebury College. When she isn't looking for ways to help women thrive in their writing, she likes to read, cook, and write fiction.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available