My Reflection Children’s Bookstore is thrilled to introduce the Steam Chasers, a book series that introduces kids ages 8 to 14 to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM)!

This book series was launched in 2020 by Dr. Doresa A. Jennings who brings her experience in working for some of the top STEM agencies in the United States including the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to her books. In addition to her experience with STEM-based organizations, Dr. Jennings has extensive experience in education with a teaching career that expands more than twenty years.

Dr. Jennings brings complex topics to tweens in ways they can understand and perfectly blends humor with real-world scenarios and current events. She brings to life characters that students can relate to, including her own experiences as a dyslexic writer. Her characters fill a much needed demographic of complex, unique, and creative African American voices. Learn more about her here: DoresaAyanna

Blacks, both men and women, are significantly underrepresented in the areas of S.T.E.A.M. One of the reasons for this underrepresentation is students not being introduced to the various fields related to S.T.E.A.M. until they reach secondary school. The STEAM Chasers introduces pre-teens and tweens to these fields while there is still plenty of time for students to prepare to successfully enter this incredible world of opportunities.

This book series will get your children really excited about what they can achieve in the STEAM and will prepare them to launch fascinating careers in these fields.  

The first three books in the series are available at The Steam Chasers Series – My Reflection Children’s Store (myreflectiontt.com)

Steam Chasers #1: We Made That

What seemed an ordinary homework assignment turned into a life changing adventure for Shar, Terrence, Ebony, Akiya, Marcus, and Chase as they take a scavenger hunt through town finding the contributions Black Americans have had to our everyday lives in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

Things are moving well until one phone call sends a cascade of things in motion that results in the frightening wail of sirens screaming down the street. How will the STEAM Chasers get out of this mess? Can the group use what they have learned from the inventors and thinkers they have met on their journey to help themselves and other kids that might encounter a similar situation?

The STEAM Chasers will take you on a wild ride into the world of inventors and great thinkers, discovering their patents and copyrights as you learn about the impact Black Americans have made and continue to make to our world. From the folding chair to the automatic elevator door, the STEAM Chasers will introduce you to more than a dozen Black American inventors. And, don’t worry, this is just the first adventure in their journey!

Steam Chasers #2: The Blackness of Space

The Blackness of Space introduces readers to over twenty Black Americans that have impacted our knowledge of and love for space science and space exploration!

The STEAM Chasers are back with another exciting adventure into the world of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. This time they are headed to Space Camp for an action packed journey into Space Exploration. While there, Shar, Terrence, Ebony, Akiya, Marcus, and Chase learn about the contributions Black Americans have made to space science, human space flight, astrophysics, astronomy, and aerospace engineering.

Ebony has been waiting what seemed like her entire life to have a Space Camp experience; will an unfortunate encounter with someone who is clearly not a fan of the STEAM Chasers ruin her dream come true?

Come along with the STEAM Chasers and learn about twenty Black Americans who have helped to expand our understanding of the universe in which we live. Open the pages and dive head first into the Blackness of Space!

Steam Chasers #3: The Boundless Blackprint

Shar, Terrence, Ebony, Akiya, Marcus, and Chase are back and this time they are headed on a class trip to Washington, DC! The friends are eager to begin their adventure delving into the history of the United States and how new “history” continues to be created today. 

What better way to learn than by exploring the architectural landscapes that make up cities, examining statues that commemorate the heroes of the past, and experiencing the museums that lay bare the unique and complicated story of Black Americans from the formation of the country to the present. In going beyond the facades that delight the senses, the STEAM Chasers uncover a mystery that changes everything about the way they see the world.

Who said history was boring? Terrence leads the way as the STEAM Chasers race against time to reveal the Blackprint of the United States. 

Discovering how African American architects, designers, builders, civil engineers, and surveyors helped to create what we know as America will be fun, but that doesn’t mean this victory won’t come at a price. Clocks, rocks, and cornerstones, Washington, DC will never be the same!