Children's Book, Elara: STEM Girl, Inspires New Generation

A new children’s book authored by teenager Leela Ayyar aims to help young girls overcome common obstacles that prevent them from pursuing interests in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). While still in high school, Ayyar penned “Elara: STEM Girl” to demonstrate the fun of learning about STEM, so young girls have the courage to pursue their interests. Visit elarastemgirl.com to learn more.

Published by Mascot Books and now available on Amazon.com and BarnesAndNoble.com, the book introduces Elara, who loves all things STEM. But, Elara faces challenges—from being the only girl in robotics club to understanding that no one is born good at math. “Elara: STEM Girl” offers keen insights and easy-to-follow advice—from one STEM girl to another—that will help young readers conquer fears and concerns. Watch the book video here.

“My main mission in writing this book was to help girls overcome the most common obstacles to pursuing their curiosity in STEM fields,” said Ayyar. “Young girls are naturally interested in STEM, but their curiosity usually fades as they grow older. Elara gives readers the tools to continue their love of STEM by explaining how to manage challenges such as being the minority, math anxiety, stereotypes and the fear of failure. Many young girls face these challenges alone; my goal is to show that STEM is for everyone and to inspire them to pursue their passions.”

Written for girls ages five and up, “Elara: STEM Girl” is Ayyar’s letter to her younger self, featuring advice that she wished she had growing up. Beautifully illustrated by [INSERT NAME], “Elara: STEM Girl” includes relatable and accessible examples and ideas. The book also features short biographies of inspirational STEM women, including astronaut Mae Jemison, mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani, chemist Stephani Kwolek, physicist Shirley Ann Jackson, and neurologist Rita-Levi Montalcini. To learn more about “Elara: STEM Girl” and read Ayyar’s tips on throwing a STEM party, visit elarastemgirl.com.

Praise for “Elara: STEM Girl”

“This book should be on the reading lists of all little girls out there as we’re missing out on a lot of great ideas and inventions when girls are intimidated by or are fearful of getting involved in STEM subjects. ‘Elara, STEM Girl’ is most highly recommended.” – Jack Magnus, Readers’ Favorite

“’Elara, STEM Girl’ by Leela Ayyar is a delightful story that unites girls with the stereotypical male interests of the sciences. As a true testament to twenty-first century learning, Leela Ayyar’s colorfully illustrated story book is interlaced with strong quotes and words of encouragement for young girls interested in S.T.E.M. With S.T.E.M. subjects a major focus of the twenty-first century teacher curriculum, the female inclusion in this area of study is on the rise.” – Lisa McCombs, Readers’ Favorite

“Elara, STEM Girl by Leela Ayyar is exactly the kind of book that the children’s section needs. It shows little girls how much fun all things STEM can be, without detracting at all from how much fun playing with dolls and having tea parties is! After all, who said a little girl can’t be a princess and a scientist? Or a ballerina and a robotics expert? Even better than just showing Elara’s contagious love for STEM, Leela Ayyar also included a lot of interesting quotes from famous female STEM experts from around the world, as well as short biographies for each one of them at the very end.” – Sarah Westmoreland, Readers' Favorite