Illustrated by Holly Hatam / Published by Dial Books for Young Readers
Awards & Lists for the Made by Maxine series
Best STEM Book – National Science Teaching Association & Children’s Book Council (Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever)
Purdue University Inspire Engineering Top Pick (Made by Maxine)
Connecticut Association of School Librarians Charter Oak Children’s Book Award Finalist (Made by Maxine)
Colorado Parent “Books to Inspire Young Inventors” (Made by Maxine)
National Agriculture in the Classroom Recommended Resource (Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever)
Teach Outside the Box “Top 10 Read-Alouds for Elementary Makerspaces” (Made by Maxine)
Reviews for the Made by Maxine series
“This is a great choice for Andrea Beaty’s Ada Twist, Scientist… A fun and uplifting picture book for all libraries that encourages children to engage with STEM concepts.” —School Library Journal (Made by Maxine)
“… this title allows young readers to view changing relationships through strong-willed characters who learn how to work together.” —School Library Journal (Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever)
“Another worthy book for the girl-inventor shelf.” —Kirkus Reviews (Made by Maxine)
“As an example for young engineers, she teaches perseverance and curiosity, showing them they can build anything they want with a little imagination and the things lying around the house… a well-crafted picture book for children who love thinking of new ways to solve problems.” —Purdue University Inspire Research Institute for Pre-College Engineering, Top Pick (Made by Maxine)
“This is a great story for young, creative readers who enjoy tinkering… an inspiring story that shows readers it may take more than one try and sometimes they need a team to achieve their goals.” — Purdue University Inspire Research Institute for Pre-College Engineering, Top Pick (Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever)
“Creating new things, learning from mistakes, and loving friends – what a trifecta of wonderful messages to send young readers!” —Children’s Lit Love (Made by Maxine)
“This book truly encourages students to seek creative ways to solve problems around them. It also has a wonderful theme of growth mindset as Maxine tests and improves her design multiple times before achieving success.” —Teach Outside the Box (Made by Maxine)
“Ruth Spiro’s celebration of creativity, gardening, and friendship will enchant kids and show them that sometimes projects lead to try and try again cooperation before the original vision or a new idea is perfected. Her charming narration, realistic dialogue, and periodic rhymes create a story that’s a joy to read aloud.” —Celebrate Picture Books (Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever)
Educator Resources for the Made by Maxine series
Download the Made by Maxine Activity Guide
Download the Ozobots Activity by Shannon McClintock Miller
Watch the Made by Maxine Book Trailer
Read “6 Reasons for Making and Tinkering” by Ruth Spiro (PDF)
Download the Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever! Activity Guide
Watch the Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever! Book Trailer
Watch Ruth’s Book Preview & Special Message for Educators
National Agriculture in the Classroom Recommended Resource
Why “Making?”
A maker mindset is also a growth mindset. In both, it’s not a matter of what you know, but having a willingness to explore new things, take risks, and view mistakes as learning experiences. Not knowing how or why something works is the perfect reason to jump in and figure it out!
The exciting thing about Making and Tinkering is that it’s perfectly fine to start “where you are.” Projects can be high-tech, low-tech, or even no-tech. In fact, creating projects using items repurposed from the recycling bin is both economical and environmentally friendly.
About Made by Maxine
Maxine loves making new things from old things. She loves tinkering until she’s solved a problem. She also loves her pet goldfish, Milton. So, when it’s time for her school’s pet parade, Maxine is determined to create something that will allow Milton to march with the other animals. Finally, after trying, trying, and trying again, she discovers just the right combination of recycled odds and ends to create a fun, functional, and fabulous solution to her predicament.
About Maxine and the Greatest Garden Ever!
Best friends Maxine and Leo combine their make and artistic skills to create (and save!) the ultimate garden in this empowering, STEM-focused picture book. After sketching and plotting and planting, Maxine and Leo know they’ve made The Greatest Garden Ever! But they’re not the only ones who think so. Soon, all sorts of animals make their way in, munching on carrots and knocking over pots. When Leo and Maxine can’t agree on a way to deter these unwelcome critters, it looks like there’s more on the line than saving their garden – they just might need to save their friendship too.
- Maxine balloon craft activity