Librarians and teachers will soon be able to recommend a slew of new books that cater to young readers interested in the sciences. Charlesbridge Publishing has joined forces with the Office of Fresno County Superintendent of Schools in California, under the grant-funded initiative Count Play Explore, to develop a series of fiction books about science, technology, engineering, art, and math. The first titles under the STEAMworks name are already underway, with additional book acquisitions expected later this summer. (The publisher is accepting manuscripts for consideration through September 1.) Eight board books for ages up to three and eight picture books for ages four to seven, available in English and Spanish, will be published in 2026 and 2027.
Charlesbridge entered into this agreement last fall, in response to the education department’s search for a publishing partner. The two entities began collaborating on the series’ mission to engage young readers in STEAM topics and boost their problem-solving skills and creative thinking abilities.
As part of this initiative, Charlesbridge tapped into its network of authors and reached out to We Need Diverse Books and BIPOC writers’ groups for potential writers. “At Charlesbridge, we have our own internal spin on the series name: ‘Teamwork makes the STEAMworks,’ ” says executive editor Alyssa Mito Pusey. “We’re working hard with authors, illustrators, and our partners at Count Play Explore to make these books equally strong in STEAM content, story, diversity, and heart.”
While authors need not be illustrators—Charlesbridge acquires the manuscripts and pairs writers with artists—they should exhibit a passion for their subject matter. In addition, a STEAM background is not a prerequisite, but a familiarity with basic math and science concepts is an asset. “We’re looking for authors who can bring joy, playfulness, and authentic diversity to the books, and who can bring their own curiosity and enthusiasm for STEAM to the story,” Pusey adds.
Reviewing manuscripts will be a joint effort. Charlesbridge will focus on the storytelling side, while Count Play Explore will zero in on the STEAM content. Together, they will determine if the story is one that kids will love—which Pusey says is the most important element. So far, response to the call for submissions has been steady, and Charlesbridge has several books in the acquisition process.
STEAMworks isn’t Charlesbridge’s first foray into math and science publishing categories. The company’s Storytelling Math series, now in its fourth year, will serve as a model for the new line, with its culturally and racially diverse characters and creators. According to Pusey, STEAMworks will expand on these concepts by encompassing other areas of diversity, such as gender, ability, and socioeconomic status, and incorporating subjects besides math, including science, technology, and engineering.
Charlesbridge has also been making strides to bolster its presence in other STEAM-related areas. Recent nonfiction titles are How to Explain Coding to a Grown-up by Ruth Spiro, a tongue-in-cheek guide for techie kids in the know; Mimic Makers by Kristen Nordstrom, an exploration of 10 young naturalists-turned-inventors; and the Hands-On Science series by Lola M. Schaefer, a collection of titles that engages budding scientists through step-by-step experiments. STEAMworks will enhance Charlesbridge’s existing catalog and prime the publisher for future fiction rollouts in technology, engineering, and other topics.
The entire STEAMworks series and individual titles will be promoted via an educational symposium, speaking engagements, book events for series contributors, and representation at national conferences. Charlesbridge will once again rely on Penguin Random House for its sales and distribution. “Our sales and marketing team will promote the Spanish/bilingual editions with the same dedication as we do our English editions,” Pusey says. “We’re excited to connect all the elements of STEAM and offer young readers multiple entry points into these fields.”
