Madison Devoux, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student at Florida A&M University (FAMU), has authored a children’s book titled “Hope Is an Engineer.” The book is intended to inspire young girls, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to consider careers in science and engineering.
Devoux, who grew up in Cairo, Georgia, noted that she was often one of the few women present in her engineering classes. This experience motivated her to write a book that would help girls see themselves as future scientists and engineers. “I wrote ‘Hope Is an Engineer’ so that young girls could see themselves in disciplines such as engineering and science,” she said.
Her journey into STEM was not without obstacles. Devoux recounted struggling with core mathematics courses during her early education. “I struggled heavily in math, and that is a scary thought, especially being a STEM major. It’s a part of everything we do,” she said.
Support came from Charmaine Caldwell, Ph.D., director of student access for Educating Engineering Students Innovatively (EESI). Caldwell provided tutoring and mentorship that helped Devoux persist through academic difficulties. “If I didn’t have her in that space to help foster my confidence in math, I wouldn’t have gone this far in what I’ve done,” Devoux stated.
Caldwell reflected on Devoux’s progress: “I remember meeting her during her first year at Florida A&M University. Like many students entering STEM, she was navigating the challenge of finding her place in a space that often extends invitations to underrepresented students yet does not always provide the equitable support systems necessary for Black women to truly thrive. What makes her journey inspiring is not just her presence in STEM, but the way she has chosen to grow within it.”
Writing the book presented its own set of challenges for Devoux. She admitted finding it difficult to simplify complex engineering concepts for children: “Me, being a STEM major, I am not fond of writing. I would rather do derivatives than write an essay any day. I thought writing to children would be easier, but in fact it was harder to relate to children due to what they can understand.” She added: “Breaking down something as complex and vast as engineering to a child was the hardest thing to accomplish.”
A chance meeting at FAMU led Devoux to connect with Mutcherson, who became instrumental during the publishing process. After completing revisions and illustrations over eight weeks, Devoux focused on ensuring representation within the book’s main character. “I really wanted the main character, Hope, to feel like me — not physically, but to feel like someone I grew up with. I wanted to reach that niche group of younger Black girls,” she said.
Devoux emphasized it was important for Hope’s appearance—dark-skinned with 4C hair—to reflect diverse experiences among young readers.
“Hope Is an Engineer” is now available on Amazon and plans are underway for an upcoming book signing event.
