Solar Energy & Neurodivergent Representation in STEAM
Harness the power of the sun and celebrate neurodivergent strengths with June’s Solar Oven by Jen Malia! Discover how solar energy experiments, sensory coping strategies, and availability in both English and Spanish make this Charlesbridge STEAMworks hardcover an inspiring gift for young minds.
☀️ Solar Power & Sensory Superpowers: My Review of June’s Solar Oven
When a picture book seamlessly combines hands-on scientific discovery with authentic, empowering representation, it immediately earns a cherished spot on our storytime shelf!
Teaching children that science is a tool for everyday problem-solving and that everyone brings unique strengths to the table, is so deeply rewarding.
As someone who loves doing hands-on learning activities and sharing educational books with my grandkids, finding stories that encourage resilience, curiosity, and inclusion brings such joy.
That is why June’s Solar Oven (and its Spanish edition, El horno solar de June) captured my heart!
Written by Jen Malia (an autistic mom of three and professor who advocates for neurodivergent voices) and published by Charlesbridge in a beautiful hardcover format, this book is a standout addition to the STEAMworks series.
🍕 Solar Energy, Sensory Needs & Cute Illustrations
The story blends practical solar physics with gentle emotional regulation strategies in a way that feels natural and uplifting:
- A Tasty Science Challenge: June is determined to build the ultimate solar oven to make melted pizza crackers! When science club unexpectedly moves to a new location, June uses a few deep breaths and her noise-canceling headphones to handle the change, proving that science really is her superpower.
- Hands-On Solar Experimentation: At the club, June and her friends troubleshoot their solar pizza oven, experimenting with angles and layering techniques to harness solar heat effectively.
- Charming Art & Educational Back Matter: The illustrations are cute, colorful, and highly engaging. Plus, the book includes expertly crafted back matter filled with extra facts about solar energy, scientific trial and error, and fun STEAM activities to try at home!
🌐 Dual-Language Learning & Inclusive STEM
Charlesbridge offers the complete story in both English (June’s Solar Oven) and Spanish (El horno solar de June).
It is a fantastic resource for bilingual households, dual-language classrooms, or young learners reading in a second language!
🛒 Add June’s Solar Oven to Your Book Collection
Whether you are building an inclusive STEM library, looking for an encouraging gift, or introducing kids to renewable energy, this book delivers on every level.
➡️ Order June’s Solar Oven in English and/or Spanish today! ⬅️
☀️ June’s Solar Oven (English) and El horno solar de June (Spanish)
Charlesbridge Steamworks Series
English isbn 978-1-62354-745-5
Spanish isbn 978-1-62354-747-9
Pub Date 10/13/26
Synopsis
Science is my superpower!
June is determined to have the best day—building the best solar oven to cook the best pizza crackers.
But when science club suddenly changes locations, June freezes.
She hates new places.
Still, science is her superpower, and she knows she needs to show up.
With a few deep breaths and her noise-canceling headphones, she’s ready.
At the club, June and her friends troubleshoot their solar pizza oven, experimenting with the best way to layer the toppings so the sun can melt the cheese just right.
Can they harness solar energy to make the perfect pizza cracker?
Extend the learning beyond the story with expertly crafted back matter, including additional information about solar energy and experimentation and fun STEAM activities.
Author
Jen Malia
Illustrators
Rachael and Phillippa Corcutt
Translator
Anyelez Pagan Munoz
Suggested Ages
4 to 7 years old
🏆 Steam Books Giveaway
Prize: Set of 2 Steamworks Books – June’s Solar Oven (English) and El horno solar de June (Spanish) – ARV $35.98
1 Winner
1 Entry Per Person Per Day
US 18+
Ends 12/1/26 11:59pm ET
June's Solar Oven
Enter daily for a chance to win!
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