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Sama Crushes the Code - by Samaira Mehta - 1 of 1

Sama Crushes the Code - by Samaira Mehta (Paperback)

$14.99
FormatPaperback

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About this item

Highlights

  • Big-thinking Sama loves coding, but is she skilled enough to fit in at Tech Club?
  • 8-12 Years
  • 9.0" x 6.0" Paperback
  • 160 Pages
  • Juvenile Fiction, Comics & Graphic Novels

Description



Book Synopsis



Big-thinking Sama loves coding, but is she skilled enough to fit in at Tech Club? This is a playful and STEM-rich story inspired by the real life of its seventeen-year-old author.

Sama's starting middle school! Maybe Tech Club will be a good place to fit in. She's into solving problems, building clever machines, and collecting beautiful data, plus her friend Nancy has given her a cool book on coding. But everyone at Tech Club is already so good at coding--will Sama's contributions be enough for her to be included in the Code Crusher championship? Sama proposes a project to help a stressed-out bus driver develop a time-saving route, but the club leader thinks the coding isn't complex enough. When Sama befriends new neighbor Zoe (who built her own hovercraft!), however, the two girls inspire each other, and soon Sama bounces back with a bunny-based board game that teaches kids how to code while having fun. Could this game be the key to getting to the championship? Precise coding vocabulary and examples are woven seamlessly into this lively story, based on the real-life computer science adventures of its author, young tech entrepreneur Samaira Mehta.



Review Quotes




Technical concepts such as functions, parallelism, and queues are interwoven throughout, emphasizing how coding can be used both creatively and in service of community needs. . . . The outcome is a refreshing series opener centered around inclusion and accessibility in STEM spaces.
--Publishers Weekly

[A]n introductory exploration of coding applications. . . .
--School Library Journal

Joining a racially diverse student body in Alvarado's cleanly drawn panels, [Sama] displays lively intelligence, a vivid personality, and strong emotions. At once an engaging school story and a testimonial to the social and scientific value of coding.
--Kirkus Reviews

Coding language and functions enhance the narrative by introducing foundational coding concepts and highlighting Sama's inventive problem-solving mindset. Sama emerges as a likable, resilient protagonist whose perseverance makes her journey both relatable and inspiring, while Alvarado's playful artwork further engages readers through dynamic storytelling.
--Booklist

Sama Crushes the Code is a sweet, motivating, and highly comprehensible graphic novel. Mehta and Stevens include coding vocabulary and STEM concepts directly in the text, giving readers access to the coding content as Sama learns it herself. Alvarado's digital illustrations have a classic comics appeal through a clever use of white space, a thick outline, and gridded panels. The artwork captures emotion and leaves room to center the technical aspects of coding in a visually exciting manner that is easy to follow.
--Shelf Awareness



About the Author



Samaira Mehta is a seventeen-year-old high school junior and tech entrepreneur, described by Time magazine as one of the eight young leaders shaping the decade. As the founder of CoderBunnyz, CoderMindz, and CoderMarz--board games that teach coding and AI--her work has reached 750,000 people. She is a researcher at UCLA's Orsulic Lab, and her work on ovarian cancer detection and AI-driven healthcare solutions has been published in Nature. She has been featured on the Nasdaq billboard, in Vogue, and on the Today show, cementing her place as a rising innovator. As she prepares for college, Samaira Mehta is eager to explore human-centered computing, AI ethics, and the evolving relationship between technology and society. But above all, she remains committed to her mission: empowering the next generation to shape the future of technology.

Jenny Alvarado is the author-illustrator of Fridays Are for Churros and the Pencil and Eraser early graphic series. She lives with her partner, son, and little dog on the Space Coast of Florida.

Dimensions (Overall): 9.0 Inches (H) x 6.0 Inches (W) x .5 Inches (D)
Weight: .85 Pounds
Suggested Age: 8-12 Years
Number of Pages: 160
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Sub-Genre: Comics & Graphic Novels
Publisher: Mit Kids Press
Theme: General
Format: Paperback
Author: Samaira Mehta
Language: English
Street Date: July 14, 2026
TCIN: 1006682085
UPC: 9781536252903
Item Number (DPCI): 247-51-8915
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
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Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 0.5 inches length x 6 inches width x 9 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.85 pounds
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5.0 out of 5 stars with 3 reviews
100% would recommend
3 recommendations
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
22 July, 2026

A must book for homes and classrooms, grades four through six!

There is SO much to like about this book. Personally, I see the major story as the struggles and challenges of moving up to middle school that all kids face. Changing friendships, finding their place, “new kid“ syndrome. There are several intertwined storylines that cover relationships, the changing and growth of several characters. Several challenges that have to be met from fundraising for a club activity to using computer code to more effectively and efficiently designed the school district bus schedule! AND the hardcover addition that I got was beautifully and professionally designed and made. The illustrator really captured a style as well as colors that add to the story experience rather than detracting from it. I’m a retired fifth grade teacher who taught coding from fifth grade through eighth grade. Especially during my fifth grade years, I wish this book had been available because I would’ve had it and encouraged many students to read it in my classroom library. Although I think all students from fourth grade through sixth grade would find connection, benefit, and meaning from reading this graphic novel, I think it’s a very important read for girls in fourth through sixth grade who have experience or even interest in computers and, or computer coding. Having spent half of my career as a teacher in the middle school, I know that the peer pressure, sometimes family pressure, or sometimes cultural pressure discourages growing girls from careers in the computer sciences because it’s often perceived as something that’s only for guys. This book provides clear understanding examples of how girls have a lot to bring to the coding and computer world. So, if you have a fourth or fifth grade student, especially, and even more so if they’re female, this is a must get book! Teachers, grandparents, and parents need to do their best to provide the encouragement that all students need, but especially girls to pursue their interests… Even if it’s in the computer sciences. Or, by chance, you may know of a fourth or fifth grade teacher, who is always wanting to add value books to their classroom library. This would be an exceptional gift for any teacher with kids who are making the transition to middle school… Even this coming school here!
Lorin
1 guest found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
22 July, 2026

A bright, feel-good graphic novel

This was such a fun and positive read. The story captures the nervousness of starting something new, making friends, and finding confidence in a very relatable way. I liked that the coding theme felt fresh but still easy for kids to understand. It is a great choice for young readers who enjoy graphic novels with heart, humor, and an encouraging message.
2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?
5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
16 July, 2026

Fresh and inspiring kids read

A really sweet and refreshing story. I loved how it makes coding feel fun, creative, and approachable instead of intimidating. The characters are easy to root for, and the book has a great message for kids who are curious about technology, friendship, and trying something new.
2 guests found this review helpful. Did you?

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