Zombie Spiders and Asteroid Blasters

16 Incredible Ways That Scientists Are Changing the World

Contributors

By Maynard Okereke

Formats and Prices

On Sale
Mar 3, 2026
Page Count
80 pages
Publisher
Storey
ISBN-13
9781635868487
Age Range
8–12

Price

$17.99

Price

$23.99 CAD

Format

Format:

  1. Hardcover $17.99 $23.99 CAD
  2. ebook $11.99 $15.99 CAD

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Have you ever heard of a spider being turned into a useful robot? Or a real-life planetary defense team protecting the Earth from asteroids? Sounds like science fiction … but it’s not! 

Take a wild ride with Maynard Okereke, the Hip Hop MD, into some of the most fascinating and strange corners of scientific research, from physics and engineering to ecology and neuroscience. These wacky wonders of nature and technology will wow all readers and inspire budding scientists to look at the world with fresh curiosity and consider how science can be used to help people, help nature, or enhance our understanding about the world. Interviews with real scientists highlight representation for diverse children and how scientists from a wide range of backgrounds are working to build a better future for our planet. 

  • A fun and fascinating look at current topics in science that will appeal to a wide audience.
    School Library Journal
  • There is more than enough role-model material and sheer wow factor here to rivet young STEM-winders.
    Booklist
  • “A must-have book for young explorers.”  
    Dr. Sian Leo Proctor, astronaut, artist, and explorer
  • "Shows how a curious mind can take you to all corners of our planet and beyond." 
    Phil Torres, entomologist and host of Expedition X

Coloring Page Activity

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of science by coloring in an original piece of artwork directly inspired by the book.

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Maynard Okereke

About the Author

Maynard Okereke, aka the Hip Hop MD, is an award-winning science communicator, STEM personality, and keynote speaker.  He founded Hip Hop Science to encourage minorities and youth to pursue more advanced careers in STEM. Okereke has won the Asteroid Award for Best Streaming Content, was named The National Society of Black Engineers’ Entrepreneur of the Year, and was listed on Ebony’s Top 100. He is a member of National Geographic‘s inaugural Creator Cohort Initiative and has been featured on Netflix’s Ada Twist Scientist, The Science Channel, The History Channel, and in Scientific American. He has also partnered with NASA, the Natural History Museum, the Boston Museum of Science, Adobe, Blue Origin, Microsoft, and NVIDIA. Okereke lives in Los Angeles, CA and is online at hiphopscienceshow.com

Learn more about this author