Where Stories Meet Science: An Exclusive Interview with Micah Allen

Curiosity sparks. STEM shines.

Micah Allen did not expect a writing contest to spark a full-blown children’s book, but that is exactly what happened. What began as a creative response to a STEM-themed writing challenge turned into JACOBI’S STEM FAIR, a story that celebrates curiosity, imagination, and the endless possibilities of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Now a 2024 Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute Writing Competition Awardee, Allen is using storytelling to make STEM more accessible and exciting for young readers.

“I thought about how I was as a kid and how I got excited about learning something new. That’s how I imagined Jacobi would feel,” he says.

A Spark of Curiosity

What made you want to write a book about STEM and all the cool jobs that use science and technology?

The inspiration behind JACOBI’S STEM FAIR came from a desire to try something new. Allen entered a writing contest with a STEM focus, and what started as a simple idea quickly grew into a full narrative. “I ended up creating a whole story instead of just a short submission,” he explains.

The main character, Jacobi, mirrors Allen’s childhood excitement for learning. Through Jacobi’s eyes, readers are introduced to the wonders of a school STEM fair and the joy that comes with exploring how the world works.

A Personal Connection to STEM

  Was there a time when you got interested in science or tech?

Allen’s interest in STEM is not just fictional; it is rooted in real experience. In elementary school, he participated in robotics and developed a passion for technology. That early interest helped shape Jacobi’s character, making the story more authentic. “I was really into STEM at that age, so I used that energy to build Jacobi’s world,” he says.

Encouraging Confidence in Young Learners

 How did you come up with Jacobi and his excitement about the STEM fair?

While the book is full of STEM-themed fun, Allen’s goal goes deeper. He hopes kids will see themselves in the story and feel more confident about exploring STEM subjects. “I want them to stay curious and open to learning about what they enjoy,” he shares. “STEM can be a big part of their future, and it doesn’t have to be intimidating.”

 

Writing STEM for Young Readers

Was anything hard or tricky about writing about STEM jobs?

One of the biggest challenges in writing the book, Allen says, was simplifying STEM concepts without losing their meaning. “It was hard to explain STEM jobs in a way that would make sense to younger readers. And there are so many jobs, it was tough to pick just a few to highlight” he shares.

To decide which roles to feature, Allen researched careers that would be both exciting and educational for kids. While the writing process was solo, he shared drafts with others for feedback to make sure the story would resonate with young audiences.

STEM Is for Everyone

What is something about STEM you wish more kids knew?

Allen wants young readers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to know that STEM is a space for them, too. “There are a lot of ways to get involved,” he says. “Clubs, programs, even just exploring what interests you. STEM is not one-size-fits-all.”

For kids who feel unsure about science or tech, his message is simple: “It is okay to feel nervous. But trying something new can lead to something great. STEM is about exploring, and anyone can do that.”

Looking Ahead

Are you working on any new stories or ideas right now? What are you excited about?

While Allen is not currently working on a new project, he is already thinking about what is next. “I’d like to write something about social sciences in the future, something that helps kids understand communities and how people work together, kind of like how Jacobi explored STEM.”

JACOBI’S STEM FAIR is more than just a story; it is an invitation. Micah Allen is helping young readers see that learning can be exciting, that their questions matter, and that they belong in the worlds of science, innovation, and storytelling.

Through this debut work, Allen is showing the next generation that with a little imagination and a lot of curiosity, anything is possible.