Robotics inspires new children’s book at Manitoulin Secondary School

Manitoulin Secondary School is launching a children’s book called Robofriends and the Mow Zone. A reading and book signing will take place on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 from 6 pm to 7 pm at the school in M’Chigeeng.

The engaging story combines robotics, environmental sustainability, and teamwork with interactive elements and discussion topics.

The book was inspired on the return trip from Houston where the Manitoulin Metal Robotics participated in an international competition. A layover in Atlanta gave team members an opportunity to brainstorm ideas for new projects.

Recognizing that strong reading and writing skills are fundamental for success in all fields, students wanted to give children opportunities to read fun books about robotics, while promoting environmental education and sustainability.

The main characters in Robofriends and the Mow Zone are named after past Manitoulin Metal robots – Jed, Sam, Lyn and, most recently, Bumblebee who plays a lead role.

The story unfolds as “a team of Robofriends gets ready for a picnic when a danger enters the garden. Now, they have to work together to protect what matters most.”

A group of students brainstormed the story idea last May and Alexandra Wilson-Zegil wrote the book during the summer. Robyn-Ashley McNaughton developed a visual story board and finished the illustrations so the book could be published in time for the holidays.

Various members of the robotics team completed the editing and layout under the umbrella of MSS Publishing. The printing was outsourced to Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.

Launched in 2017, Manitoulin Metal Robotics is a Canadian FIRST robotics team and is proud to be from Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world. They are dedicated to environmental sustainability and know we can overcome any challenges through resilience, creative problem solving, and community.

Author Alexandra Wilson-Zegil is a Grade 11 student at Manitoulin Secondary School.  Her book bio says: “At 16, Alexandra is a student, co-captain of the robotics team, and writer for her local newspaper. She has been writing stories, scripts, essays, and poems since she figured out how to print the letter “s.” Through her writing, she hopes to promote environmental sustainability and give a voice to women in STEAM fields, if she can ever figure out how the semicolon works….” A member of the Rainbow District School Board Student Senate, Alexandra Wilson-Zegil is considering careers in scientific communication or possibly law.

Robyn-Ashley McNaughton is a Grade 10 student at Manitoulin Secondary School who has an interest in biomedical technology. Her book bio says: “Team Media Lead and a pro button maker with a knack for the arts, Robyn-Ashley spends her time in nature and with her friends. After a coding class sparked her interest in robotics, she joined Manitoulin Metal. She loves plants, animals, innovation, and the colour yellow.”

Robofriends and the Mow Zone is the first book in the Manitoulin Metal Robotics FRC6865 Literacy Series. The book sells for $15 on amazon.ca. Proceeds will support Manitoulin Metal’s travel to the World Championships in Houston in April 2024.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217.