Madison Devoux, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student at FAMU, noticed a pattern in her classes at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering: there were very few women. That observation, both sobering and motivating, has now led her to publish a children’s book aimed at inspiring the next generation of girls to see themselves as scientists, builders, and engineers.
Her book, Hope is an Engineer, went on sale this week on Amazon for $14. It is a brightly illustrated story designed to make engineering feel exciting, accessible, and inviting to young readers—especially girls who might not otherwise imagine a future in STEM.
“After reading this book, I hope little girls will take away that you can be in engineering,” said Devoux, 22. “STEM is not a man’s game, it’s not a woman’s game—it’s everyone’s game. This is accessible to you, and you can excel in the field of engineering.”
The project began as a personal response to the gender disparity she experienced firsthand. According to data from the National Science Foundation, women remain significantly underrepresented in engineering, making up only about 15% of engineers in the workforce. At many universities, including those with strong engineering programs, introductory courses often skew heavily male.
Michelle Roddenberry, an associate dean at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, praised Devoux’s initiative. “What Madison is doing is exactly the kind of proactive leadership we hope to instill,” she said. “Representation isn’t just symbolic—it opens doors in young people’s minds.”
The book follows a curious and determined young girl named Hope as she designs, sketches, and problem-solves her way through various projects—from building bridges to programming robots. The character embodies resilience and intellectual curiosity, traits Devoux believes are essential not only in engineering, but in life.
“You can be anything you want to be if you work hard and believe in yourself,” she said, echoing the core message of her book.
Though new to publishing, Devoux managed the entire process—from writing and illustration coordination to marketing and distribution—while maintaining her full-time course load in one of the university’s most demanding majors.
“It still feels surreal,” she admitted. “To think that an idea that started because of something I saw—or didn’t see—in my classroom is now a real book that anyone can buy? It’s incredible.”
Hope is an Engineer is now available for purchase on Amazon.com. Devoux hopes it will find its way into classrooms, libraries, and homes—anywhere a child might dare to dream with both creativity and calculation.