Imposter

A high school sophomore learns how to code—and how to fight back against gender discrimination.
Cameron Goldberg, whose Jewish parents are Panamanian and American (implied white), and her best friend, Vivian Knix, finally get to enroll in electives now that they’re entering 10th grade. Cam, a maker who loves to tinker, has chosen Introduction to Computer Science, but when she finds she’s the only girl in the class, and even the teacher is surprised to see her there, she starts to realize just how unwelcoming tech can be to women. Determined, she and classmate Jackson design a game that features a woman main character who fights—literally—the forces of prejudice she faces in the industry. Cam and Viv also join an all-boys competitive robotics team, where their significant contributions are ultimately celebrated, although they endure repeated discrimination, especially from one of the club’s copresidents. This affirming debut shines a light on the ways women and girls are often made to feel like imposters in STEM fields. With believable dialogue, snappy pacing, and clever use of coding elements for chapter headings and section breaks (the latter are denoted by “br”), Levin’s novel is a thoroughly engaging read that gives powerful voice to an important issue without coming across as preachy.
An inspiring, unapologetically feminist takedown of misogyny in STEM culture.
—Kirkus Reviews

Sophomore Cam is excited about the computer science class she can finally take. But she is the only girl in the class, and the boys are not shy about letting her know that she is not welcome. The teacher barely acknowledges her and does nothing to stop the unpleasantness. Cam is determined to stick it out, especially when she reads about the difficulties women face in STEM fields. She combats her situation by pairing with Jackson, the other sophomore, for a class project, and they create a game that reflects the issues Cam reads about. Then she joins the RoboSub team with her friend Viv. As she expands her skill set, she starts to receive the respect and recognition she deserves. Cam is feisty and fun, even when her imposter syndrome takes hold. Best friend Viv is assertive and confident, especially when she can operate in her wheelhouse, marketing. The other characters are familiar: supportive parents, teachers (both dedicated and not), and boys who can accept a girl into coding. For STEM girls everywhere.
—Booklist

Cait Levin’s Imposter is far more than a novel—it’s a testament to the transformative power of STEM education and an ode to the courage and tenacity of young innovators. Told through the eyes of Cam, a high school student navigating the challenges of joining her school’s RoboSub team, this story is a moving reminder of the grit, perseverance, and camaraderie that define the RoboNation community.

Cam’s story echoes the experiences of so many students who come through RoboNation programs, from RoboSub to SeaPerch, and everything in between. It’s about finding strength in the face of adversity, learning to lean on your community, and discovering that success isn’t just about winning a competition.
—Alicia Gavin, Director of Communications and Marketing at RoboNation

Imposter is emotionally resonant. Levin expertly captures the anxiety of the unfortunate realities of gender inequities in STEM balanced with the joy of friendship, the thrill of learning something new, and the triumph of taking a stand against injustice.
—Erin Bond, Code.org engineer