Interview with Ainissa Ramirez, author of SPARK … and a giveaway!

Spark – Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone is the first nonfiction picture book biography in the Black Innovators Series by MIT Kids Press, an imprint of Candlewick. Today is this remarkable book’s birthday, and I’m honored to welcome talented author Ainissa Ramirez to Writers’ Rumpus.

Ainissa, you did a phenomenal job capturing Jim West’s spark for finding solutions to the questions that bubbled up inside him. Despite lack of appreciation for his nonstop tinkering and questioning as a child, or family support for becoming a scientist as a young black man, Jim West never gave up his desire to become a scientist and inventor. Ultimately, a summer internship at Bell labs led to his creation (with Bell Labs teammate Gerhard Sessler) of a microphone so small, light, and sensitive it “changed how the whole world communicates.”  To put his incredible accomplishments in perspective, Jim was born in 1931, in a small Virginia town. He’s an outstanding role model, and I believe that reading about him in Spark will inspire children to nurture their curiosity and dreams. 

Laura: Now for my first question: I’m truly awed by your devotion to making science and technology approachable to all, whether through your many scientific publications, appearing as a science expert on network TV, or your TED talk on the importance of STEM education. I can’t think of anyone better to bring Jim West’s life and accomplishments to a young audience. Please share what it was like to meet Jim West, and how it ultimately led to creation of this enlightening, engaging picture book biography.

Ainissa: When I met Jim West over two decades ago, I was a newly minted scientist who was still trying to navigate the wonderful world of Bell Labs. On a whim I emailed Jim to see if we could meet, and amazingly he responded and said, ‘yes.’ We met in the Bell Labs cafeteria, where I did my best not to stumble past tables and my words.  I don’t remember what we spoke about, but I do recall that I was awestruck. When I ended my time with him, I had no idea this was a seed for a picture book that would sprout much later. 

In 2016, the movie Hidden Figures came out, and I realized that I had met a hidden figure. This put me on the path to reconnect with Jim and see if I could write his story.  Since this was a picture book, I wanted to know what he was like as a little boy.  It took many interviews to attain that information, since Jim is very private. But over time, I gleaned enough to get him onto the page. 

Laura: We are so lucky you did! Can you share your writing process? 

Ainissa: I write nonfiction books for adults and borrowed much of my practice for writing them to a picture book. Since I write about science, my job is to learn as much as I can about the technology, but also about the history of that technology. If the subject of my book is still living, I do my best to interview them and their colleagues/ family.  If they are no longer living, I try to find their papers in the archives.  All the while I am reading books about the time and the region of interest. I am devouring scientific papers, too.  When my brain is saturated with information, then I get to my job of writing confident and well-informed sentences. 

But that is not enough! Then, I get to the craft of writing as lyrically as possible as well as trying to explain the science as simply as possible, too.  I try to make every word work hard! 

Laura: The language in Spark is indeed lyrical and engaging. The pictures in Spark are sensational as well. Did you have any influence in choosing illustrator Setor Fiadzigbey, and what was your working relationship?

Ainissa: I am simply amazed at what Setor has created and feel so fortunate to have the privilege to work with him.  His images are just perfect for this book! 

As for choosing an illustrator, I thought a graphic novel style would work best, and my editor agreed.  But what is so great about Setor is not just that he is highly, highly talented. He has some science expertise, too. As such, the images have a rare authenticity to them. Setor created a visually wonderful book.

(Spark: Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone. Text copyright © 2025 by Ainissa Ramirez. Illustrations copyright © 2025 by Setor Fiadzigbey. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA. )

Laura: I love how the “spark” theme is woven throughout this book. I also really enjoyed reading the back matter – your Author’s Note, The Life and Work of Jim West, the Time Line of major advancements in communication, and ways to listen, see, learn, read, and find out more about Jim West’s amazing accomplishments. All this will encourage young readers to explore more about Jim West’s accomplishments, and potentially inspire them to pursue a STEM career as well. How was the back matter developed? 

Ainissa: I love writing back matter because I want to give more information to those who are seeking it. Jim West’s invention is a significant part of a long evolution that includes the telephone. I thought that a timeline would show this best. I also wanted to write a short bio about Jim West, since he is not in many books and only now is he getting recognized on the internet. I wanted young readers to physically have information about Jim. And, the author’s note was just a way to share with readers what it was like to meet Jim. I tried to create experiences for all kinds of learners in the back matter so that everyone can get to know Jim in the way that works best for them.

Laura: That’s wonderful! Congratulations again for authoring the first picture book biography in the Black Inventors Series. Can you share future plans for this important series, for you or for other authors? 

Ainissa: I have a book coming out in the fall 2026 about another Black innovator named Gladys West. She is a mathematician who helped to shape GPS. That book is called North, South, East and Gladys West. 

The third scheduled book is about inventor Garrett Morgan, who created an early gas mask and saved many victims with his invention. That book comes out in 2028 and is called The Man Behind The Mask. My hope is that other books will come from this series. 

Laura: I think this series is so important and echo your hope. In your bio, it reads that “She wrote this book so that others can see their reflections in science, too.” Can you share more about your goal for this book?

Ainissa: Seeing my reflection was so key to my journey as a scientist.  I want to make sure that kids see their reflections with my books. I am just paying it forward, as was done for me.

Laura: You are a truly gifted kidlit author. Have you caught the picture book bug? Will there be any more in your future? 

Ainissa: I do love writing picture books and have certainly caught the bug.  I have a few other science-themed books that I am working on. I hope they will find good homes soon.

Laura: Please share your impressive biography, as well as how readers can connect with you. Thank you so much for interviewing with me. Spark deserves accolades galore, and I hope it is read in schools and homes far and wide. 

Laura: I heartily agree that all kids start off being curious about world! Young readers are so lucky to have you and your books to inspire them, and I wish you continued success.

NOW FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE GIVEAWAY:
Ainissa is generously offering a giveaway of Spark-Jim West’s Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone to a lucky reader. To enter, please leave a comment on this post. If you share the post on social media, mention it in your comment and you’ll receive two entries to win (U.S. addresses only). The giveaway will end on October 27th. Check back on that date to see who won! Good luck!