Elaine Kachala
BIO
Biography

Elaine Kachala writes bold, curiosity-fueled STEAM nonfiction that empowers young readers to imagine—and build—a better world with technology. She is the award-winning author of Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution (Orca Book Publishers, 2022) and Building Homes for All: Technology for a Fair and Green Planet (Orca Book Publishers, 2026). With over 20 years as a health policy writer and advisor, degrees in psychology and sociology (University of Toronto), and a master’s degree in environmental studies (York University), Elaine brings a unique perspective to STEAM topics. She hopes to write books that inspire young readers to embrace their curiosity and creativity as they learn about real-life inventors who are unafraid to dream big while thinking critically about health, social and ethical issues. Elaine lives with her family in Toronto.

ADDRESS
City: Toronto, Province/Territory: Ontario
EMAIL
GENRE
Nonfiction, middle grade
LANGUAGES
English
PUBLICATIONS
Publications
Title
Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution
Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Year
2022
Title
Building Homes for All: Technology for a Fair and Green Planet
Publisher
Orca Book Publishers
Year
2026
AWARDS
Awards
Name
National Science Teaching Association & The Children's Book Council -- Best STEM Books for K-12 Students
Publication
Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution
Year
2023
Name
Junior Library Guild Gold Standard
Publication
Building Homes for All: Technology for a Fair and Green Planet
Year
2026
School presentation details
Audience Size
Classroom
Intended Audience
children, middle grade (4-8), 9-12 years
Presentation Length
30 min approx
Presentation Description
Presentation description

For Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution:

Brief introduction to the book and the topic of wearable technology, including what wearable technology is and how it works, with examples of how wearables are impacting our lives and changing the world, including the pros and cons. I'll introduce students to inventors, engineers, scientists, and young people navigating the next tech frontier of wearable computing and the challenges they face in designing responsible technology.

For Building Homes for All: Technology for a Fair and Green Planet:

In Building Homes for All, kids meet creative thinkers who are reimaging how to build. They’re using STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) to solve two of the world’s biggest problems – a housing shortage and a climate crisis - and to build faster, better, safer, cheaper, and greener. But they learn that while technology offers new hope and solutions, it takes teamwork to challenge old ideas and ways of doing things. I'll provide background on housing and homelessness issues, the impact of construction on the environment, and showcase cutting-edge technologies such as robotics, 3D construction printing, and mass timber. Students will learn about the automation revolution in construction and the many exciting STEAM career possibilities it offers.

 

For all presentations there will be Q/A opportunities and handouts such as book marks, postcards, or stickers. I also use PowerPoint for presentations.

Notes to educators:  For both books there are Teacher Guides and other resources available for free download on my website (elainekachala.com) and on Orca Book Publisher's website (orcabook.com). After you contact me, we will chat so I can understand how to tailor my presentation so it supports your teaching and your students' interests and learning.

 NSTA/CBC Best STEM Book Award Winner

Presentation Fee(s)
$300 + travel
Programs & Interests
Interested in participating Union’s Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program:
All members are eligible for the Union’s Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program. Are you interested in participating in this pro
Yes
Interested in participating in the Northern Ontario WITS program:
The Union’s Northern Ontario Writers-in-the-Schools program funds in-person visits to northern Ontario schools when possible. Ar
Yes