Power On!

A diverse group of teenage friends learn how computing can be personally and politically empowering and why all students need access to computer science education.

This lively graphic novel follows a diverse group of teenage friends as they discover that computing can be fun, creative, and empowering. Taylor, Christine, Antonio, and Jon seem like typical young teens—they communicate via endless texting, they share jokes, they worry about starting high school, and they have each other’s backs. But when a racially-biased artificial intelligence system causes harm in their neighborhood, they suddenly realize that tech isn’t as neutral as they thought it was. But can an algorithm be racist? And what is an algorithm, anyway?

In school, they decide to explore computing classes, with mixed results. One class is only about typing. The class that Christine wants to join is full, and the school counselor suggests that she take a class in “Tourism and Hospitality” instead. (Really??) But Antonio’s class seems legit, Christine finds an after-school program, and they decide to teach the others what they learn. By summer vacation, all four have discovered that computing is both personally and politically empowering.

Interspersed through the narrative are text boxes with computer science explainers and inspirational profiles of people of color and women in the field (including Katherine Johnson of Hidden Figures fame). Power On! is an essential read for young adults, general readers, educators, and anyone interested in the power of computing, how computing can do good or cause harm, and why addressing underrepresentation in computing needs to be a top priority.1 This Is Messed Up 1
2 Summertime 15
3 High School Begins 27
4 Why Do We Need to Learn Computer Science? 52
5 Someone Like Me 70
6 We Are the Change We Want 83
7 Students Take Lead: Computer Science for All 99
Authors' Statement 123
Acknowledgments 125
Notes 127“Ryoo and Margolis have created a fun and engaging story that explores the importance of computing and data education, biases in education, issues in equity and ethics in tech, and much more. Braiding together the stories of these friends with explainers on computer science and profiles of people of color and women in tech, this book is highly informative for young people wanting an accessible intro to computer science and tech.”
—American Scientist

"Informative, impactful. . . . The authors deftly weave factual information . . . in with the computer science narrative, and the texture of teenage life in the early 2020s: quizzes, parental pressure, Black Lives Matter protests, bullying, family strife, a Juneteenth barbecue, crushes, and frustrations. They come to know, and show the reader, the importance of diversity in the computer science field, and the empowerment involved in not only understanding it but moving the field forward."
—Nina MacLaughlin, The Boston Globe

"Power On! is a fresh read from the otherwise superhero, fantasy, and science fiction stories that majorly fill this [comic book and graphic novel] space. In fact, the writers have created a group of heroes in their own right, just without all the multi-million-pound gadgets and special powers, that could hopefully inspire potential young readers… It’s about time that things begin to change, and graphic novels like these are a step in the right direction."
—E&T Magazine

“What a cool concept: This new graphic novel follows four friends who use computer science to make the tech world—and the world more broadly—a fairer, more equitable place. Make sure to share it with a young person in your life.”
—Melinda French Gates“A must-read for every educator working to make the pressing issues of technology and harm legible to kids.”
—Safiya Noble, Associate Professor, UCLA; author of Algorithms of Oppression
 
“A meaningful, student-centered look at the impact of computing, and the power of student voice. I encourage computer science teachers of all grade levels to read this and share with their students.”
—Jake Baskin, Executive Director, Computer Science Teachers Association

 “Power On! is a next-level, full-service graphic novel that is sure to ‘power on’ CS education for students. I couldn’t put it down!”
—Brenda Wilkerson, President and CEO, AnitaB.org

 “A brilliant model of theory to practice for digital equity scholars and practitioners.”
—Kim Scott, author of Compugirls: How Girls of Color Find and Define Themselves in the Digital Age
 
“Margolis and Ryoo have found the perfect medium to convey to young Latina/o students the importance of their participation in artificial intelligence. The message is clear and empowering and will leave students asking for more.”
—Patti Ordóñez, Associate Professor of Computer Science, University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras

 “Power On! is a beautifully written and illustrated tool for engaging learners in critical issues related to equity, justice, and computer science education, and empowering young people to be the leaders of our future.”
—Allison Scott, CEO, Kapor Center
 
“Power On! does a great job of identifying the many challenges students from different identities face in pursuing/completing CS courses. I love how they all find ways to advocate for themselves and others!”
—Nicki Washington, Professor of Practice, Duke University; author of Unapologetically Dope: Lessons for Black Women and Girls on Surviving and Thriving in the Tech Field
 
“Power On! reveals the deep connections we too often overlook between computer science, narrative, friendship, and justice. Drop into a dynamic story world where four devoted friends support one another, learn a lot, and mobilize for change.”
—Lissa Soep, coauthor of Code for What? Computer Science as a Medium for Storytelling and Justice

Texas Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List, 2023
Jane Margolis is a UCLA educational researcher and author who has been a longtime advocate for ending inequality and segregation in computer science education, for which she won the 2016 White House Champion of Change award. She is the coauthor of Unlocking the Clubhouse and Stuck in the Shallow End, both published by the MIT Press.
Jean J. Ryoo (she/her) is an avid reader of manga and manhwa, as well as an educational researcher/writer committed to ensuring that all students experience meaningful and empowering learning, both in and out of school.