Los Altos Author Pens Children's Book 'Space for Saffron'

Rie Neal's latest novel features a STEM-loving kid and a Silicon Valley setting.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:33am

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An abstract composition of bold, geometric shapes in red, white, and black evokes the themes of a young girl's passion for science and her journey to find her place in a competitive academic environment.A vibrant conceptual illustration captures the spirit of a young girl's pursuit of her STEM dreams in the face of challenges.Oakdale Today

Novelist Rie Neal's latest children's book 'Space for Saffron' follows a 10-year-old science-obsessed girl named Saffron who moves from the Midwest to Silicon Valley to help out at her grandmother's struggling coffee shop. The middle-grade novel explores themes of finding one's place, navigating STEM competitions, and representation for kids with disabilities.

Why it matters

Neal's book aims to provide relatable characters and experiences for young readers, including those with ADHD and hearing impairments. The story also shines a light on the disparities that can exist in STEM education and competitions, where access to resources and support can vary greatly.

The details

In 'Space for Saffron,' the main character moves to the Bay Area town of 'Oakdale' and is intimidated by the high-tech STEM projects her new classmates are working on for the school's expo. Saffron hatches a plan to help her own project stand out and potentially save her grandmother's coffee shop in the process. The book was inspired by Neal's memories of volunteering at a STEM event for her own daughter's school, where she observed a wide range of experiences and resource levels among the participants.

  • Rie Neal's latest children's book 'Space for Saffron' was recently published in February 2026 by Aladdin/Simon & Schuster.
  • Neal grew up in Los Altos and is now raising her own children there.

The players

Rie Neal

A novelist from Los Altos, California who has written a new children's book called 'Space for Saffron' featuring a STEM-loving protagonist.

Saffron

The 10-year-old main character of 'Space for Saffron' who moves from the Midwest to Silicon Valley and participates in her new school's STEM competition.

Gram

Saffron's grandmother who owns a struggling coffee shop in Silicon Valley that Saffron tries to help.

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What they’re saying

“I got to see it all from his point of view. He was like, 'Wow, this is so amazing!' I grew up taking it for granted and it is really cool.”

— Rie Neal, Author

“There were income disparities, interest disparities, disparities in the support from home — I think the fact that there were so many different types of experiences struck me.”

— Rie Neal, Author

What’s next

Neal plans to continue writing children's books that feature diverse and relatable characters, including those with ADHD and hearing impairments. She also hopes to promote other inclusive children's books on her website.

The takeaway

Rie Neal's 'Space for Saffron' provides a heartwarming and insightful look at the experiences of a young STEM-loving protagonist navigating the challenges and disparities that can exist in competitive academic environments. The book aims to inspire and represent underserved readers.