The Kid Who Cracked the Code

Meet the girl who never backs down from a challenge!

Written by Terysa Ridgeway, a computer scientist and manager at Google, this delightful book sparks curiosity in every young reader.

Eight-year-old Terysa is a creative thinker with a knack for figuring things out. But for her birthday, she gets her trickiest puzzle yet: an old computer that doesn't respond like she hoped. Can Terysa crack the code and bring it to life?

Inspired by real childhood adventures, this engaging story weaves computer science concepts into a warm, relatable tale about determination and how problem solving is fun. Along the way, readers will cheer for Terysa as she makes mistakes, tries again, and celebrates her successes.

Perfect for families, teachers, and young inventors, this book includes helpful back matter for introducing kids to the exciting world of computers, coding, and creativity.

If your child loves mysteries, math, or computers, one click is all it takes to start the adventure!

Author: Terysa Ridgeway,Maria Gabriela
Publisher: Joyful Pen
Published: 11/03/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 10.25h x 8.25w x 0.33d
ISBN: 9781464238628
Audience: Ages 4-8

About the Author

Terysa Ridgeway is a Computer Science professional, former rocket scientist, and currently an M&A Technical Integration Lead at Google. Her work and achievements have been featured in Forbes, AfroTech, Yahoo, and Black Enterprise.

Terysa's goal is to inspire children to believe in themselves and their abilities, encouraging them to dream big and pursue their passions. She wants children to feel empowered, curious, and excited about learning after reading her book series.

Her STEM contributions and humanitarian efforts can be felt both locally and globally. She is the recipient of keys to several Louisiana cities, including Baton Rouge, Opelousas, and Sunset, where her hometown issued an official proclamation in her honor. Terysa was also appointed as one of the United States Goodwill Ambassadors by President Yahya Jammeh of The Gambia, highlighting her commitment to helping others in need.

She resides in Lafayette, Louisiana, with her husband of 16 years and their four children. Terysa's dedication to her work, her community, and her family exemplifies her passion for making a positive impact in the world.