Hooked on Books: Exploring Mining Education, STEM and Sustainability in Ana’s Adventures at the Mine by Ana Gabriela Juárez

Ana’s Adventures at the Mine series invites young readers into engaging stories that blends adventure with real-world learning about modern mining, sustainability, and STEM careers. Written by Toronto-based author Ana Gabriela Juárez, this independently published middle-grade series introduces children to the science, people, and values behind modern mining through the curious eyes of its main character, Ana. Through storytelling grounded in real experiences, these books help demystify a topic that is often overlooked in children’s literature. Keep reading for an exclusive interview with the author, where Ana Gabriela Juárez shares the inspiration behind the series and her passion for connecting kids with science and modern mining through storytelling.

Parents and educators may find Ana’s Adventures at the Mine especially meaningful because it tackles a real-world topic in a way that is accessible, engaging, and age-appropriate. The stories encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and pride in understanding how the materials we rely on every day are responsibly sourced. The in-person and online tutoring team at Teachers on Call loves this book because it supports STEM learning, strengthens reading comprehension through purposeful nonfiction storytelling, and helps young readers explore future career pathways. It also opens the door to thoughtful conversations at home and in the classroom about sustainability, community, and problem solving.

Supporting Literacy Through Real-World Stories

Books that connect learning to real-life experiences play an important role in helping children see reading as both meaningful and empowering. Stories like Ana’s Adventures at the Mine allow young readers to “mine for knowledge” explore complex topics through characters they can relate to, while building vocabulary, background knowledge, and confidence as readers. At Teachers on Call, we value books that spark curiosity beyond the page and encourage students to ask questions, make connections, and engage with the world around them in informed and thoughtful ways.

About the Author: Meet Ana Juárez

Ana Juárez is an environmental consultant, mining board director, and children’s author based in Toronto, Ontario. She was born in Guatemala and has spent more than 18 years working on sustainability and environmental projects in the mining sector around the world. Ana is the founder of Women in Mining Central America and the president of CTA Environmental Consultants, with offices across Latin America and Canada. Inspired by both her professional experience and her role as a parent, she created Ana’s Adventures at the Mine and founded the Kids’ Mineralogist Club to help young readers, especially girls, discover a love for science, math, geology, and the Earth.

An Exclusive Interview with Author Ana Juárez

1. What led you, with this experience, to become a children’s author, and what inspired you to create the Ana’s Adventures at the Mine series?

I never imagined I would become a children’s author. My career began in environmental consulting and international mining audits, but the turning point came when I noticed a glaring absence: there were no engaging, educational books about mining for kids. Mining is everywhere in our daily lives, yet it’s often misunderstood. I wanted to create something that would bridge that gap with curiosity, heart, and truth. That’s how “Ana’s Adventures at the Mine” was born—to spark imagination while grounding young readers in real-world knowledge.

2. How did the lack of engaging, accessible materials in mining education inspire Ana’s story, and what do you hope young readers take away from it?

We are all deeply connected to mining, yet children (and many adults!) grow up without truly understanding what it means or how it works. I wanted to write a story that makes mining relatable and exciting—that shows it’s not just about rocks and tunnels, but about people, science, culture, and opportunity. My hope is that young readers finish the book with both curiosity and pride: curiosity about the world beneath their feet, and pride in the role mining plays in building it.

3. The first book quickly became an Amazon bestseller. How did that reception shape your approach to the sequel?

The response to the first book was incredibly moving. Seeing it become a bestseller in multiple categories was validating, and seeing it translated into multiple languages was incredible, but what touched me most were the messages from teachers, parents, and especially young girls, who saw themselves in Ana or the other characters. It pushed me to go deeper with the sequel. I wanted to explore more complex themes—history, heritage, and critical thinking—while still keeping the adventure alive.

4. The sequel includes characters inspired by real mining professionals. Why did you include them, and how has it been received?

I wanted young readers to see the real people who make mining work—geologists, engineers, environmental scientists, community leaders. By basing characters on actual professionals (many of whom are women), I hoped to show that these careers are not only accessible but meaningful. Readers have responded with excitement, especially when they learn that some of the characters are based on real people they can look up to.

5. What excites you about writing for this middle-school audience, and how do you engage their curiosity?

They are in a stage of discovery—eager to explore, question, and imagine. Writing for them is a joy and a responsibility. It’s a chance to spark curiosity before stereotypes take root. I write with the mindset that the next geologist, environmental leader, or mining CEO could be holding my book. That excites me.

6. You founded the Kids’ Mineralogist Club. How do the books and clubs tie into your goals for youth education in mining and STEM?

The Kids’ Mineralogist Club is the heart of our youth outreach. It’s a space where children can learn hands-on about minerals, geology, and environmental responsibility. Proceeds from the books go directly into supporting workshops, field visits, and educational kits. For me, it’s not just about telling a story—it’s about building a pipeline of knowledge and inspiration.

7. How has the book series resonated with readers, teachers, and parents—especially in mining communities?

It’s been powerful. Communities have used the books in classrooms, corporate social responsibility programs, and even mine tours.

Teachers say it fills a gap they didn’t even realize was there. Parents say it helps explain their jobs. And kids? They ask when the next book is coming. In mining communities, it’s been a powerful tool to build trust, pride, and conversations around the future of the sector.

8. How can storytelling help connect youth with STEM and modern mining careers?

Storytelling is powerful because it humanizes complex topics. Mining is often portrayed as cold or controversial. Through Ana’s eyes, we explore the science, but also the ethics, the teamwork, the challenges. It turns abstract processes into personal journeys. And that’s how we inspire the next generation of geologists, engineers, and changemakers.

9. You’ve just released a new colouring book connected to the Ana series. What inspired this addition, and what role does it play in your broader vision?

The colouring book was born from a simple truth: children learn best when they play. After launching the first two books, I saw a growing interest from parents and teachers asking for something they could use with younger children—those just beginning to explore the world around them. This new Ana’s Adventures at the Mine Coloring Book is designed for kids ages 4 to 8. It blends creativity with learning through fun illustrations, basic geology facts, and visual storytelling.

But it’s more than just a book to colour —it’s a bridge. A bridge that connects early childhood to science, to values like friendship, environmental care, and teamwork. It introduces the same beloved characters from the storybooks, including Ana and her dog Joy, and gives kids their first glimpse into the fascinating world beneath their feet. It’s joyful and educational—and it’s helping us reach even more classrooms, homes, and communities.

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Ana’s Adventures at the Mine shows how storytelling can make complex, real-world topics accessible and inspiring for young readers. At Teachers on Call, we believe learning is strongest when students can connect reading to the world around them, especially when stories encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful conversations at home and in the classroom.

At Teachers on Call, we have also been digging deeper into conversations about modern mining and future careers. In a previous blog, Uncovering Modern Mining: The Future Careers for Students You Didn’t Know Existed, Teachers on Call President and CEO Joanne Sallay recaps her experience visiting a mining camp in Gogama, Ontario, and reflects on what she learned about modern mining and the role it plays in communities across the province, including Timmins and Sudbury. Families and educators interested in learning more may also enjoy our blog highlighting the podcast conversation between Amber Mac and Joanne Sallay, available here, as well as Joanne’s firsthand mining tour recap, available here. Together, these resources support thoughtful discussions about STEM, sustainability, and the careers shaping our future.