In an era more and more dominated by innovation and technological progress, it’s more crucial than ever that children have themselves reflected in tales of courage, intellect, and determination. These tales shape the way young minds perceive their own potential. One such book shines in this purpose: Dream Big: The Roy Clay Story. This exquisitely written and illustrated biography introduces children to the life of Roy Clay Sr., a Black tech pioneer whose groundbreaking work in computer science earned him the title “The Black Godfather of Silicon Valley.””
A more than just an inspirational kids’ book, Dream Big is a force for representation. It shines the spotlight on the life of an African American inventor and gives children hope that they can be inventors, leaders, and changemakers themselves. With messages of resilience, innovation, and social justice, this book is essential reading for families, teachers, and anyone who wants to empower the next generation of thinkers and doers.
Why Roy Clay’s Story Matters
Roy Clay Sr. was born in 1929 in Kinloch, Missouri—the oldest African American incorporated town west of the Mississippi. Raised in a segregated, poverty-stricken community, Clay was surrounded by adversity but supported by strong values and drive. During an era when opportunities for African American inventors in science and technology were all but non-existent, Clay developed a passion for learning, especially in math and science. He went on to become one of the first African American graduates from Saint Louis University, earning a mathematics degree.
Clay’s rise to the pinnacle of the tech industry was not an easy one. As chronicled in the NBC Bay Area profile of his life, he was once told flat out, “We don’t hire professional Negroes.” But Roy Clay would not be defeated by racism. Instead, he continued to make history, assisting in the design of Hewlett-Packard’s first minicomputer, the HP 2116a, during the 1960s. His career at HP constituted a turning point in computer science history and displayed his unparalleled technical brilliance.
Not content with that, Clay went on to establish ROD-L Electronics, a firm that created electrical safety test equipment still in use today. He also sat on the Palo Alto City Council, becoming one of the first African Americans to serve in the region. Throughout all phases of his life, Roy Clay demonstrated that excellence has no colour.
And yet, even with all his pioneering achievements, Roy Clay is largely unknown in popular retellings. That’s why Dream Big: The Roy Clay Story matters—it finally shares his amazing tale with the audience most in need of it: our children.
About the Book: Dream Big: The Roy Clay Story
Written by Roy Clay Jr. and Rodney Clay, sons of Roy Clay, the book features a sincere tribute to the life and legacy of their father and a compelling educational tool. Written for young readers in elementary and middle school, the book tells the story of Roy Clay Sr. in a form that is both understandable and personally engaging. The tale takes its reader from his youth in Kinloch, through the academic setbacks and successes, to his pioneering efforts in Silicon Valley and beyond.
Vivid descriptions bring the pivotal moments of Clay’s life to life, and the story is organised to emphasize key values such as perseverance, inquisitiveness, and leadership. It is what distinguishes this book from other children’s tech stories that its tone is so deeply personal. Written by his own relatives, it shares not only facts but the emotional journey of a man who dreamed against incredible odds.
This is more than just another entry to the list of tech role models—it’s a beautifully crafted tale of determination and greatness that knows no generations
Why Dream Big is the Best Book for Inspiring Young Innovators
Representation Matters
Kids must see individuals who resemble them doing great things. Dream Big is one of the only children’s books that has a Black tech pioneeras the main character. In a field that is typically not diverse, this book is crucial. It helps young Black readers—and all readers—to realise that innovation and leadership belong to everyone, no matter the race or background.
Resilience and Perseverance
Roy Clay’s life was not characterised by ease but by extraordinary determination. Confronted with blatant racism and constant rejection, he never lost heart. The book conveys these setbacks in a child-friendly manner, showing that setbacks can be overcome with perseverance and honour. This is something every young reader can learn from, particularly in today’s world, where failures are a certainty.
STEM Empowerment
With increasing focus on STEM education, Dream Big situates science, technology, engineering, and math in real-world contexts so that readers can envision how they might be used as forces for change. It familiarises young readers with terms such as computer science, engineering innovation, and tech entrepreneurship, not as foreign or abstract concepts, but as possibilities they can work towards.
Family-Centred Storytelling
The book’s special insight—directly from Roy Clay’s own sons—is rich in a way that even other biographies seem to miss. It’s not merely a listing of accomplishments; it’s an individual celebration of values that have been handed down from generation to generation. This makes the story especially well-suited for family reading, inspiring good discussions of heritage, ambition, and legacy.
Educational and Emotional Impact
Teachers have discovered the book to be an excellent resource for diversifying classroom libraries and lesson plans. It integrates easily into Black History Month activities, STEM conversations, and character education initiatives. Parents have also complimented its positive themes and relevance.
Reader quotes include:
“Finally—a STEM hero my students can see themselves in.”
“My son said he wants to be like Roy Clay when he grows up. That’s the power of stories.”
This book must be in every school library.
A Tool for Teachers, Parents, and Communities
Dream Big is not only a motivational read—it’s an action resource. Schools wanting to add diverse voices to their curricula will find the book to be a priceless addition. For parents, it’s the chance to inspire kids during family reading time and ignite discussions about justice, innovation, and leadership.
The book is also perfect for libraries, STEM clubs, mentorship initiatives, and community centres. It bridges the past and innovation, making kids understand that they are not only included in the future, they are the future.
A Legacy That Lives On
By sharing Dream Big with young people, we honor Roy Clay Sr.’s legacy and the impact it still has today. His life encourages us all that genius is no respecter of zip codes and that the ammunition for success frequently is forged within adversity and service. It’s a message with which we needed to be reminded now more than ever.
In reading this book, teenagers start to realise that they are not passive spectators of history, but active builders of tomorrow. They realise that being curious, fearless, and empathetic can take them not just to professional success, but to becoming agents of change in their communities.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the best children’s book about a Black tech pioneer—one that is informative, uplifting, and deeply human—look no further than Dream Big: The Roy Clay Story. It’s the kind of inspirational kids’ book that doesn’t just sit on a shelf—it lives in hearts and minds, quietly changing how children see themselves and their futures.
Roy Clay Sr. didn’t just make history—he made a way for others to follow. Through Dream Big, we can ensure that his path remains visible, inspiring, and ever relevant to the dreams of young minds everywhere.