Here are a few books I read last week. Click on the covers to go to the book's page on Goodreads.
Loved it! Full Review tomorrow.
Alan Katz writes silly books and poems and this series is no exception. None of the information is actually true and the events never happened. There is a very short (factual) biographical section at the end. It has fun illustrations and kids may like it, but it was not my cup of tea.
I LOVE books about lesser-known, but super-important people. German born Emmy Noether was a gifted mathematician in a time when women were barely allowed to attend college. Her research was vital and she even helped Einstein with his Theory of Relativity. Of course, men took all the credit for her work. This book would make a nice companion to science units and to examine gender stereotypes and fairness.
Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code by Laurie Wallmark Illustrated by Katy Wu Published May, 2017 Sterling Children's Books 48 Pages Nonfiction Picture Book Hardcover Review copy provided by publisher Goodreads Summary
Who was Grace Hopper? A software tester, workplace jester, cherished mentor, ace inventor, avid reader, naval leader—AND rule breaker, chance taker, and troublemaker. Grace Hopper coined the term “computer bug” and taught computers to “speak English,” and throughout her life succeeded in doing what no one had ever done before. Delighting in difficult ideas and in defying expectations, the insatiably curious Hopper truly is “Amazing Grace” . . . and a role model for science- and math-minded girls and boys.
My Thoughts
Do you know where the phrase "computer bug" came from? You will after reading this book. Every time I read a nonfiction picture book, I learn that there is so much to learn. I did not know about Grace Hopper, I am so glad that I do now. This book takes her from a curious girl, who took apart household appliances to find out how they work, to computer code queen. Grace's story teaches us that STEM talent knows no gender or age. She was an invaluable resource, writing code for the navy until she was 80 years old! She is a great role model for perseverance and growth mindset. I really loved how the author captures her spirit and insatiable curiosity. One cannot help but be inspired by her tenacity.
The author tells the story with just enough text to keep it interesting for young readers and up through middle school. Actual quotes from Grace are sprinkled throughout the book in creative ways. One of my favorites is, "If you've got a good idea, and you know it's going to work, go ahead and do it."
The back matter consists of a timeline of Grace Hopper's life, a selected bibliography, additional reading about women in STEM and a summary of Grace's many honors.
Not only is the book entertaining and informative, it is visually enticing as well. With a variety of interesting formats, backgrounds, fonts and bold colors, there is much to keep readers engaged.
Grace Hopper: Queen of Code is an essential addition to every classroom, school and public library.
The Book of Heroines: Tales of History's Gutsiest Gals by Stephanie Warren Drimmer Published November 2016 National Geographic Kids Nonfiction 176 Pages Review copy provided by publisher Goodreads Summary Everybody needs a role model! Discover true stories of superstars, war heroes, world leaders, gusty gals, and everyday girls who changed the world. From Sacagawea to Mother Teresa, Annie Oakley to Malala Yousafzai, these famous females hiked up their pants and petticoats or charged full-speed ahead to prove that girls are just as tough as boys...maybe even tougher. Complete with amazing images and a fun design, this is the book that every kid with a goal, hope, or dream will want to own.
Personal photo taken of pages 116 and 117 of the book.
Published November 2016 National Geographic Kids Nonfiction 176 Pages
Review copy provided by publisher Goodreads Summary
Everybody needs a role model! Discover the true stories of superheroes, rebels, world leaders, action heroes, sports legends, and many more daring dudes, all of whom played their part to make their mark, make a contribution, and make the world a better place.
From Abraham Lincoln to Sitting Bull, Stephen Hawking to Galileo, these cool guys had the boldness, bravery, and brains to meet the challenges of their day. With a fun design, engaging text, and high-quality photographs, this is ultimate hero guide and keepsake for 21st century kids.
Personal photo of pages 84 and 85 of the book.
My Thoughts
I enjoyed both of these books about influential men and women throughout history. Readers will learn about people from every historical time period giving kids an opportunity to learn about important people they may not have known about. What a great way to gain exposure to positive role models.
Each book is organized into eight chapters including gutsy gals and daring dudes in sports, politics, science and peace makers to name a few. Facts are accompanied by photographs, captions, and images of paintings and historical artifacts. The font size is quite small so younger readers may need help from adults.
I would highly recommend both books for every school or classroom library for grades 3 and up. See what others have to say about this book: Kirkus Smart Mommy, Healthy Baby Chat with Vera
Goodreads Summary Nadia Comaneci was a feisty and fearless little girl who went from climbing trees in the forests of Romania to swinging into history at the 1976 Olympic Games, where she received an unprecedented seven perfect scores in gymnastics. But as readers will see in this first-ever illustrated picture book about Nadia’s journey to Olympic gold, the road from small-town girl to world-class athlete was full of many imperfect moments.
Expert illustrations that capture the energy and fluidity of Nadia's exuberant gymnastic routines and referential back matter round out this inspirational story of determination and overcoming adversity. A perfect 10.
My Thoughts I have to admit, I may be a little bit biased because I am a huge fan of Nadia's. I am old enough that I remember watching the Olympics and, as a young gymnast, being in awe of her skills. I even went as Nadia Comaneci that Halloween! I was thrilled when I saw that someone had written a picture book biography about her. It is exciting that another generation of kids may know her through this book. I really enjoyed it. I think the illustrations are just perfect and would recommend it for all elementary grades and especially for kids who can't sit still.
You know the Super Soaker. It’s one of top twenty toys of all time. And it was invented entirely by accident. Trying to create a new cooling system for refrigerators and air conditioners, impressive inventor Lonnie Johnson instead created the mechanics for the iconic toy.
A love for rockets, robots, inventions, and a mind for creativity began early in Lonnie Johnson’s life. Growing up in a house full of brothers and sisters, persistence and a passion for problem solving became the cornerstone for a career as an engineer and his work with NASA. But it is his invention of the Super Soaker water gun that has made his most memorable splash with kids and adults.
My Thoughts
Picture book biographies are a bit of a recent obsession for me. I like reading about famous people, but I really love stories about interesting, lesser-known people. So many things are invented that we use in our daily lives and we never really know the story behind the invention. Lonnie's story is important because it shows how he persevered even though many doubted his abilities. It shows children that inventors and scientists fail...A LOT before they succeed and sometimes the best creations come from "accidents".
The author does not shy away from using more sophisticated vocabulary and provides a detailed description of Johnson's struggles and accomplishments making Whoosh! appealing to older readers. Don Tate's illustrations are always amazing! It is fun to see how he changes Lonnie from a young school boy, through college and into adulthood.
I would recommend Whoosh! Lonnie Johnson's Super-Soaking Stream of Inventions for grades 2-5.
It's good to be back. I took a hiatus from blogging since early May! This was not intentional. The end of the year craziness, combined with my poorly planned timing of taking the exam for National Boards, made May-June exceptionally busy. I am excited for summer and have been reading quite a bit. Here are a few I have enjoyed recently. Click on the covers to learn more about them.
I learned so much about Sonia Sotomayor from this simple biography. In 48 pages this book chronicles Sotomayor's life from childhood when she watched Perry Mason to her appointment to the highest court in the land. Young Sonia noticed that it was the judge who seemed to make the important decisions in the courtroom on Perry Mason so she decided she wanted to become a judge. She was born to parents from Puerto Rico and grew up in the projects in the Bronx. Her parents valued education and she worked very hard in school all while dealing with diabetes.
Her story shows how determination and hard work can help anyone achieve success.
The simple text is supported by photographs, captions, graphics, maps and a timeline. I would recommend this biography for grades 2-5.
Take a bite into the fascinating history of peanut butter and the man who invented it. Through leveled text and engaging photos, kids meet George Washington Carver and learn about his important work with peanuts and other plants. This Level 1 reader is carefully leveled for an early independent reading or read aloud experience, perfect to encourage the scientists and explorers of tomorrow! From the Trade Paperback edition.
My Thoughts
Through simple text and amazing pictures, this books teaches young readers about this important person in American history. To help children understand, the author has included definitions for vocabulary words, actual photographs, paintings, original sketches and a timeline. Of course, since it is published by National geographic, the photographs are bright, vivid and colorful.
This book would make a great early experience with biographies for grades 1-3.
