Timely Take-aways for life-long Learners: Strong Women Around the World

From a planetary scientist to a pirate’s wife, several new autobiographies and biographies explore the lives of lesser-known women through history. Whether using her position as first lady to support educational projects or solving crimes on the high seas, these nontraditional women left powerful legacies.

A Portrait of the Scientist as a Young Woman: A Memoir
Lindy Elkins-Tanton, May 2022, William Morrow, HarperCollins
Themes: Memoir, Science, Women

Elkins-Tanton overcame a traumatic childhood and ovarian cancer to become the principal investigator on a major space exploration project. Her engaging story shares personal connections with science and how these experiences lead her to find meaning in life.

Take-aways: Teachers will find useful examples that demonstrate how to nurture a passion for science in students, particularly young women.

A Woman of Adventure:
The Life and Times of First Lady Lou Henry Hoover
Annette B. Dunlap, June 2022, Potomac Books and Longleaf Services
Themes: Biography, First Ladies, Women

While supporting her husband’s political career and the needs of her family, Lou Henry Hoover was still able to promote educational opportunities for women. This engaging biography shares the fascinating life and powerful legacy of this less-known first lady.

Take-aways: Students are likely familiar with first ladies such as Eleanor Roosevelt. Use this biography to demonstrate the achievements of first lady Lou Henry Hoover.

Woman, Captain, Rebel:
The Extraordinary True Story of a Daring Icelandic Sea Captain
Margaret Willson, January 2023, Sourcebooks
Themes: Biography, Maritime History, Women

This fast-paced, well-researched biography tells the story of Captain Thurídur Einarsdóttir, a woman who fought for human rights as Iceland’s most famous female sea captain. Whether solving a robbery or challenging social norms, this powerful woman fought for underrepresented Icelanders.

Take-aways: Women’s stories are underrepresented in the world history curriculum. Feature the story of Captain Thurídur Einarsdóttir to demonstrate the ongoing struggles of women in nontraditional roles.

The Pirate’s Wife: The Remarkable True Story of Sarah Kidd
Daphne Palmer Geanacopoulos, Dec 2022, Hanover Square Press, HarperCollins
Themes: Biography, Maritime History, Women

During the Golden Age of Piracy, socialite turned legendary accomplice Sarah Kidd fought behind the scenes in support of her infamous pirate husband. This work of narrative nonfiction connects this resourceful woman to the larger story of pirate wives.

Take-aways: Traditional pirate stories overlook the role wives played in support of their swashbuckling husbands. Weave this example into the broader context of the Golden Age of Piracy.

In Search of Amrit Kaur: A Lost Princess and Her Vanished World
Livia Manera Sambuy, Mar 2023, Farrar, Straus and Giroux, Macmillan
Themes: Biography, World History, Women

Livia Manera Sambuy traces the forgotten story of H. H. Amrit Kaur of Mandi, a woman who left her family for personal freedom and spoke out for women’s rights.

Take-aways: Teachers are always looking for less-known stories and perspectives.

Whether helping educators keep up-to-date in their subject-areas, promoting student reading in the content-areas, or simply encouraging nonfiction leisure reading, teacher librarians need to be aware of the best new titles across the curriculum and how to activate life-long learning. - Annette Lamb

Synergy: Lise Meitner

Lise Meitner (1878-1968) was an Austrian-Swedish physicist best known for her discovery of nuclear fission along with the element protactinium.

Read the recently published nonfiction book for youth then learn more at the website.

THE WOMAN WHO SPLIT THE ATOM by Marissa Moss tells the compelling story of a female Jewish physicist who made groundbreaking discoveries, while dealing with sexism, anti-Semitism, and other obstacles. Each of the forty chapters begins with sequential art followed by a short, engaging narrative. The book concludes with an afterword with photographs, author’s note, timeline, terms, glossary, endnotes, bibliography, and index. Perfect for reluctant readers, this highly illustrated biography will appeal to a wide range of young people.

LISE MEITNER AND NUCLEAR FISSION is a very short video providing an overview of Lise Meitner’s scientific discovery.

To view the video, to go https://youtu.be/6UvbdidT-qM 

THE AMAZING LIFE OF LISE MEITNER is a video exploring the life of this inspiring scientist.

To view the video, to go https://youtu.be/uZZFG58G_jE

ARC courtesy of Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Synergy: Ocean Exploration

From amazing animals and high-tech gear to deep sea diving, oceans are exciting places to explore.

Read the recently published children’s book on this topic, then learn more at the website:

EXTREME OCEAN by Sylvia A. Earle shares the adventures of an American marine biologist. From deep sea dives to environmental disaster relief, Earle explores the ocean and its wildlife. Each chapter includes field notes, facts, and hands-on activities. Readers are invited to conduct their own investigations.

Sylvia A. Earle was the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Visitors to the NOAA website can learn about this government agency and try out a variety of hands-on activities in the education section.

National Geographic Kids Ocean Portal
https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/ocean-portal/

U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
https://www.noaa.gov/education

ARC courtesy of National Geographic Kids.

500 Women Scientists

500 WOMEN SCIENTISTS is an online project focusing on women scientists.

This online database contains information and resources about female scientists from around the world. The resource also includes ideas and resources for building leaders. In addition, users can locate female scientists across the globe.

To learn more, go to https://500womenscientists.org/

Book: Belle's Journey

BELLE’S JOURNEY: AN OSPREY TAKES FLIGHT by Rob Bierregaard tells the true story of an Osprey’s first migration experience.

When scientist Dr. B places a tracking device on an osprey he names Belle, he’s able to follow her migration to South America and back. Reminiscent of Rachel Carson’s creative nonfiction, the story explores what Belle may have experienced on her long journey. Dr. B’s connection with two young naturalists will appeal to young readers. While the illustrations meet the basic needs of the book, the photographs at the end of the book really bring Belle to life.

Librarians will find an audience for this book among animal lovers and the growing number of nonfiction narrative fans. Share this title on creative nonfiction lists otherwise it might easily get lost among the informational bird books. Encourage science teachers to offer this title as an optional assignment.

Published by Charlesbridge on May 15, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Astronaut Aquanaut

ASTRONAUT AQUANAUT by Jennifer Swanson explores the similarities and differences between deep space and deep sea exploration.

This visually appealing informational text includes an introduction and five chapters along with a people page, space-sea comparison, glossary, and index. Bright colored photographs, illustrations, and page layout add to the appeal.

Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of space or sea exploration. Readers are invited to read facts, conduct experiments, try activities, and explore the lives of scientists.

Librarians will find this book provides an unusual and fascinating way to think about deep space and deep sea exploration. Weave the title into the science curriculum and work with science teachers to use the space-sea comparison as the basis of class projects. Create a display with books about both environments placing this title in the center.

Published on April 1, 2018 by National Geographic. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Curious Critters Club

CURIOUS CRITTERS CLUB is a set of technology resources focusing on the quest for fictional creatures.

This technology-rich project includes a website, apps, and interactive books. Users participate in a mission to help scientists find new creatures. Participants become members of the Curious Critters Club and explore a world filled with 25 fictional characters. The website is available in both English and French. An app involves users in an augmented reality adventure. Two interactive story apps are also available including CALL OF THE GIANT EAGLE and THE MYSTERY OF THE CADDY.

Librarians will find the website an engaging way to introduce fictional creatures to children. Involve youth in writing about the characters and creating their own. Use the resources to tie storytelling with mythology and cultures from around the world.

To learn more, go to http://curiouscrittersclub.com/en/experience.

Website Review: A Digital Volcano

A DIGITAL VOLCANO is an interactive website exploring an active volcano in Nicaragua.

Sponsored by General Electric, this immersive online volcanic expedition tells the story of how GE scientists learn about extreme environments and apply the data to real-world projects. Users scroll through a series of interactive screens containing amazing images and video footage. Along the way, users learn about how scientists are using big machines and data to identify issues related to power and our planet. The project explores the first steps in designing predictive systems for the natural world.

Librarians will find this interactive website to be useful in helping students bridge the science curriculum with real-world science projects.

To visit the website, go to https://www.ge.com/digitalvolcano/.

Technology Review: Tumble

TUMBLE is a science podcast for kids and families.

Each podcast tells the story of a scientific discoveries and scientists. A science journalist and a classroom teacher ask questions, share mysteries, and help listeners learn key science concepts.

The website’s blog contains interesting information and news stories related to science topics.

The podcast is available through iTunes, Stitcher, and Google Play Music. Or, listeners can enjoy the podcasts on the website.

Librarians will find that this educational podcast contains episodes that can easily be aligned with the science curriculum.

To visit the website, go to http://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/.

Book Review: The Friendship Experiment

THE FRIENDSHIP EXPERIMENT by Erin Teagan takes a clever approach to the issues of middle school friendships.

Madeline is a young scientist who takes a “step-by-step” approach to everything including finding a new best friend. When her peers read her notebook, she realizes that maybe a scientific approach can’t solve her friendship dilemma. Intermediate level readers will empathize with Madeline’s personal and school experiences.

Librarians will find this humorous work of realistic fiction to be popular among young scientists and youth who enjoy stories about friendship.

Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group on November 1, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Technology Review: Kids Environment, Kids Health

KIDS ENVIRONMENT, KIDS HEALTH is a website filled with educational materials related to health, science, and the environment.

Sponsored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the website is divided into four sections: topics, games, activities, and lessons.

The Topics area directs users to online activities related to the environment and health; healthy living; pollution; reduce, reuse, recycle; science and how it works; and the natural world.

The Games section contains brainteasers, puzzles, riddles, and songs.

The Activities area provides engaging, hands-on experiences focusing on the areas of Be a Scientist, Coloring, Science Experiments, and Stories.

The Lessons section helps educators locate lesson plans and other classroom materials on environmental health topics.

Librarians will find that this attractive website contains valuable resources related to the health and science curriculum.

To visit the website, go to https://kids.niehs.nih.gov.

Book Review: Radioactive

RADIOACTIVE: HOW IRENE CURIE AND LISE MEITNER REVOLUTIONIZED SCIENCE AND CHANGED THE WORLD by Winifred Conkling tells the true story of two women who made significant contributions to science.

This important biography traces the often overlooked role of two female physicists who made major discoveries related to artificial radiation and nuclear fission. The story stresses the challenges facing female scientists in the 20th century.

Informational boxes provide related scientific background text and visuals. Although photographs and other illustrations add interest to the text, additional primary sources would have been useful. The book concludes with a timeline, glossary, notes, bibliography, additional sources, and an index.

Librarians will find this engaging nonfiction narrative to be an excellent addition to the library’s STEM biography collection. The focus on women’s roles will be particularly popular with middle school girls.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.winifredconkling.com/.

Published by Algonquin, an imprint of Workman Publishing on January 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Science Stunts: Fun Feats of Physics

SCIENCE STUNTS: FUN FEATS OF PHYSICS by Jordan Brown introduces key scientists and over two dozen science experiments for intermediate and middle school readers.

The engaging physics activities are organized into seven chapters focusing on gravity, motion, heat, magnets, sound, light, and electricity. What makes this title unique is the way information about scientists and the science behind the stunts is woven into the narrative.

Although the library is already filled with science experiment titles, the unusual approach and visual appeal of this informational text makes it worth the purchase.

This engaging work of nonfiction would be a great addition to your library’s STEM collection. The diverse cast of characters adds to the appeal of this useful science resource.

Published by Charlesbridge on January 19. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Website Review: Global Volcanism Program

THE GLOBAL VOLCANISM PROGRAM from the Smithsonian Institution contains valuable resources about volcano science from around the world.

The website is divided into sections titled Reports, Databases, Learn, Research, and Information.

The Reports section provides weekly reports of recent volcano activity from around the world. These activity reports can be viewed through an interactive map. The Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network contains reports since 1968.

The Database section allows users to search for specific volcanoes or eruptions. Information is also available in list or spreadsheet forms.

The Learn section provides lots of resources for educators including links to YouTube videos, a gallery of terms and photos, and links to maps and other information.

The Research section details the petrology and volcanology projects currently connected with the Smithsonian including online exhibits and collections.

Librarians will find this to be an easy-to-use website for information about specific volcanoes and eruptions. It’s also an effective way to show students the real-world work of scientists.

To learn more, go to http://volcano.si.edu/.

Book Review: Deadly Design

DEADLY DESIGN by Debra Dockter is a fast-paced thriller involving mad scientists, genetic modification, and the sudden death of teens.

Kyle and Connor are genetically engineered identical twins born two years apart. When Connor dies of a heart attack without warning, Kyle soon discovers other patients created by Dr. Mueller aren’t living past their eighteenth birthdays. Can Kyle solve the mystery and save himself before his time runs out?

The genetics and medical aspects seem plausible enough to keep the suspense high and readers guessing. The writing flows smoothing making it a quick-red.

Designed for young adults, this science fiction, mystery-suspense will appeal to teens who enjoy friendship stories with a touch of romance as well as those seeking an action thriller. Librarians will find that the chilling, near-future science will attract those that enjoy plausible, medical thrillers.

To learn more about the author, go to http://debradockter.com/.

Published by Putnam/Penguin on June 2, 2015.

Book Review: High Tide for Horseshoe Crabs

HIGH TIDE FOR HORSESHOE CRABS by Lisa Kahn Schnell is an informational picture book exploring the migration of horseshoe crabs to the shores of Delaware Bay.

Lisa Kahn Schnell begins each two-page spread with a short, active sentence that highlights the key idea. Next, she tells the story of coastal ecology and migration using age-appropriate details. This combination is effective for a read-aloud experience.

Designed for ages 3-7, this well-written science narrative is effective in sharing accurate scientific information as well as the passion of scientists and naturalists. The book concludes with detailed science information, a map, and additional information sources including website suggestions.

Alan Marks’ illustration beautiful illustrations combine ink lines with watercolor. The front and back endpapers contain a nicely labeled diagram of a horseshoe crab. Marks tells the story of the horseshoe crabs using the spectrum of nature colors. From shorebirds to scientists, Marks realistically portrays the story’s characters and coastal setting.

Librarians will welcome this informational picture book title into their science collections. With the themes of coastal ecology, animal migration, life cycles, and scientists-in-the-field, the book provides numerous opportunities for science standards connections.

For lots of photos of horseshoe crabs, do a Google Images search atimages.google.com.

To learn more about the author, go to http://lisakschnell.com/.
To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://www.marksonpaper.co.uk/.

Published by Charlesbridge April 14, 2015.

Website Review: Smithsonian National Zoological Park

The SMITHSONIAN NATIONAL ZOOLOGICAL PARK website is a fun way to learn about animals and science.

Start your website exploration with the “Zoo News”. These press releases contain text, images, and sometimes video associated with a news item such as the birth of an animal or a new scientific discovery. They’re great for informational reading or for current events activities.

The “Meet Our Animals” section of the website is likely to be the most popular area with children. The Animal Index provides images and in some cases information about hundreds of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish in the collection. If you can’t visit the zoo in person, you can still enjoy the animals live on the zoo cams. In addition, users can explore groups of animals and exhibits. Many of these pages contains information and activities. The “National Zoo E-Cards” page provides access to animal images and the opportunity to write a message and send it through email.

The “Science” section of the website explores the conservation activities of the zoo. These research initiatives, laboratories, and centers are a great way for youth to learn about the scientists who work behind-the-scenes at the zoo and in the field. These projects would be a effective way to jump-start student science projects.

The “Conservation Central” online habitat education program is a fun way for youth to learn about the animals of temperate forest habitats. This section includes curriculum materials along with online interactives.

The “Smithsonian Biodiversity Science in the Classroom” materials provide videos and lessons plans for upper elementary students.

The website is available at http://nationalzoo.si.edu. To extend the experience, be sure to check out their social media presence including Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, and Instagram sites to keep up on the latest news and information about the zoo and its animals.

In addition to the website, an app is available from both the App Store and Google Play at http://nationalzoo.si.edu/SmithsonianNationalZooApp/. While the app includes features such as an interactive map and schedules for zoo visitors, it also provides lots of useful information such as an animal index and live animal cams for those not able to visit in person.

Book Review: Plastic Ahoy! Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

PLASTIC AHOY! INVESTIGATING THE GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH by Patricia Newman tells the story of scientists investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The narrative unfolds as a mystery being solved by a team of scientists lead by three female researchers.

Written for grades 4-8, this highly illustrated work of nonfiction contains photographs, diagrams, and a map to help readers understand the science behind the exciting research project. Up-close photos show scientific experiments in action. “Trash Talk” sidebars provide important insights into the the scientific method being employed and the problem of plastic pollution. The book concludes with ideas for how youth can take action in their own community. Notes and ideas for further reading round out this excellent educational resource.

Similar in style to the SCIENTISTS IN THE FIELD series popular with older children, this book is a great way to introduce younger readers to the world of science and scientists. It will be a popular addition to the school library collection.

Go the Five Gyres Institute at http://5gyres.org/ and the NOAA Marine Debris website http://marinedebris.noaa.gov/ for lots of background information.

For more visual information about the garbage patch, do a Google Images Search to locate dozens of visual containing maps and infographics such as the one at Visual.ly at http://visual.ly/great-pacific-garbage-patch-0. Ask students to pick the visual that they think best represents the problem and explain why.

To learn more about the book’s author, go to http://www.patriciamnewman.com/. Her blog contains lots of book extension ideas. Go to http://www.patricianewmanbooks.blogspot.com/.

Publisher ARC used for review

Book Review: When Lunch Fights Back: Wickedly Clever Animal Defenses

From the compelling title to the extraordinary illustrations, WHEN LUNCH FIGHTS BACK: WICKEDLY CLEVER ANIMAL DEFENSES by Rebecca L. Johnson is an informational book that immediately grabs the reader’s attention. Even the chapter titles like “slip-sliming away” and “here’s blood in your eye” are designed to shock and entertain.

The author uses a short narrative to introduce each creature. Then, a “science behind the story” segment describes the species’ method of defense featuring a scientist who studies how the defense system works.

Quality photographs and informational boxes bring attention to each featured creature. The glossary at the end of the book defines key vocabulary. Suggested books, websites, and videos are provided to extend the experience.

Aimed at upper elementary grades, this book will fit well into the school library collection. Containing a balance of entertaining narratives along with quality informative segments, it’s is sure to attract a wide range of readers.

To learn more about this author, go to Rebecca L. Johnson’s website at http://www.rebeccajohnsonbooks.com/.

For additional materials related to animal defenses, try the following online resources:
Animal Defenses from PBS LearningMedia - http://goo.gl/6c7WVg
Top 5 Animal Defense Tactics from National Geographic - http://goo.gl/gU9MVB
Animal Arsenal from Fact Monster - http://goo.gl/njFWXQ

NetGalley ARC used for review