Oliver: The Second-Largest Living Thing on Earth
by Josh Crute ill John Taesoo Kim

Why the obsession with being first?  Josh Crute explores this ever-present phenomena in Oliver: The Second-Largest Living Thing on Earth.  Meet Oliver, a mighty sequoia standing 268.1 feet tall. One would think that this height would be impressive. Unfortunately, it is not.  There is a taller tree: Sherman, coincidentally bearing a marked resemblance to the world's largest sequoia: The General Sherman Tree located in Sequoia National Park.  Oliver notes that Sherman is the recipient of constant attention.  He, on the other hand, receives no notice. Disheartened but not daunted, he begins a regime to increase his stature. "Stretch(ing) limbs" and "munch(ing) on mulch" fail to produce results. Sherman is still bigger and taller.  What's a second-place finisher to do?

The answer comes quite by accident. Oliver changes his point of view. That's when he notices an entire forest of other sequoias. None are as tall as Sherman. However, there are a lot of them. A. Lot. They make up the Sequoia National Forest and it is indeed impressive. John Taesoo Kim renders the sequoias with insightful details. Sherman has a bushy leaf beard, mossy green growth beneath his armpit branches and some impressive tattoos sprouting on his limbs.

Countdown: 2979 Days to the Moon 
by Suzanne Slade ill Thomas Gonzales

Countdown: 2979 Days to the Moon chronicles events leading up to and concluding with the first lunar landing on July 20, 1969. The narrative begins with the challenge uttered by President John F. Kennedy in May 1961. ​I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade it out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth Suzanne Slade, a mechanical engineer who worked on several space projects including the development of Saturn V rocket, is well qualified to write this superlative work of nonfiction. Her lyrical text vivify the marvel of space exploration. The free verse is accompanied by direct quotations, systematically describing each of the eleven Apollo missions.

Then he spots something surprising
almost surreal.
A brilliant blue ball, 
wrapped in wispy white cotton,
rising about the stark horizon.
​Earthrise on Christmas Ever, 1968.

The computer flashes a warning.
"It's a 1202," Armstrong informs Mission Control.
He's never seen this alarm in a simulator.
Not once.
"What is it?" he asks Aldrin.
He gets no response.
​
Fear slithers in.
Will they crash?
Will they have to abort/
Will they be able to return home?

Seconds feel like hours,

Path to the Stars:
​My Journey from Girl Scout to Rocket Scientist 
by Sylvia Acevedo

Meet Sylvia Acevedo, daughter of a Papa, Texas chemist originally from Mexico and Mami, a native of Mexico who didn’t speak English. She recalls this story of her birth: ​Some of the babies had blond hair. Some had brown hair or no hair at all, and nearly all of them had fair skin. Only one baby had very dark hair. “That was me!” Acevedo grew up in Las Cruses, New Mexico, surrounded by a close-knit family. Young Sylvia had the desire to learn about her world and the drive to excel in a wide variety of endeavors. She credits the Girl Scouts with helping her learn to set goals and work to achieve them. From childhood she realized that she had an affinity for numbers and a curiosity to learn how things work. By the age of thirteen, she assumed the responsibility of maintaining the family vehicle, including changing the oil. In junior high school, she opted out of home economics class, choosing instead to take an additional math course. Interestingly, one of the most challenging Girl Scout badges for her to earn was the cooking badge.

​I was nine years old, living in a small desert town. And on that day I decided I would go to Stanford someday.

They'd never had a woman engineer, so they didn’t even have a bathroom for women in the test labs.

From Brownie to NASA scientist. Still the same winning smile!

My Journey from Girl Scout to Rocket Scientist (English edition)   ​is also available in Spanish:  Camino a las estrellas: Mi recorrido de Girl Scout a ingeniera astronáutica This autobiography is enhanced with liberal use of personal and family photographs inserted throughout the text. The author's "Note about Girl Scouts Yesterday and Today" provides context.

Companion Reading

Super Women: ​Six Scientists Who Changed the World

First Girl Scout: ​The Life of Juliette Gordon Low

Hidden Figures: ​Young Readers Edition

Calling All Minds ​​by Temple Grandin with Betsy Lerner

How to Think and Create Like an Inventor

Calling All Minds is an intriguing mix of inventor mini-biographies, images of registered inventions from the U.S. Patent office, and step-by step project instructions for youngsters.  Grandin frames all these elements within a running narrative describing her personal journey of discovery.  She introduces readers to her thinking process, her experiments with various concepts, and schematic drawings of her creations.  "There is no better way to start than by making things of your own design. All the projects I made when I was young contributed to the inventions I've made throughout my life. And they have given my life meaning. I hope these projects and the ones you create will do the same for you." The book is organized into five general sections: "Things Made of Paper," "Levers and Pulleys," "Things Made of Wood," "Things That Fly", and "Optical Illusions." Each section includes a cornucopia of material that is loosely connected. Like the discovery process, they do not flow in a strict linear fashion, instead inviting moments of serendipity along the way.

Izzy Gizmo by Pip Jones ill Sara Ogilvie

There's a new little inventor in Kid Lit and her name is Izzy Gizmo. She maintains a massive collection of various pieces and parts. Always on the lookout for new and creative invention ideas, she designs such items as a spaghetti eating contraption and a mechanized teapot. Unfortunately, many of these brilliant ideas do not work out. It is only when she recognizes the need to help a crow with a broken wing that Izzy's efforts succeed. Everything about this book is a delight! The title is spelled out in stylized letters resembling gears and parts. Wide-eyed Izzy: sporting round spectacles, pencil behind the ear, and held aloft with a bizarre contraption is the epitome of our plucky young heroine. End papers created from relief images of moving parts echo the theme. Then there's Izzy's ever-present tool belt and her boots. How could I forget the boots?

Pip Jones’ rhyming text is lively, making this picture book an excellent read aloud. Words such as “tweak" "glitch" "piston" "circuits" and "sprockets” provide opportunities for discussion and exploration.

Sara Ogilvie's illustrations capture the enthusiasm, discouragement, and determination of young Izzy. However, grandpa often steals the show. His long-suffering patience with Izzy and her string of inventions, allowing himself to be the object of her study, is priceless. His optimism after his granddaughter shaves a large swath down the middle of his head, is a testament to the power of his love. When Izzy gets discouraged, his never-failing confidence in her ability to solve a problem spurs her on.

Makers Make It Happen

The Most Magnificent Thing ​by Ashley Spires Mary Had a Little Lab ​by Sue Fliess  ill by Petros Bouloubasis

Ada Twist, Scientist ​by Andrea Beaty ill by David Roberts The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes ​by Mark Pett, Gary Rubinstein

Leaf Litter Critters by Leslie Bulion ill Robert Meganck

Rodent Rascals by Roxie Munro

Rodent Rascals instantly captures attention with a cover showcasing a trio of adorable little critters. The subtext reveals that this picture book contains a selection of astonishing facts about some relatively small mammals, all of them rodents. I could reasonably  identify the hamster and the gerbil featured on the cover. However, I wondered about the creature with humongous protruding eyes, strangely long tail, and folded legs which appear longer that its entire body? I puzzled: What is that animal?  I wanted to find out more. ​ I was also captivated by the "actual size" concept. How would Roxie Munro illustrate a book of animals showing true-to-life dimensions within a book approximately 10 1/4 inches wide? I imagined all kinds of possibilities. ​I couldn't wait to discover how she accomplishes this feat.

Readers will want to spend time poring over these pages. Munro manages to give each animal a distinct charm and character without sacrificing anatomical accuracy. For readers like me who have lived a life filled with hamsters and guinea pigs, this book will bring fond memories. The guinea pig has an uncanny resemblance to a class pet named Daphne. I could almost hear her sweet little squeak. For those who have are fascinated by flying squirrels and naked mole rats, this is the book for you. Rodent Rascals is a novel and engaging way to approach nonfiction.

Super Women: Six Scientists Who Changed the World
​by Laurie Lawlor

This slim volume chronicles the lives of six brave women. Their pioneering work advanced progress in astronomy, underwater cartography, chemistry, and mathematic research. Five were born in the United States and all worked as scientists and researchers in the United States. Lawlor highlights their passion for discovery and the significant contributions that each made to the body of scientific knowledge. She focuses on the determination that each exhibited as she overcame obstacles. These women were consciously aware of their roles as mentors for the next generation of scientists.  While their respective research achievements are considerable, Lawlor gives added emphasis to the importance of role models for young girls interested in pursuing careers in the sciences. and inspires future generations of young women to excel in fields of scientific endeavor.  Back matter includes a glossary, listing of sources, source notes, picture credits, and index.

Hidden Figures Young Readers' Edition
By Margot Lee Shetterly  read by Bahni Turpin

Shetterly's fascinating study of the lives and contributions of four African American female mathematicians, initially known as computers, has been edited for young readers. It is an engrossing historical saga. The struggles and sacrifices of each had to make to ensure the success of the space program were intense. “First in space means first, period. Second in space is second in everything.” statement from Lyndon Johnson.  In addition to encountering barriers faced by women, these brave young pioneers were also subjected to discrimination and racial prejudice. “Even as a professional in an integrated world, I had been the only black woman in enough drawing rooms and boardrooms to have an inkling of the chutzpah it took for an African American woman in a segregated southern workplace to tell her bosses she was sure her calculations would put a man on the Moon.” This audiobook edition makes for compelling listening. Bahni Turpin's excellent narration brilliantly brings the story of these remarkable women to life.

​Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World 
written and illustrated by Rachel Ignotofsky

Who knew that an anthology of females worldwide who have made important contributions to science would make a stunning volume of bold graphic designs?  Rachel Ignofotsky knew.  The book's content chronologically describes the contributions of women to the world of science beginning with Egyptian astronomer and mathematician Hypia in Ancient Alexandria and concludes in 2014 with brief bbiography of mathematician Iranian/America Scientist Mayam Mirzakani. Each of the 50 featured women has made significant advancements to the body of science, technology, engineering, and mathematic knowledge. The succinct recap of each woman’s achievements is accompanied with stunning graphic portraits (the images are worthy pieces of art and can be purchased separately. See the postcard collection below.) Ignofotsky includes a glossary, as well as sources. Interspersed throughout the book are excellent infographics featuring a timeline, lab tools, statistics in STEM, and "More Women in Science."

Bonus: Companion Resources

Ignotofyky's stunning graphic portraits are available as a set of postcards.

Hidden Figures is now a major motion picture.

Caroline's Comets: A True Story
by Emily Arnold McCully

Emily Arnold McCully illuminates the accomplishments of Caroline Herschel, the first woman to discover a comet and the first woman to be paid for her scientific research. Born in 1750 in German-speaking Hanover to a family of musicians, scarred by childhood illness, and trained to perform domestic tasks seems an unlikely beginning for a scientist. The picture book uses historical documents, including Herschel's diary to introduce young readers to this remarkable collaborator, astronomer, and professional scientist. ​Her life was far from glamorous and included such tasks as sifting horse manure needed for creating the telescope's mirror, endless hours supporting her brother as he polished the mirror with pitch, impaling her leg on the iron hook used to anchor the twenty-foot telescope and then removing the hook herself ! McCully does not shy away from depicting Caroline's stunted stature and her pock-marked complexion. Notwithstanding obstacles, she persevered in her work to "sweep for comets."

Trudy's Big Swim: How Gertrude Ederle Swam the English Channel and Took the World by Storm
by Sue Macy Ill by Matt Collins

Sue Macy's Trudy's Big Swim: How Gertrude Ederle Swam the English Channel and Took the World by Storm puts to rest the notion that nonfiction is dull. Although the title of the book makes it clear that the outcome of Gertrude Ederle's swim is known, Macy's skillful handling of the event makes gripping reading. The story is expertly framed, opening with Trudy beginning her swim through the choppy waters of the English Channel. Well-chosen verbs move the storyline forward at a pace mimicking traversing through rough seas. She seamlessly flashes back to Ederle's history as an athlete before returning to the contest in treacherous waters.  The narrative pacing is excellent, providing fascinating details but never losing focus on the race in the water. The use of actual dialog accentuates the narrative's growing tension.

Finally someone shouted, "Come on, girl, come out!"
But Trudy, who was as determined as ever to finish, yelled back, "What for?"

Cleonardo The Little Inventor by Mary GrandPré

I love, love, love all of the gorgeous new picture books featuring girls with inquisitive minds. Girls who are willing to think. Girls who are willing to try. Girls who are willing to fail. ​Mary GrandPré introduces readers to Cleonardo Wren, a girl who comes from a long line of inventors, including father Geonardo and grandfather Leonardo. While father crafts clever inventions of wood and metal, Cleonardo Wren finds inspiration from nature: among other things the sticky substance of vines and the power of insect wings. Both daughter and father hope to create something special for the Grand Festival of Inventions. GandPré's luminous illustrations are clearly inspired by images from the Renaissance and have a rich tapestry-like feel. The style is symbolic of this historical "Age of Discovery". Readers will rejoice as Cleonardo discovers the wonders of the world, her own abilities, her love for her father, and his reciprocal love for his daughter.

Companion Books