Posts Tagged book clubs

STEM Tuesday– Zombies (Real and Otherwise)– Book List

By on October 7, 2025   /   STEM Tuesday, Zombies  

Zombies, monsters, and mummies – oh my! These are the stuff of nightmares… or of awesome Halloween costumes! But are they real? Let’s use science to find out.

Zombie Makers: True Stories of Nature’s Undead by Rebecca L. Johnson

Zombies are real … but so far, the zombie-makers don’t attack humans. Yet. They do take over the brains and bodies of spiders and ants, flies and snails, and even rats. Not only that, some of these zombies are too small to avoid, until it’s too late. Like the teeny tiny wasps and fungal spores, and the totally invisible viruses. And then there are the brain worms! A must-read for anyone planning to hunt for zombies in their backyard!

Monster Science: Could Monsters Survive (and Thrive!) in the Real World? by Helaine Becker

Monsters aren’t real… are they? For the most part, no – although there ARE zombies among us. This book shows the real science relating to the monsters of myth and legend: genetics and electricity, for Frankenstein’s monster, and hybrids and genetic engineering for possible werewolves. And (as in the case of zombies) sometimes we’re surprised when the real monsters do show up!

Frightlopedia: An encyclopedia of Everything Scary, Creepy, and Spine-Chilling, from Arachnids to Zombies by Julie Winterbottom

An encyclopedia of scary stuff with horrifying hands-on activities. From bird-eating tarantulas to vampire bats and zombies this book will definitely make you shiver. Learn how to make fake blood and send coded messages to aliens. Tucked amongst the science are a handful of ghost stories and mythology and some bits about killer bees, stonefish, and Komodo dragons.

Animal Zombies! And Other Bloodsucking Beasts, Creepy Creatures, and Real-Life Monsters by Chana Stiefel

Full of eye-catching, vividly detailed, photographs which delve into the living dead, bloodsuckers, creeps from the deep, animal aliens, and animal monsters. Each chapter also profiles a “Mad Scientist” offering insights into how they got started, their research, and interesting or unique things to know about their field. It also includes a look at pop culture and myths surrounding zombies, vampires, kraken, aliens, and werewolves.

Rise of the Zombie Bugs: The Surprising Science of Parasitic Mind-Control by Mindy Weisberger

This is for older readers or those looking for additional information on insect zombification. Using an engaging conversational voice, pop culture references, vivid descriptions, and a dose of the macabre, the book explores the horror and science of zombie ants, flies, beetles, cicadas, spiders, roaches, and ladybugs from around the world. And shines a light on the responsible fungi, viruses, wasps, flies, and worms.

MUMMIES TELL NO LIES…

Secrets of the Dead : Mummies and Other Human Remains From Around the World by Matt Ralphs

In most environments, when someone dies their flesh decays, leaving only bones. But not mummies. With mummified remains, we can learn about the person and their culture, the foods they ate, diseases they suffered from. This book brings nearly 20 mummies to life – so to speak.

Mysterious Mummies by Ron Knapp

Some mummies are the result of mindful preservation: the drying and wrapping of bodies as a way to honor the dead. Other mummies resulted from accidental freezing, being tossed into a bog, or burial by volcanic ash. Dive into the mysteries behind these mummies.

MONSTERS OF THE DEEP

Catching Cryptids: The Scientific Search for Mysterious Creatures by Kim Long

The Loch Ness monster. Kracken. Giant turtles. What some people call monsters, others call cryptids: an animal whose existence is not yet substantiated by science. The emergence of DNA technology, SONAR, bioacoustics and more has allowed cryptozoologists of every stripe to seek – and sometimes discover – the species behind the monster myth.

What Do We Know About The Kraken? by Ben Hubbard

Before orcas battered yachts, the kraken terrorized sailors. This book fills in the details of how seafarers and scientists hunted for, and studied the giant squid they thought to be the kraken of mythology. But in the vast and still unexplored depths of the ocean, nothing can be certain…

Here There Be Monsters: The Legendary Kraken and the Giant Squid by HP Newquist

This book is divided into three parts. The first section celebrates tales of the sea serpents – the monsters at the edges of the maps. In part two, we follow the scientists who start to find bits of giant squid, and begin wondering: is this a kraken? The final section focuses on the search for the giant squid, and the research on cephalopods.

This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:

Sue Heavenrich is an award-winning author, blogger, and bug-watcher. A long line of ants marching across the kitchen counter inspired her first article for kids. When not writing, she’s either in the garden or tromping through the woods. Her books for middle-grade readers include Funky Fungi: 30 Activities for Exploring Molds, Mushrooms, Lichens, and More and Diet for a Changing Climate. Visit her at www.sueheavenrich.com

Maria Marshall is a children’s author, blogger, and poet who is passionate about making nature and reading fun for children. She is a judge for the Cybils Awards and the #50PreciousWords. Four of her poems are published in The Best of Today’s Little Ditty 2017, 2016, and 2014-2015 anthologies. When not writing, critiquing, or reading, she bird watches, travels the world, bakes, and hikes. Visit her at www.mariacmarshall.com.

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STEM Tuesday– National Parks– Writing Tips & Resources

By on September 16, 2025   /   National Parks, STEM Tuesday  

 

I was delighted to see this month’s topic is National Parks. I was fortunate to have taught drawing workshops at two national parks in the early 2000s. Both were offered by the Park Service free to everyone and I had received a grant to cover expenses for supplies from the university where I taught. The park rangers were helpful and interesting and both times, I was able to take advantage of the natural environment as the centerpiece of curriculum.

One was in the southwest. Since it was July, it was too hot to work outside but we had the natural history museum at our disposal. After instruction and strategies, the participants spread out and were treated to an array of plants and animals as models. The other was in the Appalachians, and we had vistas of mountains and fields. Everyone went away with drawings of their National Park experience.

The National Park Service website currently has an extensive section on Education & Training. It has topics such as Teaching with Historic Places, Museum Collections, Archeology, Land Preservation, and Youth Training Programs. Some books are available through the website as of the date of this article. You may find some that would be valuable resources to supplement the great list of books recommended for September’s STE(A)M Tuesday.

Asian Reflection on The American Landscape
Book

Under the Archeology section you can find it divided into headings for Teachers, which includes links to lesson plans, activities and professional development. The KIDS heading includes activities for use within the parks and online activities. Some of the materials have been translated into Spanish.

If you don’t have the option of traveling to a National Park, many of the activities can be adapted to local sites. Many towns and smaller communities (as well as large, of course) have historical centers or societies, state and local parks and historic sites, interesting geological features – even urban areas provide environmental and historical opportunities. The NPS webpage also has a list of about a hundred related sites of interest. Making a journal is always a good way for students (and adults!) to document discoveries and experiences.

There is a special section that provides information on “Telling All Americans’ Stories.”

Books, pamphlets, and links are available to previously completed stories and activities.

In the past, I planned student activities where they could explore their own culture. But be sensitive. Some students have painful histories or don’t even know. I always gave the option – use your own history, someone you know and can interview, or pick a culture you admire and would like to find out about. That erases any stigma that may come with tricky family situations but allows a dive into personal history.

This website is a treasure. As of this writing, the materials were still available, and I hope that continues.

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Margo Lemieux is a retired university professor and is currently amusing herself by writing, doing art, and playing bluegrass music. Oh, and reading!

 

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STEM Tuesday– National Parks– Book List

By on September 2, 2025   /   National Parks, STEM Tuesday  

 

 

 

 

 

This month’s book list will take you on a tour of the 63 national parks of the United States. Along the way you’ll encounter amazing wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, important cultural traditions, and fascinating projects in science and conservation!

The National Parks: Preserving America’s Wild Places by Falynn Koch (Science Comics series)

A vibrant graphic-novel history in the Science Comics/History Comics style, narrated by a wise-cracking Bigfoot and Eagle, offering a witty yet substantial look at the founding of the U.S. national parks. It addresses complex themes—colonialism, conservation politics—with playful visuals, making it powerful and engaging for middle-grade readers and beyond.

 

 

 

50 True Tales from Our Great National Parks written by Stephanie Pearson and illustrated by Madeline Kloepper

This beautifully illustrated treasury shares 50 real-life stories from iconic national parks. From heroic people to animals, astounding features, and conservation triumphs, each tale connects deeply with its setting. Entertaining and informative, it brings parks to life across the U.S., making it a perennial favorite for families and young nonfiction lovers.

 

 

 

National Parks Guide USA Centennial Edition: The Most Amazing Sights, Scenes, and Cool Activities from Coast to Coast! by National Geographic Kids

A rich, celebratory children’s guide packed with dazzling color photos, maps, fun facts, Ranger tips, conservation ideas, and activity suggestions. Created for the 100th anniversary of the U.S. National Parks, it’s an ideal visual companion brimming with inspiration for young explorers preparing for a visit—or dreaming of one.

 

 

 

Lonely Planet Kids America’s National Parks written by Alexa Ward and illustrated by Mike Lowery 

This lively, visually stunning guide covers all 63 national parks (including the newest), with jaw-dropping photography, quirky illustrations, fun facts, thematic spreads (e.g., “Parks at Night”), and a conversational tone parents and kids both enjoy. Packed with history, tips, and secrets, it’s a dynamic and immersive read for aspiring young adventurers.

 

 

 

 

The National Parks: Discover all 62 National Parks of the United States! by DK 

A bright, cheerful travel guide for kids, showcasing all 62 U.S. national parks (not including New River Gorge, which joined the list in 2020) via striking photos and accessible text. Features fun facts—like “Wrangell-St. Elias is bigger than Switzerland”—activity tips, flora and fauna highlights, and safety advice. A perfect primer to spark young nature lovers’ curiosity and promote outdoor stewardship.

 

 

 

The Unlikely Hero: The Story of Wolf 8 (Young Readers Edition) by Rick McIntyre and David A. Poulsen

Biologist Rick McIntyre has teamed up with YA author David Poulsen to bring to life the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park. This action-packed nonfiction story follows the life of Wolf 8 as he fends off grizzly bears, adopts a litter of pups, and helps his family to survive. (In keeping with the conventions of scientific research, all the wolf characters are identified with numbers instead of names.) The scenes in the book are based on McIntyre’s own observations, and readers will find themselves rooting for this underdog on his journey to become an alpha wolf.

 

 

 

National Parks: A Kid’s Guide to America’s Parks, Monuments, and Landmarks written by Erin McHugh and illustrated by Neal Aspinall

Each page of this fact-filled book features a site managed by the Natural Park Service—not just national parks, but also scenic riverways, parkways, national forests and recreation areas, historical parks, and more. Every state and U.S. territory is represented, so U.S.-based readers will be able to find sites both far away and close to home. The images in this book include vintage travel posters as well as historical photographs and eye-popping sidebars.

 

 

 

Park Scientists: Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears in America’s Own Backyard written by Mary Kay Carson with photographs by Tom Uhlman

National parks serve as “natural laboratories” and “living museums” that offer unique possibilities for scientific research. This book follows in the footsteps of real-life biologists, ecologists, geologists, herpetologists, and citizen scientists in three different national parks: Yellowstone, Saguaro, and Great Smoky Mountains. Aspiring scientists will learn what makes geysers erupt, what happens when bears hibernate, how Gila monster venom can be used, and more.

 

 

Where Is …? by Penguin Random House/Who HQ

This bestselling nonfiction series includes three titles specific to U.S. national parks: Where Is Yellowstone? by Sarah Fabiny and Stephen Marchesi; Where Are the Everglades? by Nico Medina and Gregory Copeland; and Where Is the Grand Canyon? by Jim O’Connor and Daniel Colon. Each book is divided into nine chapters and provides a deep dive into the history, culture, and ecology of the featured park.

 

 

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This month’s STEM Tuesday book list was prepared by:

Author Lydia Lukidis

Lydia Lukidis is an award-winning author of 60+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include UP, UP HIGH: The Secret Poetry of Earth’s Atmosphere (Capstone, 2025), DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), and DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) which was a Crystal Kite winner for the Canada and North America division, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Honor, a Cybils Award nominee, and winner of the Dogwood Readers Award. A science enthusiast from a young age, Lydia now incorporates her studies in science and her everlasting curiosity into her books.  Another passion of hers is fostering a love for children’s literacy through the writing workshops she regularly offers in elementary schools across Quebec with the Culture in the Schools program. For more information, please visit www.lydialukidis.com.

 

 

author Callie Dean

 

Callie Dean is a researcher, writer, and musician living in Shreveport, LA. Her first picture book, Marvelous Mistakes: Accidents That Made History, will be published in 2026. For more information, please visit https://calliebdean.com.

 

 

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