Posts Tagged homeschool

STEM Tuesday– Bridges and Skyscrapers– In the Classroom

By on June 9, 2026   /   Bridges, STEM Tuesday  

For this month’s theme, I read two books about bridges and read/wrote two books about skyscrapers. Two of these books were on this months book list and two were “bonus” books. Here’s what I read/wrote.

blue book cover of "Skyscraper" by Lynn Curlee, featuring a vintage-style illustration of the Chrysler building

Skyscraper

by Lynn Curlee

Skyscraper is presented in picture book format and includes beautiful illustrations. It follows the history of skyscrapers in general and then focuses on specific, noteworthy skyscrapers. Through this history, Skyscraper explores advances in design, construction, and materials that facilitated the building of the world’s tallest structures. This book is a bit older, so some of the later information is a bit outdated.

 

The Bridge: How the Roeblings Connected Brooklyn to New York

by Peter J. Tomasi, illustrated by Teo Duvall

If you like graphic novels and want to fully immerse yourself in Washington and Emily Roebling’s story, read The Bridge. This book follows the design and construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, including the politics and intrigue surrounding it. The book includes details about the ground-breaking processes used to construct the bridge, as well as the health and safety issues these new techniques raised. As Washington struggled with his health, his wife Emily took over the on-site oversite of the bridge, raising additional issues to be overcome.

Bonus Books:

Engineering the Eiffel Tower book cover.Engineering the Eiffel Tower

by Janet Slingerland

This book covers the design and construction of the Eiffel Tower, including the controversy surrounding the tower when it was built. It includes a look at Gustav Eiffel, the tower’s creator, including important life events that led up to his building of the Eiffel Tower.  At the end are a list of fast facts, as well as a set of questions to answer based on the book.

 

Book cover for Golden Gate: Building the Mighty BridgeGolden Gate: Building the Mighty Bridge

by Elizabeth Partridge, illustrated by Ellen Heck

Golden Gate: Building the Mighty Bridge is a picture book that follows a lighthouse keeper’s family as the Golden Gate Bridge is constructed right in front of them. Each two-page spread includes an illustration that follows the bridge from its concept through its construction.

 

As always, there are lots of different things that can be done with these books.

There are lots of great museums/sites to visit. Here are a few:

Here are some websites and activities to explore:

Here are a few other ideas for exploring bridges and skyscrapers.

Create a Timeline

Skyscraper follows the design and construction of key skyscrapers through history. Put together your own skyscraper timeline. This is great as a group activity.

For each skyscraper, illustrate or print a picture to show on the timeline. Make sure the scale is the same for each skyscraper so everyone can see how their heights compare to one another.

Do some research on the architect, building materials, construction processes, cost, and other interesting facts about the building. Consider including breakthroughs in materials, understanding, or other critical events on the timeline.

Explore a Local Marvel

Pick an interesting local bridge or skyscraper. Think about how to search for information about its design and construction. Do some online searching, using keywords like “design” and “construction” along with the name of the structure. Visit a local library to see if there is information there about it. Meet the research librarian there to get some help with the research. If possible, visit the structure in person. Some structures provide informational tours.

Think about how to present the information found about the structure:

  • Write a “biography” of the structure. Think about how to tell its story, using inspiration from this month’s books. Include photos found during the research.
  • Put together a “Get to Know Me” poster for the structure. Include basic information and fun facts. Think of fun ways to describe the height/length and weight of the structure – for instance, how many giraffes tall is it and how many school buses does it weigh?
  • Make a graphic novel or assemble a photo essay about the construction of the structure.

Janet Slingerland has written over 2 dozen books for young readers. To find out more about Janet and her books, check out her website: http://janetsbooks.com

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STEM Tuesday– Bridges and Skyscrapers– Book List

By on June 2, 2026   /   Bridges, STEM Tuesday  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bridges and skyscrapers are some of the most incredible structures humans have ever built. Bridges connect people across rivers and valleys, while skyscrapers stretch high into the sky and shape city skylines. These giant structures are engineering marvels that combine creativity, science, math, and teamwork to solve amazing challenges.

 

Illustrated nonfiction book cover showing bridges around the world and explaining how they are built and used to connect places.

 

Bridges written by Magda Garguláková and illustrated by Jakub Bachorík
A beautifully illustrated nonfiction book about bridges around the world. It explains how bridges are built and why they are important, while showing different designs and styles. Readers learn how bridges connect places and help people travel more easily. It’s a clear, engaging book for curious young learners.

 

Cover of a graphic novel that explains how engineers design and build bridges across rivers and valleys using science and problem-solving.

Science Comics series:
Bridges: Engineering Masterpieces written and illustrated by Dan Zettwoch
Skyscrapers: The Height of Engineering written and illustrated by John Kerschbaum
The first graphic novel is a detailed and fun look at how bridges are designed and built. It shows how engineers solve problems to connect places across rivers and valleys.The second graphic novel explores how tall buildings are made and why they can reach such amazing heights. It explains the science and teamwork behind modern city skylines.

 

 

cover art of an illustrated true story of the Brooklyn Bridge, focusing on the engineers, challenges, and construction of the suspension bridge.

 

The Bridge: How the Roeblings Connected Brooklyn to New York written by Peter J. Tomasi and illustrated by Teo Hernandez DuVall
This book tells the true story of a famous suspension bridge that connects two major cities. It follows the engineers and family behind its design and construction. The story shows the challenges, danger, and determination needed to complete such a huge project. Illustrations help bring this important piece of engineering history to life.

 

 

 

 

cover of a nonfiction book that explains how bridges, buildings, and other structures are built using simple, engaging engineering explanations.

 

How Was That Built? The Stories Behind Awesome Structures written by Roma Agrawal and illustrated by Katie Hickey
A fun and engaging nonfiction book that explains how amazing structures are built around the world. It breaks down complex engineering ideas in a simple, kid-friendly way. Readers learn the stories behind bridges, buildings, and other impressive creations. Bright illustrations help make the science clear and exciting.

 

 

 

National Geographic – Skyscrapers written by Libby Romerocover of a nonfiction book (reading Level 3 by National Geographic Kids) with photographs showing the tallest skyscrapers and explaining how they are engineered and constructed.
A fascinating nonfiction book that explores the tallest buildings in the world. It explains how skyscrapers are designed and built using science and engineering. Readers learn about the challenges of building upward in crowded cities. Striking photographs help bring these impressive structures to life.

 

 

 

 

illustrated book cover of "Where Is the Brooklyn Bridge?"

WhoHQ series
Where is the Brooklyn Bridge? written by Megan Stine and illustrated by John Hinderliter
Where is the Empire State Building (WhoHQ Series) written by Janet B. Pascal and illustrated by Daniel Colon
These two books tell the story of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Empire State Building. Part of the popular WhoHQ series, they feature easy-to-read text and a straightforward, accessible structure, combining history and STEM as they explore the cultural significance of these two American landmarks.

 

 

 

To Walk the Sky: How Iroquois Steelworkers Helped Build Towering Citiewritten by Patricia Morris Buckley and illustrated by E. B. Lewisillustrated book cover of "To Walk The Sky," featuring an Iroquois man walking on a steel beam high above a cityscape
This lyrical nonfiction picture book tells the history of the skywalkers– Native American ironworkers who helped build bridges and skyscrapers all over North America. It honors their remarkable contributions to famous landmarks–including work on the Golden Gate Bridge, Lincoln Center, Sears Tower, and more–as well as their resilience in the face of terrible tragedies: the collapse of the Quebec City Bridge in 1907, and more recently, the collapse of the Twin Towers on September 11.

 

 

 

 

 

book cover of "Why Humans Build Up," featuring illustrated skyscrapers in a fictional cityscape

Why Humans Build Up: The Rise of Towers, Temples and Skyscrapers written by Gregor Craigie and illustrated by Kathleen Fu
Gregor Craigie and Kathleen Fu take readers on a world tour of tall buildings, from the Lighthouse of Alexandria to the Central Park Tower. Each chapter is organized as a different answer to the titular question, “Why [do] humans build up?” Explore how social factors, from religion to industrial competition to environmental sustainability, have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in architecture and engineering.

 

 

 

Skyscrapers!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids written by Elizabeth Schmermund and illustrated by Mike Crosiercover image of the activity book "Skyscrapers" showing an image of a beaver wearing a baseball cap and looking up at a tall building
Bridges! With 25 Science Projects for Kids written by Jennifer Swanson and illustrated by Bryan Stone
This pair of activity books from Nomad Press, part of the four-book Explore Engineering series, is full of engaging activities that explore fundamental STEM concepts. Sprinkled with fun facts and key vocabulary terms throughout, each chapter uses inquiry-based learning to guide readers through anchor questions, background information, and hands-on projects.

 

 

 

book cover of "Skyscraper" by Lynn Curlee, featuring an illustration of two buildings against a blue sky

 

Skyscraper written by Lynn Curlee
With gorgeous illustrations on every page, this book offers a deep dive into the history of skyscrapers—and the architects who designed them. The author, an art historian, sheds a unique light on the technological advances and design decisions that have made each of the featured buildings so memorable.

 

 

 

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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. She is the author of Marvelous Mistakes: Accidents That Made History (October 2026, Beaming Books) and Unstoppable Song (2027, Lerner/Carolrhoda). For more information, please visit https://calliebdean.com.

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June 2026 New Releases!

By on June 1, 2026   /   Articles, Book Lists, New Releases  

The Cat Prophecies: Claw Quest

By Nik Korpon and Jorge Enrique Paz

A thirteen-year-old boy holds the fate of his family, his neighborhood, and the world in his hands when he discovers that his cat is from a secret realm of warrior cats facing a dangerous enemy.

The walls between worlds are wearing thin. On one side is the bustling neighborhood of San Antonio—home to thirteen-year-old Tito Rodríguez.On the other is a mythical realm where forces of darkness are looking for a way out. Standing between worlds are the guardians of humankind—a race of fierce warrior cats, who appear in our world as cute and furry companions.

When Tito follows a stray cat through a hidden portal, he finds himself at the center of this cosmic battle between the warrior cats and evil spirits that feed on negative emotions. And according to an ancient prophecy, Tito is the Chosen One who will lead the fight against the forces of darkness . . . probably.

It turns out that there are three possible Chosen Ones—Tito and his new friends and fellow outsiders Luisito and Isa, who have their own furry sidekicks (or wise mentors, if you ask the cats). And with the darkness slipping through the cracks to the human world, all three will have to train for the ultimate fight and prove who is the true hero.

 

Roxie in Color

By Diane Debrovner and Stacy Cervenka

Roxie wants to blend in at a new school, which is hard to do when your parents are blind, in this remarkable novel about friendship, misperceptions, and family—plus a dog’s view of the world.

Roxie loves her parents, but other people can’t seem to see past the fact that they’re blind—and they don’t really see Roxie, either. To them, she’s just “the girl with the blind parents.” So when her family moves to a new town and Roxie starts seventh grade at a new school, she’s determined to be known for the other parts of who she is: an artist, an animal lover, and the kind of person who bakes cookies for people she cares about for no special reason. But that means keeping her parents’ blindness a secret from the kids at school and definitely not telling anyone that she might inherit the eye condition that caused her mother’s vision loss—at least until they get to know her.

For a while, Roxie is happier than she’s ever been. But when her lies and omissions lead to a visit from Child Protective Services, will Roxie find the courage to be fully honest with her friends, her parents, and herself? This heartfelt depiction of a girl establishing her own identity, with some chapters told from the perspective of her mother’s loyal guide dog, is an authentic portrayal of the joys, challenges, and everyday ordinariness of being raised by parents who have a disability.

Note: The novel is typeset in Atkinson Hyperlegible, a font developed by Braille Institute specifically for low-vision readers.

 

Glow

By Nancy Stone

Cordelia believes in facts. Frano believes in destiny. They’re as different as storm clouds and sunshine—until they discover three baby white storks that glow with mysterious light.

No one else can see the glow, just Cordelia and Frano—and she wants nothing to do with the new boy. Yet with a massive hurricane barreling toward Florida, the birds’ very survival depends on this unlikely pair.

Glow pulses with light and unforgettable characters. A magical realism story that aims for and captures the heart.

For anyone who loved Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet or Willodeen.

 

 

 

 

 

Sol Goes for Goal!

(A Hillside Valley Graphic Novel)

By Julio Anta Illustrated by Gabi Mendez

It’s back to school for the Hillside Valley kids! Sol’s trying out for the middle school soccer team but will a crush on the team captain distract her from her goals? Find out in this new Hillside Valley graphic novel—filled with friendship, first crushes, and some impressive soccer skills!

Welcome back to Hillside Valley-this time it’s Game On for Sol!

Twelve-year-old Sol is a great friend, a model student, a beloved daughter and a star soccer player. At least that’s what everyone always expects of her. But when the soccer team captain Lily walks by, Sol starts to lose focus. What’s with this heart fluttering feeling she has around Lily?! And how can she stay the star player–the star everything–that people see her as if she can barely remember her name (much less how to play soccer) around Lily? Is Sol destined to let everyone down, including herself? Or can she figure out how to be the Sol she wants to be…on and off the field. Settle back into the cozy community of Hillside Valley in this second irresistible graphic novel! And don’t miss the first Hillside Valley Graphic Novel, Speak Up, Santiago!

 

Midsummer Sisters

By Niki Smith 

Kenzie and Quinn aren’t just stepsisters – they’re best friends. They’re spending the summer with their grandmother, kayaking in the marshy coastal islands she calls home. The Outer Banks are also home to a herd of wild ponies, and the girls fall in love with a fragile newborn foal that they name Starling.

But even blue skies and sandy beaches can’t distract from what’s going on back home. Things between their parents aren’t the way they used to be, and the constant fights have left Kenzie and Quinn anxious and confused. They can’t remember a time when they weren’t a family. If their parents divorce and Quinn and her mom move away, will they even still be sisters . . . or will they be nothing?

As their world shifts around them, the girls swear to do the one thing they can: keep Starling safe.

Award-winning cartoonist Niki Smith delivers a stunning story set during a summer of change. Filled with gorgeous and expressive illustrations, Midsummer Sisters is a celebration of the beauty of wild horses, as powerful as the unbreakable bond between sisters.

 

 

Lightmare

Book #2 of The Incorruptibles
By Lauren Magaziner

Fiora’s world has been turned upside down in this second book in the exciting upper middle grade fantasy series The Incorruptibles, for fans of Keeper of the Lost Cities and The Marvellers.

Still reeling from recent tragedies, Fiora and her Thistle teammates are on the run and living in seclusion. Times are difficult, and the Thistles are more vulnerable to the sorcerer threat than ever. But all is not lost. The Thistles are forming a plan to fight back.

But when terrible truths are revealed, deep fractures form within the team. When one of their own makes a choice Fiora never saw coming—and cannot possibly understand—Fiora and her friends are forced to reexamine what is good and what is evil…as well as the gray space between.

 

Just Ask Elsie

By: Ari Koontz

 

Elsie Parker is having a totally normal fifth grade year.

Fractions and conjunctions—check.
Stressing about middle school—check.
Body-positive puberty class at church that also covers feelings and identities—check.

Okay, maybe that last one isn’t so normal. It’s a little weird (and awkward) to spend her Sundays talking periods, B.O., and pimples. But Elsie’s also learning a lot more than she’s heard in her public-school health class — like the difference between sex and gender, and what consent is, and what it might mean that she can’t stop blushing around a certain cute girl at her school.

When her puberty lessons become the school’s latest gossip, Elsie’s totally humiliated… until she finds an anonymous note in her locker from a classmate who wants to know more, and realizes that other kids might have embarrassing questions of their own.

Starting an underground advice board wasn’t exactly in her plans, but Elsie won’t pass up a chance to turn her reputation around — or to share words and labels that have not-so-accidentally been left off their curriculum. But when the principal tries to shut down the unauthorized puberty talk, Elsie has to decide what she’s willing to risk to tell the truth to kids who really need to hear it.

 

Stream

By Aida Salazar

It’s finally summer—heck, yeah!

With eigth grade done, Elio Solis plans to lock in on his gaming and show the fellas what he’s got.

Celi Rivera and her bestie are headed to Hawaii to sun, skate, and search content for her channel.

But those dreams end when a catfishing incident rocks their Oakland community. Suddenly, parents are nosing in posts, taking phones, and laying down lectures about screen-time safety and well-being. Suddenly, Celi and Elio find themselves sent to rural Mexico, without internet, electricity, or even running water save for a dying stream that could wipe out the whole pueblo in the coming summer rains.

Helping curanderas in a healing clinic…
carting sticks to rehabilitate the arroyo…
turn summer dreams to misery!

But day by day, in nature, beauty, and community, with crushes blooming, can they find their way to each other—and slowly back to themselves?

 

 

The Replay Trap

By Juliana Brandt

A girl stuck in a time loop repeatedly relives an awkward sleepover at a wildlife center with a wolf-like monster in the woods in this fun and creepy middle grade adventure.

When Sydney heads to a sleepover birthday party at a wildlife center, she’s sure it’s a terrible idea. Not only because she’ll be staying in a creepy cabin surrounded by wolf enclosures, but because she wasn’t actually invited to the party. Instead, her mom asked Ari’s mom if Sydney could join, and now she’s crashing the event with a group of kids she barely knows. Ugh.It turns out she isn’t the only party crasher when a strange, wolf-like creature bounds out of the woods and throws the night into chaos. In the rush to escape, Sydney hits her head, is knocked out cold…and wakes up back in the car, headed to the party.

Sydney realizes she’s living the same night again and again and again. Why is the evening stuck in a loop, and what is the creature prowling around the center? And—most importantly—how can she break the loop and finally see the morning?

Fifth Grade Top Dogs

By Jerry Spinelli

George, aka “Suds,” is about to start the fifth grade, where he, his best friend Joey, and the rest of his classmates will be the top dogs of the whole school. They are ready to collect on the respect they now deserve and leave their lasting legacy at Gotwals Elementary . . . but that’s easier said than done.

Between bullies on the playground and a prankster sister, Suds is being undermined, ignored, and even challenged everywhere he turns.

Suds knows this could finally be his year, if only he works on his walk, perfects his image, and his annoying little sister stays out of his way. He has been preparing to be a top dog his whole elementary school career. Does he now have what it takes?

 

 

 

 

Hope you enjoy these exciting new releases. Have a great Summer!

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