Posts Tagged librarians

STEM Tuesday– STEM in Sports– Book List

By on August 5, 2025   /   STEM in Sports, STEM Tuesday  

 

 

 

STEM in Sports

Everyone has a favorite sport. From basketball to soccer, figure skating to baseball, STEM is involved in all of them! The books below will shed some light on how this is so by providing amazing information about the sports we love.

1. Learning STEM from Basketball: Why Does a Basketball Bounce? And Other Amazing Answers for Kids! (STEM Sports) Paperback – June 15, 2021 by Marne Ventura (Author)

Learning STEM from Basketball book

If you like basketball and want to know the secrets of the sport, this is the book to read. It’s full of fun facts! Ever wonder why a basketball bounces? Or why the rim has a net? Is there math behind a free throw? This book has the answers, anyone excited by basketball won’t be able to put it down.

2. Learning STEM from Baseball: How Does a Curveball Curve? And Other Amazing Answers for Kids! (STEM Sports) Paperback – July 7, 2020 by Marne Ventura

Learning STEM from Baseball book

Baseball is an exciting sport but do you know the history behind it? From the invention of the pitching machine, to the making of baseballs, this book takes a high-flying look at the sport in new and exciting ways. STEM comes alive while exploring all of  baseball’s secrets.

 

3. The Secret Science of Sports: The Math, Physics, and Mechanical Engineering Behind Every Grand Slam, Triple Axel, and Penalty Kick by Jennifer Swanson 2021

The Secret Science of Sports book

Did you know that science plays a huge part in every sport we love? From the equipment players wear, to the motions they make, STEM is a huge part of it. The Secret Science of Sports digs into the nitty gritty of scientific concepts in a fascinating way. How does biology, chemistry, math and physics affect sports? From the technology of gear to the aerodynamics of swimsuits, readers will come away with a new appreciation for their favorite sport and what it takes to play it.

4. Stem in Football (STEM in Sports) Paperback – September 1, 2018 by Brett S. Martin

STEM in Football book

Did you know physics is important when throwing a football? How about that technology is important to training? This book takes a look at the exciting game of football and what helps the players succeed by huddling around the STEM concepts that football uses. You’ll never see team training the same way!

 

 

 

 

5. Stem in Figure Skating (STEM in Sports) Paperback – September 1, 2018 by Marne Ventura

STEM in Figure Skating book

Want to understand figure skating and what it takes to glide on the ice? Take a look inside Stem In Figure Skating. Physics is key to spinning, engineering is important for blades. What else might skaters need to succeed?  This book delivers the answers.

 

 

 

 

6. Swish: The Science Behind Basketball’s Most Dynamic Plays (Sports Illustrated Kids: Science Behind the Plays) by Allan Morey  | Jan 1, 2025

Swish book

Drawing from iconic moments in sports history, this book explores the alley-oops, the buzzer-beaters, and slam dunks to dig into the science behind the sport. If you’re a basketball fan, you’ll enjoy reliving these epic moments while learning some amazing facts.

 

7. Goal: The Science Behind Soccer’s Most Exciting Plays (Sports Illustrated Kids: Science Behind the Plays) by Eric Braun 2025

Goal book

Motion and energy play a huge role in soccer. By examining amazing plays from some of the world’s best soccer players, readers will get a better understanding of STEM concepts and how important they are to this sport.

 

8. The Physics of Fun (Nomad Press) by Carla Mooney, 2021

The PHysics of Fun book

Do you like to have fun? Do you like to jump, run, ride a bike? Ever wonder what they all have in common? Physics! Physics is the science behind our favorite activities. Take a peek inside and discover how physics affects everything we enjoy!

Back to Top

What’s Going on at SLJ?

By on August 1, 2025   /   Oh MG News  
Blue background, white letters: SLJ

For over 70 years, School Library Journal (SLJ) has prided itself on being “the premiere publication for librarians and information specialists who work with children and teens.” As a professional resource, its magazine and website are relied upon by librarians and educators who want to stay informed about book reviews, literacy, best practices, and education policy.

 

July Lay-Offs

That’s why it was big news when, in late July, parent company Media Source, Inc. (MSI) laid off Kathy Ishizuka, Editor in Chief, and Rebecca T. Miller, Group Publisher of SLJ and two related publications, Library Journal and Hornbook. Ishizuka has been with the company since 2020, and Miller has worked there since 1998. According to Publisher’s Weekly, “MSI provided no rationale for the layoffs of Ishizuka and Miller.”

 

MSI reports that this change will facilitate their broader work to increase the visibility and impact of libraries. There is also a plan to provide professional development that will equip librarians to become leaders and advocates in challenging times.

 

Leadership

Robert Gogel, President & CEO of MSI, told SLJ, “As libraries continue to evolve, our role is to inform and empower them. Our goal is not only to help librarians meet the needs of their communities, but also to elevate the visibility, impact, and enduring importance of libraries in society. We’re committed to investing in the platforms, content, and leadership that help librarians anticipate change, advocate for their communities, and inspire lifelong readers.” 

 

Former editor in chief of Library Journal Hallie Rich has been named Editorial Director of both  LJ and SLJ. She will be responsible for content development and editorial strategy. Elissa Gershowitz will remain Editor in Chief of The Horn Book.

 

Looking Ahead

With a new school year on the horizon, we’ll watch the changes play out. Will the company be able to balance its advocacy efforts with its support of literacy and best practices? Will librarians feel better supported when facing book challenges and bans? Will the magazine and website continue to provide highly respected reviews of new books? 

 

Time will tell.

Back to Top

STEAMTeamBooks — Check out this website for awesome steam-related books for kids

By on July 29, 2025   /   Articles, STEM Tuesday  
Steam Team Books
Steam Team Books

 

Happy 6th Anniversary to STEAMTeamBooks!

 

 

If you’re looking for some great new STEM/STEAM (Science, Technoloy, Engineering, Art and Math) and titles to add to your classroom or library this year? Look no further than STEAMTeamBooks.

What is STEAMTeamBooks? A group of 60+ children’s authors who are passionate about all things science and technology and have new books releasing in 2025– both nonfiction and fiction!

 

But there is even MORE information on our STEAMTeamBooks Website!

We have new STEM/STEAM books — both fiction and nonfiction– going back six years! 

 

 

Why have we created  STEAMTeamBooks?   It’s sometimes tough to get the word out about new books and even more difficult for teachers and librarians to discover them. That is why a lot of authors are teaming up to create debut groups, like this one. There are groups that highlight picture books and middle grade, but until now there hasn’t been a new release group dedicated solely to STEM and STEAM books.

Why are STEAM books so important?  STEAM-related books bring the spirit of inquiry, discovery, and creative problem-solving to your learners while engaging them in rich literacy experiences. ​

 

What are some of the books you can look forward to seeing? 

Here is a preview. These are the books from STEAMTeamBooks authors that are releasing in 2025.

 

STEAM Team Books Website page

 

To see more, visit the website www.STEAMTeamBooks.com 

Follow us on  Instagram and Bluesky at #STEAMTeamBooks

 

Look for us at many upcoming conferences (NSTA, ALA, ILA, NCTE, etc.)

Help us get the word out about STEAM/STEM books!

(And don’t forget to check out the Mixed Up Files very own STEMTuesday blog which will give you tips on how to use STEM/STEAM books in your classroom!) 

Back to Top