Posts Tagged middle-grade nonfiction

STEM Tuesday– Survival Science — Book List

By on June 4, 2024   /   STEM Tuesday, Survival Science  

June 2024 – Species Survival

How do animals and plants survive Earth’s most extreme conditions? This month’s book list explores the unique challenges and adaptations that species face amid wildfires, polar ice, climate change, and more.

 

Extreme Survival: How People, Plants, and Animals Live in the World’s Toughest Places

Written by Ben Lerwill & illustrated by Daniel Long

 

Reading like an adventure guide, this book takes readers on a tour of the most extreme habitats our world has to offer. Each destination features facts and stories about the people and animals who live there, as well as practical tips for survival. STEM connections range from biology (animal adaptations) to earth science (climate and weather) to engineering (igloo-building), and more!

 

Fire Escape: How Animals and Plants Survive Wildfires (publishes June 25, 2024)

Written by Jessica Stremer and illustrated by Michael Garland

Did you know that goats can help fight wildfires? Or that charcoal beetles lay their eggs under the bark of burned trees? This fascinating book offers a multidimensional look at the science and history of wildfires. Stremer explains not only the natural adaptations that allow animals and plants to survive wildfires, but also the important role humans can play in managing forest fires and rehabilitating injured animals. The text is accompanied by “Fire Fact” boxes, photographs, and gorgeous illustrations.

 

Zoo Scientists to the Rescue

Written by Patricia Newman & photographed by Annie Crawley

This book takes a fresh, environmentally conscious look at zoos. It not only presents a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to care for zoo animals, but it also presents readers with three different zoo scientists at three different zoos and the endangered species they work with. Each chapter is filled with facts and amazing photos.

 

 

Clever Creatures: How Animals and Plants Use Science to Survive

Written by Steve Mould

Imagine a corpse flower that smells like smelly socks in order to attract insects to pollinate it! Author Steve Mould takes readers on a fun journey filled with scientific facts but also laced with humor. This book takes a look at species survival based on amazing animal adaptations.

 

 

Polar Bears: Survival on the Ice (Science Comics)

Written by Jason Viola and illustrated by Jack Giallongo

From First Second’s Science Comics series comes an entertaining and informative graphic novel about a polar bear mom teaching her two cubs how to survive. Each chapter features a key survival “lesson,” like hunting, building a den, and surviving climate change. As they follow along with the cubs, readers will learn about polar bear life cycles, behaviors, adaptations, and conservation.

 

 

The Nocturnals Explore Unique Adaptations of Nighttime Animals

Written by Tracey Hecht

This book takes a look at species survival from the point of view of nocturnal animals. But it presents lesser known animals like the pangolin, woylie, tuatara, aya-aye, and jerboa. It not only features facts but also includes narrative stories about each animal so children can learn about the animals’ nocturnal habits and special adaptations.

 

 

Hopping Ahead of Climate Change: Snowshoe Hares, Science, and Survival

Written by Sneed B Collard

Climate change presents unique challenges for animals whose coats change colors with the seasons. Due to rising temperatures and earlier snowmelts, such animals have become particularly vulnerable each spring; though all the snow on the ground has melted, their coats are still white, so they are not protected by camouflage. This book, a Junior Library Guild Selection, follows biologist Scott Mills as he conducts research to understand the effects of climate change on snowshoe hares’ survival.

 

 

History Comics: The American Bison: The Buffalo’s Survival Tale

Written and illustrated by Andy Hirsch

Children will love this graphic novel that’s fun to read, with engaging illustrations, but that also educates. In the early 18th century, nearly 30 million bison once roamed the American prairie―until they were nearly driven to extinction. But a century later, they vanished. This book takes a look at what happened to these herds of bison and how to bring them back.

 

 

Bringing Back the Wolves

Written by Jude Isabella Illustrated by Kim Smith

This book takes a look at species survival from the point of view of the wolf and how one animal can make a huge difference in an ecosystem. In 1926, gray wolves began to go extinct. The government reintroduced them to Yellowstone National Park. Over time, animal populations stabilized, waterways were restored and a healthy ecosystem was recreated across the land. It shows how much animals and their ecosystems are deeply connected.

 

 

Animals Lost and Found: Stories of Extinction, Conservation, and Survival

Written by Jason Bittel & illustrated by Jonathan Woodward

Each beautifully illustrated spread of this book features a different animal species: some lost to extinction, some fighting for survival, and even a few that have been rediscovered after being presumed extinct. Its bite-sized paragraphs are easy to digest, and Bittel’s hopeful tone empowers readers as they learn about conservation efforts around the world.

 

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

Author Lydia Lukidis

 

Lydia Lukidis is the author of 50+ trade and educational books for children. Her titles include DANCING THROUGH SPACE: Dr. Mae Jemison Soars to New Heights (Albert Whitman, 2024), DEEP, DEEP, DOWN: The Secret Underwater Poetry of the Mariana Trench (Capstone, 2023) and THE BROKEN BEES’ NEST (Kane Press, 2019) which was nominated for a Cybils Award. A science enthusiast from a young age, she 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 writes stories that spark curiosity and encourage kids to explore their world. Her first picture book will be published in 2026. For more information, please visit https://calliebdean.com.

 

 

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In Honor of Memorial Day

By on May 27, 2024   /   Book Lists  

Memorial Day roots were grown in the aftermath of the Civil War, in the late 1860’s. As the war claimed more lives than any other conflict in American history, it was necessary to establish national cemeteries. Many communities began honoring our fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers on May 30. Decoration Day grew into Memorial Day, celebrated on the fourth Monday of May.

In recognition of this history, I thought it appropriate to share a handful of titles about the Civil War for middle-grade readers.

Bull Run written by Paul Fleischman

Winner of the Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction * ALA Best Book for Young Adults * ALA Notable Children’s Book

In this brilliant fictional tour de force, which the New York Times called “a deft, poignant novel,” Newbery Medal-winning author Paul Fleischman re-creates the first great battle of the Civil War from the points of view of sixteen participants.

Northern and Southern, male and female, white and black.

Here are voices that tell of the dreams of glory, the grim reality, the hopes, horror, and folly of a nation discovering the true nature of war.

A Soldier’s Heart written by Gary Paulsen

 

In June 1861, when the Civil War began, Charley Goddard enlisted in the First Minnesota Volunteers. He was 15. He didn’t know what a “shooting war” meant or what he was fighting for. But he didn’t want to miss out on a great adventure.

The “shooting war” turned out to be the horror of combat and the wild luck of survival; how it feels to cross a field toward the enemy, waiting for fire. When he entered the service he was a boy. When he came back he was different; he was only 19, but he was a man with “soldier’s heart,” later known as “battle fatigue.”

 

Shades of Gray written by Carolyn Reeder

In the aftermath of the Civil War, recently orphaned Will must start a new life and overcome his prejudices.

Courage wears many faces…

The Civil War may be over, but for twelve-year-old Will Page, the pain and bitterness haven’t ended. How could they have, when the Yankees were responsible for the deaths of everyone in his entire immediate family?

And now Will has to leave his comfortable home in the Shenandoah Valley and live with relatives he has never met, people struggling to eke out a living on their farm in the war-torn Virginia Piedmont. But the worst of it is that Will’s uncle Jed had refused to fight for the Confederacy.

At first, Will regards his uncle as a traitor–or at least a coward.

But as they work side by side, Will begins to respect the man.

And when he sees his uncle stand up for what he believes in, Will realizes that he must rethink his definition of honor and courage.

Last in a Long Line of Rebels written by Lisa Lewis Tyre

Sheila Turnage meets Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie in this debut about a small town and a young girl who discovers some old family secrets.

Lou might be only twelve, but she’s never been one to take things sitting down. So when her Civil War-era house is about to be condemned, she’s determined to save it—either by getting it deemed a historic landmark or by finding the stash of gold rumored to be hidden nearby during the war. As Lou digs into the past, her eyes are opened when she finds that her ancestors ran the gamut of slave owners, renegades, thieves and abolitionists. Meanwhile, some incidents in her town show her that many Civil War era prejudices still survive and that the past can keep repeating itself if we let it. Digging into her past shows Lou that it’s never too late to fight injustice, and she starts to see the real value of understanding and exploring her roots.

 

The Girls of Gettysburg written by Bobbi Miller

A gripping historical novel in which the fates of three young girls collide amidst the chaos of the American Civil War.

Disguised as a boy, thirteen-year-old Annie Gordon becomes a soldier and joins the Portsmouth Rifles of the 9th Virginia Infantry as they march north to Gettysburg.Tillie Pierce, the frivolous fourteen-year-old daughter of a wealthy merchant finds herself surrounded by a vicious battle, destroying her romanticized notion of war.Defiantly, Grace Bryan and her father refuse to flee with the other free black citizens of Gettysburg, who fear the rebels will arrest them as fugitive slaves, determined to help othersEverything comes to a head on the final day of the battle with Pickett’s Charge, the suicidal Confederate assault on Gettysburg, when the lives of the three girls–a Yankee, a rebel and a freed slave–are linked and forever changed.Bobbi Miller’s well-researched novel draws on actual accounts of the Battle of Gettysburg, weaving an unforgettable tale of the tragedies and triumphs, the humanity, heartache, and heroism of this Civil War battle. Told in fast-paced chapters with alternating points of view, The Girls of Gettysburg is a fascinating glimpse at the different worlds that existed, side by side, in this tumultuous moment. Perfect for introducing young readers to the complexities of the Civil War, and the ways in which our experiences shape our lives.
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STEM Tuesday — Renewable Energy — Writing Tips & Resources

By on May 21, 2024   /   Renewable Energy, STEM Tuesday  

Renewable Creative Energy

STEM Tuesday friends, I was creatively tired. Drained. The well was dry. Etc., etc., etc. It’s been a wild couple of months in which I feel I’ve been running full tilt on a treadmill not going anywhere. The battery was drained. 

There’s a definition of energy derived from Aristotle and his concept of enérgeia.

Energy is a condition that allows the capacity to do work.

I needed some renewable energy. I need the capacity to do my work.

Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another.

This little nugget is the Law of Conservation of Energy. 

Ah, but since energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another, I couldn’t just wave a magic wand and create the “Best STEM Tuesday Post of All Time” I dreamt of making. 

I needed some renewable energy. But how? There’s no Creative Energy section in any of my local stores, there were a few TikToks that were of no help at all, and, unbelievably, Amazon doesn’t list anything relevant to my problem. 

I was at a loss.

In utter creative despair, I snapped the laptop lid closed, fell to my knees, and reached, like Tim Robbins after his escape in The Shawshank Redemption, to the creative spirits of the universe in a plea for help. Sadly, the creative spirits of the universe did not answer. So I got off the office floor, went outside to fill the bird feeders, and then took the dog for a walk. Signs of early spring were everywhere. Birds, buds, and lilacs. Daffodils, tulips, and a soft breeze. 

The creative battery notched a level up. 

I felt a thaw in the ice floe jamming my creative brain (For a little brain science, here’s a link to my post, Creative Braining). I had an urge to go to the library. I picked up my two grandsons (5 and 3 years old, respectively) and we descended with great enthusiasm to the children’s floor in the basement of our library. Their energy was contagious. I scoured the shelves and found a half dozen awesome picture books to use for illustrator studies. 

With great excitement, we hauled our stacks of books from the library and to the truck to take home. I was fired up to return to my office, read the books I’d checked out, and then add sticky notes to mark the illustrations I wanted to draw for illustrator studies.

With little effort, the creative battery reached an almost full charge. Turns out, all I needed was to take a step back from the work and redirect to a renewable creative energy source. Nature and libraries. Two great sources of renewable creative energy. Bingo!

Energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only be transformed from one form to another.

The Law of Conservation of Energy. 

It means energy comes at a price, even the forms of renewable energy listed in this month’s fabulous STEM Tuesday Renewable Energy book list. The trick for humanity at this critical point in environmental history is to transition to creating energy that minimizes the negative impact on the environment while still providing the energy to fuel our lifestyles.

We all know it’s important to develop renewable energy strategies for the environment. It’s also vital to develop strategies to renew creative energy. Find what works and when that doesn’t work, try something different. Expand the lens that feeds your creative brain. Be curious. 

As for that Best STEM Tuesday Post of All Time? You might have to wait on that one for a while longer. 

 

Bellatheblond, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

 

Mike Hays has worked hard from a young age to be a well-rounded individual. A well-rounded, equal-opportunity sports enthusiast, that is. If they keep a score, he’ll either watch it, play it, or coach it. A molecular microbiologist by day, middle-grade author, sports coach, and general good citizen by night, he blogs about sports/training-related topics at  www.coachhays.com and writer stuff at  www.mikehaysbooks.com. Two of his science essays, The Science of Jurassic Park and Zombie Microbiology 101, are included in the Putting the Science in Fiction collection from Writer’s Digest Books. He can be found roaming around the X under the guise of @coachhays64 and on Instagram at @mikehays64.

 

The O.O.L.F Files

This month’s version of the O.O.L.F.(Out of Left Field) Files explores a spectrum of renewable energy information. From DIY to corporate plans to how the word “energy” came to be, you can check it all out at the links below.

Renewable Energy (Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy)

Microsoft’s Emissions and Water Use Shoot Up As It Goes All In on AI (via Futurism)

What is renewable energy? (kids.earth.org)

The renewable energy movement must have corporate involvement. This may take time and involve the consumer holding them accountable for their promises and PR on renewable energy.

Natural Resource Distribution Video for Kids (GenerationGenius) 

DIY Renewable Energy

The History of the Word “Energy” (Energy Fundamentals from the University of Leipzig)

 

Florian Gerlach (Nawaro), CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

 

 

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