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Colorful artwork and clearly written text introduce Raye Montague, who grew up in 1940s Arkansas during a time when girls — and Black girls in particular — were discouraged from seeking higher education. Inspired by a visit to a submarine with her grandfather and her mother's words that she could "learn anything...do anything...be anything," Raye was determined to build ships. Through years of hard work and perseverance, she eventually created a computer program for the U.S. Navy that would design every part of a ship (an incredible first). An inspiring story about a lesser-known engineer. Ages 7 - 10 Biography; African American History; Women's History; Engineers; Perseverance |
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This picture book biography zooms in on an event during which Albert Einstein's controversial general theory of relativity was first proven. An introduction explains how Isaac Newton's universal law of gravity had stood unchallenged for 200 years until Einstein proposed his theory that speed affects mass, time, and space. Both biographical information (including glimpses at Einstein's quirky personality) and scientific explanations are seamlessly woven into the text, and the illustrations create a sense of time and place. This book makes a great entry point into learning more about this famed thinker and his work. Ages 7 - 10 Albert Einstein; Physics; Discovery |
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Pew introduces a variety of young, creative thinkers ranging in age from 6 to 16 who took on problems and worked to find solutions, whether coming up with their own ideas or improving on existing ones. Kids may be familiar with some names (e.g., Benjamin Franklin invented swim fins as a boy), but profiles of lesser-known inventors make up the bulk of the book and are just as fascinating. Featured individuals hail from across the globe and pursue a wide range of interests. Brief sections explaining topics such as patents and trademarks, how prototypes work, and production and marketing are interesting and informative to inventors and entrepreneurs looking to forge their own ingenious paths forward. Cartoon artwork completes this fun-to-read, informative, and inspiring offering. Ages 9 - 12 Inventors; Creative Thinking |
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Zero seems like a number that appears everywhere, but that wasn't always the case. Lively text and amusing cartoon artwork introduce the idea that zero had to be invented, spanning thousands of years and different cultures to explain how it all came about. It's a fascinating story, culminating with mention of all the fields that are zero-dependent (modern physics, engineering, computers, etc.). Additional information to support further study is included. Combine studies of ancient cultures with math concepts to launch inquiries that span curriculum topics. Ages 7 - 10 Math; Numbers; Ancient Cultures |
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Readers go along for the ride as an enthusiastic boy clearly explains robotics basics to his mother. Easy-to-understand text and energetic artwork cover the many different types and uses for robots along with the idea that coding, much like a human brain, instructs onboard computers to sense, compute, and act. Concepts are clearly explained and scientific vocabulary is used and defined. The book's humor and child-as-teacher approach makes it particularly empowering. Check out the companion volume: How to Explain Coding to a Grown-Up. Ages 5 - 9 Robots and Robotics; Technology; Computer Technology |
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"If you could have a superpower, what would it be?" Beginning by highlighting superhero characters and their attributes, this book presents real-world examples of "incredible scientific inventions and advancement that can push us past the limits of the bodies we were born with." Focusing on different areas, each section provides a bit of history, a summary of current-day innovations, and a glimpse at future possibilities. For example, "Super Parts" includes a timeline (highlighting prosthesis through the centuries), a look at today's technology, and research into regenerative abilities (similar to those of a axolotl). Packed with thought-provoking information, this book ends with questions of how biological enhancement might impact our moral code. Ages 8 - 12 Human Body and Technology; Future |
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by Kate DiCamillo; illustrated by Carmen Mok First chapter books are important. They should be interesting, have lots of pictures to support the text, and give young readers both a sense of accomplishment and a desire to read more books. This delightful series, which debuted with Orris and Timble: The Beginning, checks all the boxes. The two unlikely friends return, and this time Timble, an owl, flies too high in his attempt to reach the stars and moon and gets lost. Orris, a rat, waits and waits for Timble, becoming more and more upset. Has Timble abandoned him? The owl eventually returns, and the two discuss what happened. Themes of friendship are woven into the story, and the lovely illustrations help convey the action and emotion of this engaging tale. Keep an eye out for the final book in the trilogy! First Chapter Books; Friendship; Animals |
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This first chapter book stars Septimus, who believes he does not make a very good badger. He has spots instead of stripes on his face; he prefers living in a seaside cottage to dwelling in the forest; and he loves Italian opera! He leads a solitary life, but when a gull lands on his windowsill, Septimus finds himself making a friend. Though they might not have much in common, the two forge a bond. When Gully goes missing, Septimus embarks on an adventure that causes him to step outside his comfort zone. This cozy tale is told with clear writing, warmhearted humor, and appealing pencil drawings. Ages 6 - 10 First Chapter Books; Friendship; Animal Stories |
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A smiling boy named Kojo tells how he uses a few coins left over from his mother's purchase of a second-hand sewing machine to buy a fluffy white hen. The hen lays five eggs, three of which he sells at the market. After paying his mother back, he invests in more hens. And so it goes, through years of careful planning, hard work, and perseverance. Kojo becomes the "chicken man," improving his own life and his community. A simple economics lesson as well as a story, the book ends with an introduction to its real-life inspiration, Kwabena Darka, from the Ashanti Region in Ghana, who grew up to become the largest producer of baby chicks in West Africa. An introduction to microfinance programs, discussion questions, and additional resources are included. Ages 5 - 9 Young Entrepreneurs; Economics; Perseverance; Community; Life in Africa |
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This wordless picture book is full of action and energy as a child suits up in boots and gloves, takes an elevator down, emerges to explore a rugged terrain, and attempts to communicate with mysterious possibly dangerous creatures. It is eventually revealed that the young adventurer has not explored the moon, but the great outdoors on a very snowy day. Surprised, readers will enthusiastically turn back to the beginning of the book and read it again, with an understanding of what is really happening. Preliterate and independent readers alike can create their own narrative for this book about imaginative play by describing what is happening in the illustrations (both versions), a wonderful way to explore storytelling and understand narrative sequence and voice. Wordless Stories; Imagination; Understanding Narrative |
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As her father taps away on his phone, a little girl expresses her worry that he will run out of words and not have any left for her. This inspires a delightful "what if" adventure, as the child's imaginative questions are answered just as imaginatively by her father. He travels to an underground factory run by elves to purchase an infinity bottle of words. Asked what he would do if he can't find his way back, he answers that he will climb a tall tree to look for her nightlight. And so it goes, as the story gets ever wilder and the affection between the two shines ever stronger. Filled with brightly color artwork and comical happenings, this is an “I Love You” story that any child will enjoy. Work with your kids to create your own "what if" tale. Imagination; Family Stories |
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Pikes Peak Library District
P.O. Box 1579, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80901
(719) 531-6333https://ppld.org/ |
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