Why We Love Nonfiction
Odd Bods
One of my favorite nonÂficÂtion picÂture books so far this year is Odd Bods: the World’s UnusuÂal AniÂmals by Julie MurÂphy. Here’s a brief descripÂtion: Long snouts, bright-red lips, pointy heads … the aniÂmal kingÂdom is full of critÂters with unique feaÂtures. Learn about the incredÂiÂble adapÂtaÂtions that help these aniÂmals – and their odd bods – surÂvive and thrive
Crossings
Why do I love this exposÂiÂtoÂry litÂerÂaÂture book so much? Because it clevÂerÂly comÂbines enviÂronÂmenÂtal sciÂence and engiÂneerÂing in a way that’s bound to engage a broad audiÂence of young readers.
No Way, They Were Gay?
Why do I love this book so much? Because Wind does a pheÂnomÂeÂnal job of weavÂing togethÂer excerpts from a diverse array of priÂmaÂry source mateÂriÂals to reassess the sexÂuÂal and genÂder idenÂtiÂties of a dozen famous and lessÂer-known figÂures from the past.
The Apollo Missions
The fiftiÂeth anniverÂsary of the ApolÂlo 11 moon landÂing in July 2019 inspired many new books along with some updates and reisÂsues of existÂing titles. For those who haven’t had the chance to look at all the posÂsiÂbilÂiÂties, let me introÂduce you to a few.
Hedy Lamarr’s Double Life
One of my favorite STEM-themed picÂture book biograÂphies is Hedy Lamarr’s DouÂble Life: HolÂlyÂwood LegÂend and BrilÂliant InvenÂtor by LauÂrie WallÂmark and Katy Wu. Here’s a brief descripÂtion: To her adorÂing pubÂlic, Hedy Lamarr was a glamÂorous movie star, wideÂly conÂsidÂered the most beauÂtiÂful woman in the world. But in priÂvate, she was a brilÂliant invenÂtor. DurÂing World War