It’s Science Literacy Week! And while I cannot even believe it’s the middle of September already, I am always so excited when SLW rolls around. Because SLW is the week when we celebrate science, and what science is, and how to think about science, and maybe even read some really awesome science books.
Speaking of which…
MY NEW CHILDREN’S SCIENCE BOOK IS NOW LISTED ON AMAZON AND THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH CAPS OR EXCLAMATION POINTS IN THE WORLD TO CONVEY MY EXCITEMENT, PEOPLE!!!!
POLAR is a follow up to The Boreal Forest, which was also published by Kids Can Press. It’s illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler, and his artwork is absolutely phenomenal – every single interior spread is just as stunning as this jaw-dropping cover. The book comes out May 2, 2023, but you can pre-order your copy through Amazon or – even better – your local indie bookstore.
Did I mention that children love nonfiction? It’s true – actual scientific research shows that, when given a choice between storybooks and nonfiction, a majority of young kids will pick a nonfiction title on a subject they are interested in. Those preferences hold for older kids too, many of whom read fiction and nonfiction equally, despite the well-meaning adults that keep trying to steer them towards novels. One of the best things I’ve ever read in an academic journal article is this quote about nonfiction from an actual 4th grader:
“Reading a story is for adventure, just let your imagination go wild, to have fun. Science texts tell you more information, what happened in the past, or in the present, teach you more stuff that you didn’t get from the storybooks, improve your mind… You need both to live on the world. Without stories you would have no culture and feelings. Without information, you’d be a dope.”
This kid is 100% my people, y’all. This Science Literacy Week, take his word for it, and share some nonfiction with the youngsters in your life. Here are ten ways to do that:
In other exciting news, I was recently a guest on Popular Podagogy! It was a delightful 30 minutes in which I got totally geeky over science literacy with science teacher and Queen’s professor Chris Carlton. Chris is also my people (and now his podcast support crew are too). You can listen to the episode here.
Go forth and get sciencey, my friends! And don’t forget to visit the official Science Literacy Week website for tips on fun, FREE science activities happening near you.
What a fabulous cover! Congratulations on your new book!
“Get sciencey”—love it 🙂
It’s a gorgeous cover! I can’t wait to read it!
Thank you! I am so lucky to be able to work with such incredible illustrators.
Congratulations on your new book LIndsey. Wow. what a cover. I just recommended you and your books to a friend looking for a present for his non-fiction-loving granddaughter. And I forwarded this newsletter to him. you’re amazing!!!
Thank you so much, Charis!!
Oh, wow, Lindsey, what a gorgeous cover, indeed! Huge congratulations on this upcoming book!
Thanks so much, Judy-Ann!