Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - biographies, science, social sciences and the arts! part one 7.25.18

Artwork by Sarah S. Brannen ©2017

Every Wednesday I join Alyson Beecher from kidlitfrenzy and other

kidlit bloggers to share wonderful nonfiction picture books.

The intention of today's blog post is to give professionals that work in the
education field new nonfiction reading material and ideas to use 

with students to promote a love of reading nonfiction materials.

I have had a staggering amount of picture books pile up.  Fiction, nonfiction, just so many to read!  For the next few weeks I am featuring the large amount of picture book biographies I am reading!  Be sure to check back over the next few weeks for lot of new picture book biographies to add to your shelves.

Here are biographies featuring science/math/engineering connections:


Nothing Stopped Sophie: The Story of Unshakable Mathematician Sophie Germain
written by Cheryl Bardoe
illustrated by Barbara McClintock
why you want to check this book out:  I love the way this book features math and science connections - it's important to show students how learning connects.  I love the story of Sophie - you'll want to add it to your list of books that feature "mighty girls", people who persevere.  You could use it to compare/contrast with The Boy Who Loved Math by Deborah Heiligman.  This is also a book I will potentially have on my Mock Caldecott - McClintock has really outdone herself the way she has brought Sophie's world to life and add in additional details on the endpages.  If you're doing a Mock Sibert/Orbus Pictus, this will be a book you will want to strongly consider adding!


Otis and Will Discover the Deep: The Record-Setting Dive of the Bathysphere
written by Barb Rosenstock
illustrated by Katherine Roy
why you want to check this book out:  it is fascinating!  Focusing in on the first record-setting dive made in this deep sea diver, readers learn more about what it took scientists Otis Barton and Will Beebe to get to the depths of the sea.  I think this book may land on many Mock lists - Caldecott and Sibert!  


Flying Deep: Climb Inside Deep-Sea Submersible ALVIN
written by Michelle Cusolito
illustrated by Nicole Wong
why you want to check this book out:  This would be a great follow up to Otis and Will Discover the Deep since it takes readers on a more current journey using a submersible that probably got some understanding from the earlier technology in the other book!  I like how this time the author puts the reader in the driver seat and makes them think about what it would be like to pilot a submersible.  Connections to STEM and the theme of discovery - a fun book to read.


The Brilliant Deep: Rebuilding the World's Coral Reefs
written by Kate Messner
illustrated by Matthew Forsythe
why you want to check this book out:  A beautifully illustrated book about Ken Nedimyer who noticed the coral reefs were dying in the Florida Keys area.  Without the reefs, other ocean life was not being sustained and therefore also dying off.  Messner details how Nedimyer was able to begin the coral reef restoration and how it is continuing today.  Additional notes and sources are detailed in the backmatter.  Add it to your collection of environment books!


Honda: The Boy Who Dreamed of Cars
written by Mark Weston
illustrated by Katie Yamasaki
why you want to check this book out:  Have you ever noticed how the people who have done really big things are PASSIONATE about what they believe and DRIVEN to accomplish their dreams?  This book illustrates that well and could be used as a mentor text for character traits.


Be sure to check out these biographies!  Like what you see here?  Stop by in the coming weeks for more.

Aug. 1st:  picture book biographies about people who who made an impact on our world.
Aug. 8th:  picture book biographies about people who enhanced the arts.