Today I wanted to talk about something near and dear to my own heart: STEM Women who are Authors! Let’s get right to it!
Andrea Beaty
She attended Southern Illinois University and studied biology and computer science. Andrea has published over a dozen books. Her two most recent books have a place of high regard on my reader’s bookshelf.
Why I liked ROSIE REVERE, ENGINEER:
Little inventor Rosie pulls out all the stops, trying to impress her remarkable great-great-aunt Rose (Rosie the Riveter) ! Great message for kids aspiring to be inventors as well as anyone who has ever felt like a failure.
Why I’m excited about ADA TWIST, SCIENTIST:
Ada, a girl with boundless imagination and curiosity, learns that scientific experiments don’t always go right the first time. Great demonstration of perseverance and passion to find answers to the world’s why questions.
Andrea has a fantastic website, great for teachers and kids alike.
Jess Keating
She has a MS in zoology, which means she knows a lot of creepy, cool stuff about the many wondrous creatures with which we share this lovely planet. Jess is the author of the middle-grade fiction series MY LIFE IS A ZOO and THE WORLD OF WEIRD ANIMALS nonfiction series. After reading, PINK IS FOR BLOBFISH, I am obsessed with finding an Orchid Mantis. OMG, they are sooo pretty!
What makes Jess so amazing?
Her books are FUUUUNN-Y, and you accidentally learn a lot when you read them. She also has a YouTube channel called Animal for Smart People that is great for teachers, kids, and, well, adults like me. *blushes pink like a Pygmy Seahorse
Jess is supportive and friendly, always eager to share tips with writers, educators, and basically anyone interested in science, books, and life. (I think that covers all of us!)
Melissa Stewart
Melissa Stewart is the award-winning author of more than 150 science books for children. She has a bachelor’s degree in biology from Union College in Schenectady, NY, and a master’s degree in science journalism from New York University.
What’s great about Melissa?
Not only does she write fantastic STEM books, but Melissa has a WOWZA website with an interactive section for KIDS ONLY! She also shares curriculum resources with teacher and her craft with fellow writers. Melissa has written so many books that it’s hard to pick a few to feature here, but my geeky-girl self couldn’t put down HOW IS MY BRAIN LIKE A SUPERCOMPUTER?, which answers this question and many more cool things about our human bodies. Also, NO MONKEYS, NO CHOCOLATE has eye-opening information about just how important every living creature is on beautiful Earth.
Jen Swanson
She has a B.S. in chemistry from the U. S. Naval Academy and a M.S. Ed in K-8 science from Walden University. Jennifer is an award-winning author of over 20 nonfiction and fiction books for children covering biology, engineering, physical science, and more.
Why I love EVERYTHING ROBOTICS:
Just like the title says, it covers everything about robotics. After reading the book, you’ll feel like you too can build a robot. It even includes a reference to author Isaac Asimov and a robot with precise enough finger motions to separate Oreo cookie wafers. (I want one!) Even more fun, kids will be overjoyed to find out that if grandma or grandpa has a hearing aid or pacemaker they are officially a CYBORG!
Why I love HOW HYBRID CARS WORK:
Great illustrations and easy to understand content that is supercool. Careful! Young readers may be inspired to become automotive engineers.
Also, Jen has great Teacher’s Guides available on her website. While you’re there, check out the other great books that she has authored.
Laurie Wallmark
She has degrees in biochemistry and information systems. Laurie is the author of ADA LOVELACE AND THE THINKING MACHINE and an upcoming book (March 2017) GRACE HOPPER, QUEEN OF COMPUTER CODE.
What’s great about Laurie’s books:
Two very important pioneers in computer technology are finally getting the attention they deserve. The picture book biography about Ada Lovelace is inspiring with exceptionally beautiful illustrations. (Cool fact: Ada’s mom, who also had a passion for math, had the nickname “The Princess of Parallelograms.”)
Laurie’s upcoming book about Grace Hopper, arguably one of the most important trailblazers in computer processing, will be the next in hopefully many books showcasing contributions of women in STEM.
Laurie also has a great curriculum guide for teachers as well as STEM word searches to help kids build their science, math, and computer vocabulary.
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To find out more about these amazing authors, please click on their names to go to their websites. Clicking on the book titles will take you to Goodreads where you can learn more about their books (you’ll want to add them to your TBR while you’re there). In the comments below, please share any STEM Women Authors that ❤️inspire❤️ you.
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MICHELLE LEONARD is a math and science nerd with a MS in Materials Science and Engineering, a chocolate biscotti baker, and a SCBWI member who writes middle-grade fiction/non-fiction. Connect with her on Twitter !
Thanks for this great post. I LOVE STEM books as well. Especially involving girls.
Great book selections. Must remember to consult this list when purchasing books for my granddaughters!
*adds one book after another to Goodreads* Thanks for collecting these authors and books–this is inspiring on so many levels. What kinds of books do we want to write? What kinds of books do we want to read? And what inspires our kids?