The Countdown to CYBILS AWARDS Announcements!

I took a short break from posting here for a much-needed connection with family, but I'm back in time to share some recommended titles that were nominees for CYBILS ELEMENTARY NONFICTION AWARDS, but missed the cut as finalists. Out of dozens and dozens of fantastic books, only a few make it that far, and then only ONE will be named the award-winner on FEBRUARY 14, just a few days away. I have never volunteered for this final phase, because I already struggle as a Round One panelist to narrow the field to seven titles, any one of which could well deserve the award. That final cut is just too painful for me to be a participant in the decision.

Even so, I will use my humble platform here to shine some light on picture books that I particularly enjoyed and believe you will, too.

These three titles celebrate the heroism and strength of women. All are nonfiction, and yet they employ a range of approaches very effectively and that suit each account perfectly. Each brings excitement and "AHA" reactions to what has been achieved by women with a purpose.

Clarion Books, 2021
Booklist starred review

It's easy to begin with a woman who was/is a wonder, in a book that will capture attention from readers of many ages and interests. A TRUE WONDER: The Comic Book Hero Who Changed Everything is written by Kirsten W. Larson and illustrated by  Katy Wu.  

This is a thorough examination of the comic hero WONDER WOMAN with thumbnail profiles of each of the actual folks who contributed to the creation and success of this iconic superhero. The scope of many decades involves many of these thumbnail spotlights, during which the idea for WW emerged, was executed and embraced by the comic-reading public, and then traveled a troubled course of diminishment, disinterest, and eventual recovery. The comic-illustration style and formatting suits it well and will add to the adventuresome experience of discovery of Wonder Woman's history.

Harry N. Abrams
Books for Young Readers, 2021

If you are interested in another "star-studded" superhero woman, look no further than The Stuff Between The Stars: How Vera Rubin Discovered Most of the Universe written by Sandra Nickel and illustrated by Aimée Sicuro. 

This is an appealing and accessible account of a curious girl who pursued her questions and dreams despite a repeated (and powerful) pattern of dismissiveness and outright rejection. Her persistence and pursuit of scientific explanations was not related to attention seeking or awards. I appreciated the way the author emphasized Rubin's particular obsession with investigating the topics and areas of study that were neglected by others. The lifelong feminist in me wants to gift this book to every young girl. I certainly agree with this review and others who sing the praises of this powerful book:

"Readers will be inspired by the vastness of the universe as they learn about Rubin’s discoveries." 
— School Library Journal

Finally (for today, but with more coming in the next several days) let's celebrate the quiet heroism of everyday people, especially women, who change lives on a daily basis. 

Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2021

Dear Librarian is written by Lydia M. Sigwarth and illustrated by Romina Galotta. 

We should never assume that ANYONE, at any time, who crosses our paths might not need us like a life boat in a storm. Even as we speak to them, offer a hand, or simply smile, the impact may not be visible or noteworthy. But such small gestures and acts of decency and kindness can be cumulative and compelling. In this case the author recounts the impact of a library (her safe and steady place in tumultuous times) and a librarian (a person who saw someone unique and worthy of her attention and time) who changed her life.

This is a heartwarming and important reminder of the role of public libraries in all lives, but especially for those in need of a true "home". 

I'll share more of these "winning" picture books in the next few days leading up to (and following) the CYBILS AWARDS category winner on Monday, Valentine's Day. I'm excited to see the result, but also excited to share these valuable picture books with you here. Be a hero today, or some day soon, and share one or all of them with a young reader you know and love! 

Laurie Wallmark's WOMEN IN STEM: A Giveaway! (Giveaway has ended.)

Hold on to your hats, readers. This post features WOMEN IN STEM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics), a series of picture book biographies that will blow you away. I've linked each of my brief comments below to more thorough reviews on my Goodreads account about individual titles. Author Laurie Wallmark has introduced readers to each of her "subjects" as fully formed individual girls/women whose lives and accomplishments pop off the page. Each book also provides back matter that is head and shoulders above routine documentation to appeal and inform in its own right. 

ADA LOVELACE AND THE THINKING MACHINE (Laurie Wallmark, April Chu. Creston Books, 2015

From my review:

There is so much to enjoy in this biography that spans, literally, cradle to grave and centuries beyond. Modern young readers will be inspired by her brilliant insights and accomplishments despite the limits of technology during her lifetime. Even though hers was a privileged and elegant life, Ada overcame struggles that will resonate with many (an absent father, several years of disability due to measles). 

HEDY LAMARR'S DOUBLE LIFE: Hollywood Legend and Brilliant Inventor (Laurie Wallmark, Katy Wu. Sterling CHildren's Books 2019)

From my review:

Characteristically deep research marks Hedy's life story, developed in appealing narrative with brief revelations about her childhood curiosity in Vienna, patented inventions, and on to her fame as a Hollywood star. She and friend George Antheil invested countless hours of secret effort in developing specialized equipment that allowed naval signals to evade detection during World War II. Their contributions to saving lives and winning the war remained top secret for many years and are still used today. 

Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code (Laurie Wallmark, Katy Wu, Sterling Children's Books. 2017)

From my review:

I was eager to read more about Hopper, and this deeply researched account is filled with "grace" and humor. I vividly recall watching an evening news tribute to Grace Hopper on the occasion of her SECOND retirement from the US Navy at the age of eighty. That news profile recounted her transformational role in computer coding, in war service, and in top secret programming to save lives and defend our nation. During that short news segment this tiny, wiry woman looked as if she could still take on anything that a war or computer or even a "bug" could send her way.

After reading this biography I feel as if I had an opportunity to meet Grace, and I'm eager to introduce her to kids everywhere, especially to girls..

In case you missed it, take a look at my earlier review of Laurie's most recent release in this series, NUMBERS IN MOTION: Sophie Kowalevski, Queen of Mathematics.  

I celebrate women in math, science, engineering, and technology, including Laurie Wallmark. As a writer and reader, I appreciate the challenges she must have encountered and then surpassed in creating each of these books. Each is a portal to the past while bringing forward these accomplished and inspiring women to gain present day admiration.

I honor all women who recognize their capacity as agents of growth, knowledge, and change in a world, in the past and present. From Ada to Sophie to Hedy to Grace, women have demonstrated their ability to learn and lead and leverage their too-limited status to arrive at the top of their fields. Although limitations for girls and women have "eased" over time, the playing field is by no means level. It's ironic, and unjust, that digital media has too often become a tool for actively generating bias and resistance to girls and women in STEM fields.

To mark this celebration, I'm giving  away a signed copy of NUMBERS IN MOTION to encourage everyone to share these books with ALL kids, helping both genders of the next generation to seek and welcome others into careers in STEM. Deadline is midnight Sunday, January 24, Central time.

One chance to win will be added for each of the following, as many as you choose:

• Comment below on one (or more) of the titles reviewed here. 
• Comment below about how you shared this post on social media (Twitter, FB, Instagram) 
• Comment on your own attitude about math, good or bad. I promise not to scold!
• Ask Laurie a question. I hope to interview her about her upcoming March release, and may be able to include your question!)
• Clicked through to explore Laurie's website (click on WOMEN IN STEM in the top line) and comment on something you learned there.

Good luck!