SUPER Scientists- STEM Guest Blog

Where in #kidslit can we find an astronomer from China, an astrophysicist from New York, and the very first female mathematician and academic in history? You can see all these diverse examples, and many more besides, in the new book by Anne Blanchard - Super Scientists!

Indeed, in STEM education it’s important to have positive role models that represent the multicultural community in which we live. Super Scientists shows a great diversity of 40 different men and women from all over the globe and from various periods in history. 

One of the earliest astronomers was Zhang Heng, born in 78 A.D. in Nanyang, China. He invented an earthquake detection device that saved hundreds of lives. A little later we are introduced to Hypatia of Alexandria, who was the first woman mathematician and academic of all time. She taught at the prestigious university of Alexandria and posed many famously tricky mathematical problems. From female pioneer, to one of the most well-known current astrophysicists - Neil deGrasse Tyson. He is the director of the Hayden Planetarium and a passionate advocate of sharing scientific research with the public. 

There are many scientists, mathematicians and chemists that we don’t have time to mention in this blog but they all have fun, minimalist and modern illustrations by Tino that appeal to all ages. There is also a biography with information about when and where they were born and died, their field, and sometimes (if relevant) their family.  Each page features a number of short paragraphs and sentences describing interesting facts about each life. 

The back of the book has a chronology double page so that you can see where the scientists fit into world history and how their discoveries affected each generation of geniuses. Children’s books have the power to encourage the new generation. Who knows what discoveries are yet to be made in the modern fields of robotics, artificial intelligence or even possible cures for currently fatal diseases. That’s why representation matters so that we can inspire all children to reach their STEM potential. 

For more amazing insights and recommendations on #childrensbooks follow @kidsbookreviewsbyem on Instagram. As a bilingual mom she also has great features on her second account @childrensbooksinspanish. Thanks Emma Gwynne for expanding our horizon through the love of STEM books.