Brainstorm 325: Engaging Science Nonfiction

This week's Brainstorm brings you some nonfiction reads for you science nerds (and the not-so-nerdy). Whether readers are serious science fans, reluctant science studiers, or voracious collectors of random science facts, there's something for everyone in this selection of science reads today. Click on the titles to see my full review including any content notes/trigger warnings.

All Charged Up (Big Ideas That Changed the World, #5) by Don Brown

In a nutshell: A graphic novel history of humans harnessing electricity over the past couple hundred years.

More info: The nutshell says it all.

Extra thoughts: The former science teacher in me gave this all the stars. It is excellently done, and I appreciate that Brown did further research and included scientists involved in breakthroughs who were often left out in the past because they were people of color. (The narrator character of the graphic novel is one such Bangla inventor whose discoveries led the way to radios.)

Target readers: Electricity Studiers, Invention/Inventor Studiers, Graphic Novel Fans, Curious Readers, Random Fact Sponges, Reluctant Nonfiction Readers, Middle Grade Readers 

Hidden Systems: Water, Electricity, the Internet, and the Secrets Behind the Systems We Use Every Day by Dan Nott

In a nutshell: A graphic novel that looks at how the Internet actually works, how electricity is produced, where drinkable water can be found and why that is a concern.

More info: The nutshell says it all.

Extra thoughts: This is like a 'How it Works' book for YA and adults (there's a reason they had David Macaulay do the blurb on the front). Nott goes beyond Macaulay's type of books in that he also explores social and ethical issues related to these systems. It’s a thought-provoking read in that Nott points out how these systems aren't exactly fair in their distribution because of how they were usually laid down in the easiest ways possible which meant following certain older paths (often determined by socio-economic status). My favorite part of the book was how it breaks down how the internet works in an easy to understand way. It helps take away some of the nebulous terminology and allows readers to picture how it really works.

Target readers: How It Works Fans, Curious Readers, Reluctant Nonfiction Readers, Graphic Novel Fans, Thought-Provoking Read Fans, YA & Adult Readers

In the Waves: My Quest to Solve the Mystery of a Civil War Submarine by Rachel Lance

In a nutshell: A medical doctor with the US Navy tackles the unsolved mystery of how the men in the Civil War submarine HL Hunley died.

More info: Rachel Lance is a medical doctor with the US Navy who was researching affects of underwater explosions at Duke for her PhD when her advisor brought up the mystery of the HL Hunley. The HL Hunley was a Confederate submarine that sank during the US Civil War. The final location was uncovered in the late 20th century. It had obviously sustained external damage, but when the sub was opened, all of the crew members were found seemingly serenely positioned at their posts. Rachel Lance sought to discover what could possibly have killed the sailors and left them at their posts as opposed to strewn about by an explosion or clamoring to open a hatch.

Extra thoughts: An absolutely fascinating bit of scientific forensic research with just the right amount of historical background on submarines and the Hunley specifically and scientific information easy for the lay person to grasp.

Target readers: Mythbusters-Type-Show/Read Fans, True Crime Fans, Unsolved Mystery Fans, Science Fans, History Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA)

Moving the Millers' Minnie Moore Mine Mansion: A True Story by Dave Eggers, ill. by Júlia Sardà

In a nutshell: A picture book history of a mansion that was built in Idaho for an English silver mine owner's new wife, and how she eventually had it moved so she could raise pigs.

More info: The nutshell says it all.

Extra thoughts: This is a very creatively told true story of a big house that got moved several miles without the aid of any electronics. It was an impressive piece of engineering for the time period! Also pick this one up to examine Eggers' engaging nonfiction writing and Sardà's unique illustration style.

Target readers: Crazy But True Story Fans, Random Fact Sponges, Simple Machines Studiers, History Fans, Engaging Writing Fans, Art Lovers, Picture Book Readers (though of interest to Middle Grade too)

Mysterious Glowing Mammals: An Unexpected Discovery Sparks a Scientific Investigation by Maria Parrott-Ryan

In a nutshell: Learn about recent discoveries of mammals who glow under UV light.

More info: Maria Parrott-Ryan introduces readers to a small group of scientists in Wisconsin who discovered that northern flying squirrels were biofluorescent (glowed in UV light) and explains how they went about confirming their discovery and where their research has led them in the few years since then.

Extra thoughts: It isn't often that books for kids get to be about something that was discovered within the past decade and has numerous unanswered questions to be further explored. And who can resist something glowing in the dark?

Target readers: Curious Readers, Random Fact Sponges, Budding Scientists, Animal Lovers, Science Fans, Weird but True Fans, Middle Grade Readers (interesting enough for YA too)

The Perfect Predator: A Scientist's Race to Save Her Husband from a Deadly Superbug: A Memoir by Steffanie Strathdee & Thomas Patterson

In a nutshell: An epidemiologist shares about her husband’s fight for his life when he contracted a antibiotics-resistant super bug.

More info: Husband and wife public health researchers and professors Thomas Patterson and Steffanie Strathdee were taking a break from their work with AIDS research to vacation in Egypt over Thanksgiving of 2015 when Tom suddenly came down with what they originally thought was a little food poisoning. As his condition continued to worsen, they soon realized this was no ordinary stomach bug, and after Tom exhausted the resources at the clinic in Egypt he was medevaced to Germany where it was discovered he had a serious case of pancreatitis and a pseudocyst, but even worse, an antibiotics resistant superbug. As their network of medical friends pulled together their resources, Tom was flown to UCSD's hospital to receive treatment closer to home by a doctor who had worked with drug-resistant bacteria before. But Tom's condition continued to decline, and eventually Steff put on her epidemiologist hat and started researching other possible treatments for her husband. She stumbled across phage therapy, and brought it to the medical team working with her husband. They decided to see if they could give it a shot, since Tom had no other options left. As scientists, Steff knew that Tom would at least like to contribute to research even in his death if it didn't work. And phage therapy, while used in Europe in the past century, in the US had not been tried on human patients at all.

Extra thoughts: This was a very interesting look at the real problem drug-resistant bacteria are becoming, and cutting edge solutions that are being explored. The concept of phage therapy and its potential are fascinating, and it’s good Tom's case has opened the doors to further research. Because she is not only a scientist but also a professor, Steff does a great job of breaking down the science in ways that are pretty easy to understand. I appreciated that Steff and Tom admit in the epilogue that he is alive largely in thanks to the privilege of their knowledge, positions, economic status, and connections. I think it is important that they shared that realization, but equally important for readers to know that they are leveraging that privilege for others now.

Target readers: Medical Memoir Fans, Epidemiologist Story Fans, Crazy True Story Fans, Cutting Edge Science Fans, Adult Readers (though approachable to YA)

Your One and Only Heart by Rajani LaRocca, ill. by Lauren Paige Conrad

In a nutshell: Free verse poems introduce readers to the heart and its simple but complex workings.

More info: The nutshell says it all.

Extra thoughts: A great introduction to an extremely vital organ by a fantastic author who is also an MD. The main text is simple enough for lower grade students, while the back content adds enough details for even middle schoolers to get good information out of this.

Target readers: Human Body Studiers, Curious Readers, Science Fans, How It Works Fans, Picture Book Readers

Brainstorm 324: Intergenerational Friendship Stories

For this week’s Brainstorm I have stories about intergenerational friendships for you. These are stories of kids who befriend people around their grandparents’ age, or vice versa, and who both benefit greatly from the relationship. They are touching and a beautiful reminder that there’s so much we can learn from those both older and younger than us. Click on the titles to see my full review of each title including any content notes/trigger warnings.

Eddie Whatever by Lois Ruby

In a nutshell: A boy doing a community service project at a nursing home solves a mystery and makes unexpected friends who teach him important life lessons along the way.

More info: Eddie has to do a community service project as one of his bar mitvah requirements. His mom signs him up to volunteer at the Silver Brook Pavilion retirement home. Eddie feels like he already has enough on his plate with the robotics club (which has hit a major road block), baseball team (still yet to win a game), and worrying about whatever has made his dad so mopey and caused his parents to fight behind closed doors. He isn't sure if he can handle volunteering at the retirement home. The people there are...odd, and some of the residents inform him the place is haunted by the twin of the lady who likes to guard the front door. As the days pass, the residents do start to grow on Eddie. And when more and more things go missing, blamed on the ghost, Eddie starts to think there may be a very un-supernatural answer. But can he catch the thief before he goes down for the crime and loses his chance at completing his bar mitvah?

Extra thoughts: The quirky residents of Silver Brook really grow on the reader as they grow on Eddie. They are by turns hilarious and moving. I loved how the story showed the value of intergenerational friendships (for both parties), and how meaningful just being there to listen can be to someone.

Target readers: Contemporary Fiction Fans, Mystery Fans, Memorable Character Fans, Feel Good Story Fans, Middle Grade Readers

The House at the End of the Road by Kari Rust

In a nutshell: Three children make an unexpected friend of the man who lives in the “creepy” house near their grandmother.

More info: Three cousins staying with their grandmother for the summer think a nearby house is spooky. Their grandmother corrects them, and introduces them to the owner, her old school teacher, Mr. Peterson. When he gets sick and his old house is condemned, the kids decide to find a way to preserve the memories of the old house for Mr. Peterson.

Extra thoughts: This is a charmingly illustrated, heartfelt picture book about a beautiful friendship and fun cousin experiences.

Target readers: Contemporary Fiction Fans, Cousin Story Fans, Don’t Judge a Book (Person/House) by Its Cover Story Fans, Feel Good Story Fans, Picture Book Readers

Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess by Shari Green

In a nutshell: A deaf girl and her elderly neighbor both packing up for moves, help each other face the changes ahead.

More info: Macy likes her life with just her Mom and her in their cozy house with her reading nook window and her garden of flowers. But her Mom is getting married to Alan and they'll be moving in with him and his 6 year old twin girls. Macy is refusing to pack, because that would make it more real. Her mom has volunteered her to pack their elderly neighbor's books for her, though, and she can't procrastinate on that. At first she and the lady next door have problems communicating since Macy is deaf, but soon they work out a system, and Macy finds an unexpected friend in Iris, named for the rainbow goddess. Iris turns out to be the friend Macy needs right now as they both face upcoming moves, Macy deals with friendship issues at school, and struggles to do a genealogy project that feels awkward since she doesn't know who her dad is and would force her to acknowledge that her family is changing.

Extra thoughts: This is a super quick read thanks to the novel in verse format. I let it linger on my TBR for a while because I didn't find the cover appealing and the title seemed odd, but after reading it both make a lot of sense. The author did a great job writing as if from the perspective of someone who can’t hear. I loved the friendship between Iris and Macy. They are so good for each other, and the way they use books they love to build that friendship and communicate important skills for navigating change is beautiful. Also, you must be aware that having cookies or cookie ingredients on hand is a requirement for reading this story since Iris teaches Macy how to send messages with different flavors of cookies.

Target readers: Contemporary Fiction Fans, Quick Read Fans, Novels in Verse Fans, Fans of Deaf Characters, Moving/Changes Story Fans, Fans of Books about Books, Cookie Lovers, Award Winner Readers, Middle Grade Readers

Old Friends by Margaret Aitken, ill. by Lenny Wen

In a nutshell: A girl missing her grandmother goes looking for new friends with similar hobbies at the local retirement home.

More info: Marjorie loves gardening, baking, and knitting, and has trouble finding friends who also enjoy those things. She misses her grandma who she could talk to about those subjects, so she decides to go in search of others her grandma's age who could give her advice. But the retirement home won't let kids go to the knitting or gardening club so Marjorie has to get creative to find some new friends.

Extra thoughts: A very fun intergenerational story with equally fun illustrations.

Target readers: Contemporary Fiction Fans, Humor Fans, Crafty Kid Character Fans, Picture Book Readers

Sue & Tai-Chan Vol. 1 (Sue & Tai-Chan, #1) by Kanata Konami, translated by Melissa Tanaka

In a nutshell: An older cat must survive an energetic visiting kitten while its owner goes on vacation.

More info: Tai is a little kitten whose owner is going away for a few weeks. Sue is an older housecat who is not thrilled to have a little visitor. Can Sue keep the energetic youngster in line without wearing herself out in the process?

Extra thoughts: Such a cute manga about a very energetic and curious little kitten, and an older cat who may have a little more bounce left in her than she believes and just needs a kitten around to bring it out. The antics of these two obviously has come from watching real older and younger cats interact. Also, this manga doesn’t read right to left, it reads like a typical English book, so it is easier for Western readers to get into.

Target readers: Cat Lovers, Manga Fans, Animal Story Fans, Graphic Novel Fans, Middle Grade Readers (though approachable to younger and appealing to older readers too)

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

In a nutshell: An elderly neighbor and her posse teach new Floridian Bree how to swim and help coach her school’s swim team to hopeful victory, the possible last chance to save the school slotted for demolition.

More info: Bree and her father just moved from New Jersey to Florida. Bree thankfully finds some quick friends, but her class schedule at her new school is stressing her out. The electives she wanted were all full and she's stuck with Swim 101. But Bree can't swim, and she is very reluctant to admit that in front of other who have been swimming all their lives in sunny Florida. An accident with her apartment complex pool has Bree even more afraid of water, but it also helps her find someone she can trust enough to get in the water. Ms Etta, her older neighbor who looks after her when her father is out. Under Ms Etta's instruction Bree is swimming in no time, and even gets recruited by her Swim 101 instructor to try out for the school swim team. For the first time in ages their swim team has a chance of going to State, and it may mean the difference between the school pool getting paved over for a slushie shop or ongoing swimming opportunities. But team dynamics seem to be holding the team back. Can they learn how to be good teammates in time for the State finals?

Extra thoughts: I really loved how Ms Etta and others of her generation poured into Bree and her teammates. Intergenerational relationships are so important and this story shows how valuable they can be. There's very wise advice about peaceful resolution methods to conflicts included, and all the various things included felt well-balanced.

Target readers: Contemporary Fiction Fans, Swimming Story Fans, Florida Setting Fans, Older Kids Learning to Swim Story Fans, Reconciliation Story Fans, Graphic Novel Fans, Award Winner Readers, Middle Grade Readers

Unplugged and Unpopular by Mat Heagerty, ill. by Tintin Pantoja, colors by Mike Amante

In a nutshell: Grounded from her devices, Erin starts to see the aliens who are taking over using everyone’s devices, and the only other unplugged people who can help her save the planet are some elderly librarians.

More info: In the near future, people use their phones and technology for everything. Erin Song is no different. Her world revolves around her popularity rating and how to improve it, so when the most popular girl at school asks her to help her on a test, Erin agrees. If it boosts her popularity, it’ll be ok. Right? Well, her teacher and parents think differently when she’s busted. Her parents take away all her devices, and it is pretty much the end of the world. Erin thinks she’s starting to see things because of the stress when a weird creature appears outside of the library. But soon the old librarians clue her in to the fact that that isn’t the case. There’s an alien invasion but the aliens are using devices to control what people see so only those who are unplugged know what is going on. Can a girl and some old dudes save the world from an alien invasion no one else believes is happening?

Extra thoughts: I like the clever way this book introduces the idea that perhaps we need to unplug a little bit more. Erin and the senior citizens are a most unconventional army, but they are lots of fun to follow around.

Target readers: Graphic Novel Fans, Humor Fans, Science Fiction Fans, Alien Invasion Story Fans, Unlikely Hero Fans, Friendship Story Fans, Unplugging Story Fans, Asian American Character Fans, Middle Grade Readers