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HOW TO SPACEWALK

Name: HOW TO SPACEWALK
Author: Kathryn D. Sullivan
ISBN: 978-1-5362-2621-8

STEP-BY-STEP WITH SHUTTLE ASTRONAUTS

by Kathryn D. Sullivan & Michael J. Rosen ; illustrated by Michael J. Rosen ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 6, 2023

An irrepressibly joyous tale of a woman who reached for—and attained—the stars.

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Sullivan, who, in 1984, became the first woman to walk in space, shares her journey.

Born in 1951, Sullivan was interested in science from an early age. In an era when girls were not encouraged to be scientists, she persevered and became a geologist, then an oceanographer. When, in 1977, NASA at last allowed women to apply for the astronaut program, Sullivan was picked (she was also offered the job of going down in a submersible to the deepest part of the ocean and had to choose between the two options). Addressing readers as if they’re also taking part in her astronaut training and space shuttle travel, she discusses the ins and outs of the spacesuit she wore. To simulate a lack of gravity, she trained in the world’s largest pool, which contained a life-size replica of the space shuttle. Sullivan also explains what it felt like to be strapped in and waiting for liftoff and what it was like to walk in space. The book relies on a combination of photos, text, sidebars, and muted, graceful artwork from co-author and illustrator Rosen. The lively visuals are echoed by the effervescent text. While plenty of intriguing facts are presented, this is also an empowering and uplifting account of a woman achieving her dreams—and encouraging readers to live the “life you invent.” (This book was reviewed digitally.)

An irrepressibly joyous tale of a woman who reached for—and attained—the stars. (author’s note from Rosen) (Informational picture book. 7-10)

Pub Date: June 6, 2023

ISBN: 978-1-5362-2621-8

Page Count: 48

Publisher: MIT Kids Press/Candlewick

Review Posted Online: March 28, 2023

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2023

Categories:

CHILDREN'S BIOGRAPHY & MEMOIR | CHILDREN'S SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

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1001 BEES

by Joanna Rzezak ; illustrated by Joanna Rzezak ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 18, 2021

Friends of these pollinators will be best served elsewhere.

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This book is buzzing with trivia.

Follow a swarm of bees as they leave a beekeeper’s apiary in search of a new home. As the scout bees traverse the fields, readers are provided with a potpourri of facts and statements about bees. The information is scattered—much like the scout bees—and as a result, both the nominal plot and informational content are tissue-thin. There are some interesting facts throughout the book, but many pieces of trivia are too, well trivial, to prove useful. For example, as the bees travel, readers learn that “onion flowers are round and fluffy” and “fennel is a plant that is used in cooking.” Other facts are oversimplified and as a result are not accurate. For example, monofloral honey is defined as “made by bees who visit just one kind of flower” with no acknowledgment of the fact that bees may range widely, and swarm activity is described as a springtime event, when it can also occur in summer and early fall. The information in the book, such as species identification and measurement units, is directed toward British readers. The flat, thin-lined artwork does little to enhance the story, but an “I spy” game challenging readers to find a specific bee throughout is amusing.

Friends of these pollinators will be best served elsewhere. (Informational picture book. 8-10)

Pub Date: May 18, 2021

ISBN: 978-0-500-65265-7

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Thames & Hudson

Review Posted Online: April 13, 2021

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 2021

Categories:

CHILDREN'S SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY | CHILDREN'S ANIMALS

- BOOK REVIEW
1001 BIRDS
by Joanna Rzezak ; illustrated by Joanna Rzezak

- BOOK REVIEW
1001 ANTS
by Joanna Rzezak ; illustrated by Joanna Rzezak

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I AM GRAVITY

by Henry Herz ; illustrated by Mercè López ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 15, 2024

An in-depth and visually pleasing look at one of the most fundamental forces in the universe.

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An introduction to gravity.

The book opens with the most iconic demonstration of gravity, an apple falling. Throughout, Herz tackles both huge concepts—how gravity compresses atoms to form stars and how black holes pull all kinds of matter toward them—and more concrete ones: how gravity allows you to jump up and then come back down to the ground. Gravity narrates in spare yet lyrical verse, explaining how it creates planets and compresses atoms and comparing itself to a hug. “My embrace is tight enough that you don’t float like a balloon, but loose enough that you can run and leap and play.” Gravity personifies itself at times: “I am stubborn—the bigger things are, the harder I pull.” Beautiful illustrations depict swirling planets and black holes alongside racially diverse children playing, running, and jumping, all thanks to gravity. Thorough backmatter discusses how Sir Isaac Newton discovered gravity and explains Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity. While at times Herz’s explanations may be a bit too technical for some readers, burgeoning scientists will be drawn in.

An in-depth and visually pleasing look at one of the most fundamental forces in the universe. (Informational picture book. 7-9)