2020 STEM Book Roundup

Written & Illustrated by:  See Individual Reviews Below For ages: Elementary & MG Language: English Topics Covered: Historical Figures Women in STEM Activism Environmental Activism Trailblazers Since the end of this…eventful…year is upon us, I decided to make a roundup of some of my favorite books that came out this year in the STEM/Environmental category for…

Great Lives in Graphics Series

Series Produced by: GMC Publications For Ages: 8-12 years Language: English Topics Covered: History, Historical Figures, Graphic Novels, Racism, Politics, Segregation. Summary: This series is so cool! It combines history and an almost graphic novel layout to teach readers about different well-known figures throughout history. Currently, the set has books that teach about MLK Jr.,…

William Still and His Freedom Stories: The Father of the Underground Railroad

Written & Illustrated by: Don Tate For Ages: 6-10 years Language: English Topics Covered: Enslavement, Historical Figures, Black Protagonists, Underground Railroad, Own Voices, Black Culture & Identity, Racism. Summary: William Still was born a free Black man, but his parents liberated themselves from enslavement and unfortunately had to leave several of their children behind. William…

Born Curious: 20 Girls Who Grew Up to Be Awesome Scientists

Written By: Martha Freeman Illustrated by: Katy Wu For Ages: 8 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: STEM, Women in Science, Trailblazers, Feminism. Summary: This book is a lovely middle grade book that features a slew of trailblazing scientists across many disciplines, and focused on the early to mid-twentieth century. While reading, I learned…

I Am Not A Label

Written By: Cerrie Burnell Illustrated by: Lauren Baldo For Ages: 8-12 years Language: English Topics Covered: Disability, Own Voices, Historical Figures, Mental Health, Global Community, STEM, Art, Sports. Summary: This book is awesome! I’m so glad we have an #ownvoices book about disability throughout history that covers the globe instead of centering a specific country….

Be Amazing: A History of Pride [released 7/21]

Written By: Desmond is Amazing Illustrated by: Dylan Glynn For Ages: 3-8 years Language: English Topics Covered: LGBTQ History, Drag, Own Voices, Historical Figures, Trans History, Acceptance, Self-Esteem. Summary: Ya’ll. This. Book. I have been SO excited for this book to be release and it’s almost here!! Many of you are probably familiar with Desmond…

We the People [released July 1]

Written By: Evan Sargent Illustrated by: Aura Lewis For Ages: YA Middle grades and up Language: English Topics Covered: Activism, Politics, American History, Constitution, Call to Action. Summary: I don’t think anyone could argue with the fact that right now, we are in a time of great (and in my opinion, long overdue) social change….

Rise! From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou

Written by: Bethany Hegedus, forward by Colin Johnson Illustrated by: Tonya Engel For ages: 7-10 years  Language: English Topics Covered: POC-Centric Narratives, Historical Figure, Writer, Activism, Activist. Summary: This is an incredible and lyrical retelling of Maya Angelou’s life, I was hooked instantly upon opening the book.  The poetic words take the reader through the life of Maya from a young…

A Place to Land

Written By: Barry Wittenstein Illustrated by: Jerry Pinkney For Ages: 7 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: Modern Black Freedom Struggle, Civil Rights, Historical Figures, Black Culture & Identity, Activism, American History. Summary: This picture book, aimed at slightly older readers, covers the night before and day of the infamous ‘I Have a Dream”…

Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom

Written by: Carole Boston Weatherford Illustrated by: Michele Wood For ages: 9 years and up Language: English Topics Covered: Historical Figures, Enslavement, Own Voices, Black Culture & Identity. Summary:  It’s Juneteenth! As white folx, today is a day for reflection and continued learning. Unfortunately, I don’t have any of the wonderful Juneteenth books that exist in the world in…