Title: Ada Twist, Scientist
Author: Andrea Beaty
Illustrator: David Roberts
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: September 6, 2016
Genre/Format: Fiction/Picture Book
Age Range: 5-7
Synopsis:
Like her classmates, builder Iggy and inventor Rosie, scientist Ada, a character of color, has a boundless imagination and has always been hopelessly curious. Why are there pointy things stuck to a rose? Why are there hairs growing inside your nose? When her house fills with a horrific, toe-curling smell, Ada knows it’s up to her to find the source. What would you do with a problem like this? Not afraid of failure, Ada embarks on a fact-finding mission and conducts scientific experiments, all in the name of discovery. But, this time, her experiments lead to even more stink and get her into trouble!
Inspired by real-life makers such as Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, Ada Twist, Scientist champions girl power and women scientists, and brings welcome diversity to picture books about girls in science. Touching on themes of never giving up and problem solving, Ada comes to learn that her questions might not always lead to answers, but rather to more questions. She may never find the source of the stink, but with a supportive family and the space to figure it out, she’ll be able to feed her curiosity in the ways a young scientist should.
Book Trailer:
I was raised in a big family in a tiny town in southern Illinois. Our small house was jammed with 6 kids, 2 adults, a variable number of cats, 1 dog and thousands of books. It was great. Since I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s, I didn’t have the internet or cable TV to keep me amused, but I had something much better–my siblings. We spent our days watching bad TV (B-movies, Gilligan’s Island, the Brady Bunch, and Dark Shadows), traipsing through the countryside on adventures, and making each other laugh.
Since then, I have studied biology and computer science, worked for a computer company, and raised a family. Now, I write books for kids and visit lots of schools to tell kids about writing.
My Thoughts:
Andrea Beaty has done it again with her latest installment. Children learn by exploring and asking question. I have to admit that Miss Ada Twist reminds me of my youngest son. Very inquisitive and often getting into mischief. While Ada Twist is written in a way to show girls that they too can be Scientist, this book is actually great fun read for all.
Be sure to also visit Abram Young Readers for a teacher’s guide and printable activities to go along with this awesome read!
Ada Twist, Scientist can be found at your local book retailer or online at stores like Amazon.
