Is there a young woman in your life that is excited by science or math, or perhaps obsessed with a particular field? Well my six year old daughter is currently planning on being a scientist that studies and cares for wild animals. Meanwhile my eight year old son is loving a special science class that lets him try a number of science experiments each week. To encourage both in all their interests I offer books, movies, and stories about people in those fields. Like many parents I find it frustrating that I have to search a little harder to find women pursuing the Sciences.
Here are a selection of children’s books about female pioneers and contributors to the fields of math and science. Hopefully they will help keep interested girls and young women interested in the fields, and perhaps get a few new interested parties.
A fascinating collection celebrates the clever and creative inventions of women from candles, helmets, and baby carriers to cancer-fighting drugs and details their fierce determination to overcome many hurdles to make their dreams come true.
Women Astronomers: Reaching for the Stars by Mabel Armstrong
Presents information about the achievements of women in the field of astronomy throughout history, from women astronomers in the ancient and medieval world to prominent women in the profession today.
Book Club Picks – Spirituality
This time of year it’s the calm before the storm. Soon, it will be one holiday after another! Have your book club settle in with a little spirituality with the following suggested titles.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – A fable about undauntingly following one’s dreams, listening to one’s heart, and reading life’s omens features dialogue between a boy and an unnamed being.
The Gifts of Imperfection – let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are by Brene Brown – An expert of the psychology of shame presents advice on how to overcome paralyzing fears and self-consciousness, and at the same time increase feelings of self-worth, gratitude, and acceptance.
Night by Elie Wiesel – The narrative of a boy who lived through Auschwitz and Buchenwald provides a short and terrible indictment of modern humanity.
The Power of Habit – why we do what we do in life and business by Charles Duhigg – Identifies the neurological processes behind behaviors, explains how self-control and success are largely driven by habits, and shares scientifically-based guidelines for achieving personal goals and overall well-being by adjusting specific habits.
Heaven is for Real – a little boy’s astounding story of his trip to heaven and back by Todd Burpo – Presents the story of the four-year old son of a Nebraska pastor who during emergency surgery slips from consciousness and enters heaven.
One Thousand Gifts: a dare to live life fully right where you are by Ann Vos Kamp – The author reflects on moments of grace in her own life as she invites readers to embrace a life of gratitude and realize God’s presence in everyday experiences.
Carry On Warrior: thoughts on life unarmed by Glennon Doyle Melton – A New York Times essayist shares her journey from a self-destructive college student to a devoted family woman and teacher while illuminating the importance of trusting in a higher power and being truthful about life’s challenges.
Proof of Heaven: a neurosurgeon’s journey into the afterlife by Eben Alexander – A Harvard-trained neurosurgeon shares a minute-by-minute account of his religiously transformative near-death experience and revealing week-long coma, describing his scientific study of near-death phenomena while explaining what he learned about the nature of human consciousness.
10% Happier – how I tamed the voice in my head, reduce stress without losing my edge, and found self-help that actually works – a true story by Dan Harris – The Nightline anchor, who had a nationally televised panic attack on Good Morning America, takes readers on a rollicking ride through the outer reaches of neuroscience to the inner sanctum of network news during which he discovered a way to get happier that is truly achievable.
The Untethered Soul: the journey beyond yourself by Michael A. Singer – Who are you? In this remarkable New York Times bestseller, author and spiritual guide Michael Singer explores this fundamental question, seeking the very root of consciousness in order to help readers learn how to dwell in the present moment. Written in an engaging and uncomplicated voice, this book will open readers up to the radical and powerful experience of simply being themselves.
Alphabet Books that Break the Mold
When children are small we all want them to learn their letters, and start reading and writing. However, the typical ABC books can get boring quickly, and not just for the adults. Sometimes is is fun to through a special alphabet book that shakes up the monotony that is A is for Apple, b is for ball, and so on. Here are some of the best books that I have found and shared with my own children that make the alphabet more fun for them and us.
B is for Bookworm by Anita C. Prieto, illustrated by Renée Graef
- An Edible Alphabet by Carol Watterson, illustrated by Michela Sorrentino
- S is for Save the Planet by Brad Herzog and illustrated by Linda Holt Ayriss
- When Royals Wore Ruffles: a Funny and Fashionable Alphabet! by Chesley McLaren and Pamela Jaber, illustrated by Chesley McLaren
- The Alphabet Theatre Proudly Presents the Z was Zapped: a Play in Twenty-six Acts
by Chris Van Allsburg
- Q is for Duck by Mary Elting & Michael Folsom; pictures by Jack Kent
- The Hidden Alphabet by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
- Y is for yowl! by Laura Purdie Salas
- The Beetle Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta, illustrated by David Biedrzycki
- A Isn’t for Fox by Wendy K. Ulmer ; illustrated by Laura Knorr
If you are still looking for some unusual letter fun may I also suggest; A Fabulous Fair Alphabet by Debra Frasier, G is for Gold Medal by Brad Herzog, A Gardener’s Alphabet by Mary Azarian, Z is for Zeus: a Greek Mythology Alphabet by Helen L. Wilbur,illustrated by Victor Juhasz, T is for Tutu by Sonia Rodriguez & Kurt Browning, Alphabet Explosion!: Search and Count from Alien to Zebra by John Nickle, The Freshwater Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta, Action Alphabet by Shelley Rotner, Tomorrow’s Alphabet by George Shannon, or The Icky Bug Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta.
On Our Shelves: November 2014 Romance Books Are Here!
Have you been waiting for your favorite author to publish a new book? We’ve just received a shipment of the newest Romance paperbacks. Take a look and see if your author has a new book out.
Contemporary
Christmas at Twilight (A Twilight, Texas Novel) by Lori Wilde
Sleigh Bells in Valentine Valley (A Valentine Valley Novel) by Emma Cane
The Lodge on Holly Road (Life in Icicle Falls) by Sheila Roberts
The Heart of Christmas (A Whiskey Creek Novel) by Brenda Novak
Snow Angel Cove by RaeAnne Thayne
Sunflower Lane (A Lonesome Way Novel) by Jill Gregory
What A Woman Gets (A Manley Maids Novel) by Judi Fennell
Midnight Action (A Killer Instincts Novel) by Elle Kennedy
Maybe This Christmas by Sarah Morgan
Treasure on Lilac Lane (A Jewell Cove Novel) by Donna Alward
PARANORMAL
Archangel’s Shadows (A Guild Hunter Novel) by Nalini Singh
Burn For Me (A Hidden Legacy Novel) by Ilona Andrews
Romantic Suspense
Cover Your Eyes by Mary Burton
Silent Night by C.J. Kyle
Historical
The Viscount Who Lived Down the Lane (Rhymes With Love) by Elizabeth Boyle
Only Enchanting (A Survivors’ Club Novel) by Mary Balogh
The Accidental Countess by Valerie Bowman
The Shocking Secret of a Guest at the Wedding by Victoria Alexander

















