5 STEM Picture Books Celebrating Differences

Please welcome my guest author today, Melissa Stewart with her list of 5 STEM Picture Books Celebrating Differences. We are also giving away a copy of her newest book, Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs.

To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter at the bottom.

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We all know how important it is to give kids access to a diverse array of fiction and nonfiction books with STEM themes, and the titles below fill the bill. But the good news is that they also promote kindness by gently encouraging young readers to respect, appreciate, and celebrate the personality traits that make us all different and unique.

5 STEM Picture Books that Also Emphasize Accepting Others and Celebrating Differences

Albie Newton by Josh Funk, illustrated by Ester Garay
On his first day in a new school, Albie Newton hatches a plan to make new friends—he’ll design and build a special gift for this class. But in his passionate, single-minded pursuit of his goal, Albie fails to realize that he’s upsetting the classroom and his classmates. Luckily, all is forgiven when Albie unveils his astonishing invention—a combination spaceship/time machine—and the kids take it for a test drive. The colorful, digital, cartoon illustrations perfectly complement the humorous tone of the rhyming text, providing a charming tribute to individuality, accepting differences, and forging friendships. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

The Diamond and the Boy: The Creation of Diamonds and the Life of H. Tracy Hall by Hannah Holt, illustrated by Jay Fleck
Told in a clever dual-narrative format that interweaves sequence and compare & contrast text structures, The Diamond and the Boy employs spare text and graphic retro art to share the stories of a common gray rock named graphite and a small boy named Tracy Hall. As the tale progresses, the graphite transforms into a stunning diamond, and Tracy transforms from a child who is born into poverty and bullied by peers into the revered inventor of a revolutionary device that manufactures synthetic diamonds. More than a book about curiosity and innovation, it inspires young readers to realize that any one of us can be a diamond in the rough. Backmatter includes detailed information about diamond mining and Hall’s life as well as a timeline and list of references. [picture book biography, ages 4 and up]

The Extraordinary Ordinary Moth by Karlin Gary, illustrated by Steliana Doneva
Feeling quite ordinary, a plain gray moth sadly compares itself to its more colorful, graceful relatives. But when a young boy admires how the moth’s physical features help it survive in its habitat, the moth learns to see itself in a new light. Perhaps it’s extraordinary after all! Rhyming text and lush, colorful illustrations encourage young readers to see beauty and wonder in themselves and the myriad of creatures that share our world. Backmatter includes fascinating moth facts and an activity for observing moths. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin by Julia Finley Mosca, illustrated by Daniel Rieley
When young Temple Grandin was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become an accomplished innovator. And yet, Temple’s unique way of thinking enabled her to truly understand animals and, as a result, invent groundbreaking techniques for treating livestock humanely. Rhyming text and playful art capture Temple’s spirit while providing an upbeat, informative look at her remarkable accomplishments. Backmatter includes a timeline, fun facts, family photos, and a note from Temple Grandin. [picture book, ages 5 and up]

Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs by Melissa Stewart, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis
Bright, bold, scientifically accurate illustrations and text with a lively, playful voice combine to offer young readers a lighthearted look at the surprising traits that help “animal underdogs” survive in an eat-or-be-eaten world. More than just an informative nonfiction picture book about animal adaptations, it also includes a gentle message of understanding and celebrating differences. Backmatter includes extra information about the animals and a list of references.  [picture book, ages 54and up]

Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs GIVEAWAY!

We are also giving away a copy of her newest book, Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs. To enter, please fill out the Rafflecopter below. Because of the high cost of shipping, we can only mail to U.S. addresses.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Melissa Stewart is the award-winning author of more than 180 nonfiction books for children, including Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis; Can an Aardvark Bark?, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Steve Jenkins; and Feathers: Not Just for Flying, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen.

She maintains the blog Celebrate Science and serves on the board of advisors for the Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators. Melissa’s highly-regarded website features a rich array of educational resources for teaching nonfiction reading and writing.

To learn more, visit her website, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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My books:

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

• • • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
    • Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
    • Starred review from School Library Journal
    • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
    • 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
    • Green Earth Book Award longlist
    • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Amazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me