STEM: Science, technology, engineering and math. This week, we’ve curated a list of books for all you science-buffs, tech-savvy folks, engineers and mathematicians! We have books for grownups looking to deepen your knowledge of BC’s STEM projects and books to inspire children to learn more about how they can get involved with STEM. Read on!
For kids
Do Trees Have Mothers? by Charles Bongers (Douglas & McIntyre)
In this picture book, children learn all about the science of trees! The book is perfect for nature lovers, budding environmentalists and future scientists.
Little Pine Cone: Wildfires and the Natural World by Johanna Wagstaffe, illustrated by Julie McLaughlin (Orca Book Publishers)
Meet Little Jacky—a Jack pine cone living in the forest. When a fire breaks out around her and all her animal friends flee, Jacky learns not to be afraid, and that the heat is an important part of her life cycle.
The Science of Boys by Emily Seo (Tradewind Books)
Science-lover Emma wants boys to notice her. She uses her scientific knowledge to see if it will help her win over the kids in her class. Will her hypothesis come true, or will she learn that friendships are too unpredictable?
Inside In: X-Rays of Nature’s Hidden World by Jan Paul Schutten, illustrated by Arie van ‘t Riet and translated by Laura Watkinson (Greystone Kids)
An incredible collection of extraordinary x-ray images. Children will learn about animals from different habitats across the globe and find out what lies underneath their exterior.
Luminous: Living Things That Light Up the Night by Julia Kuo (Greystone Kids)
Perfect for kids aged 4-8, Luminous combines fascinating science with stunning poetry to create a moving portrait of bioluminescence.
Coming Fall 2022!
Fashion Forward: Striving for Sustainable Style by Raina Delisle (Orca Book Publishers)
Teach children to look beyond the glitz and glamour of fashion and style and introduce them to the idea of sustainable and ethical consumption. How can we reform the fashion industry and still look stylish at the same time? Learn from these real-life fashion innovators!
Superpower?: The Wearable-Tech Revolution by Elaine Kachala, illustrated by Belle Wuthrich (Orca Book Publishers)
Meet the inventors, designers, engineers, scientists and young people shaping the future of wearable technology! Children will learn about the incredible possibilities of this advanced technology, and receive a gentle introduction to the ethics behind the tech.
Coming Fall 2022!
For Grownups
The Carbon Footprint of Everything by Mike Berners-Lee (Greystone Books)
A practical yet humorous guide on calculating and reducing your carbon footprint from one of the world’s leading experts in carbon footprinting.
The Greatest Polar Expedition of All Time: The Arctic Mission to the Epicenter of Climate Change by Markus Rex, translated by Sarah Pybus (Greystone Books)
You may have heard of the Mosaic Expedition from the hit documentary film, Arctic Drift. Learn more about the daring expedition from the captain in this illuminating and daring tell-all!
Deep, Dark and Dangerous: The Story of British Columbia’s World-Class Undersea Tech Industry by Vickie Jensen (Harbour Publishing)
British Columbia has long been intertwined with the marine and nautical industry. In this fascinating nonfiction book, readers will learn all about trailblazing innovators in BC throughout history and in the present who are shaping the underwater world.
The Science and Spirit of Seaweed: Discovering Food, Medicine and Purpose in the Kelp Forests of the Pacific Northwest by Amanda Swinimer (Harbour Publishing)
Amanda Swinimer is a marine biologist, entrepreneur and sustainable Pacific Northwest-based seaweed harvester. In this book, she explores the many uses for seaweed while showcasing vibrant underwater photography, beautiful illustrations and chef-inspired recipes!
When Trains Ruled the Kootenays: A Short History of Railways in Southeastern British Columbia by Terry Gainer (Rocky Mountain Books)
“Powerful personalities, massive egos, corporate machinations, subterfuge and violence on the rails, the battles between railway giants and giant railways… and that’s just the first chapter!” – Brian Antonson
Learn about the history of the railway industry in British Columbia and the daring engineers who helped it thrive in this fascinating nonfiction book.