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written by Beth Anderson
As an author of narrative nonfiction illustrated texts, I always try to get inside the main character’s head. I want children to see how others face challenges, weigh risks, and connect. My most recent release, THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE, took me deeper than most. The plot involved a scientific investigation. And that process needed to play out on the page.
Though we have many inspiring books on scientists, few take us along to experience the mental processes: deciding how to conduct an investigation and gather evidence, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating the results.
Sharing complicated concepts is extremely valuable for young readers. Books that model the processes with text and art can be valuable tools for educators, home-schoolers, and parents. Read on to learn about eight fabulous illustrated texts that model scientific thinking and will spark conversation and investigation.
Picture Books that Model Scientific Thinking
THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE: BIAS, TRUTH, AND A MIGHTY MOOSE! by Beth Anderson, illustrated by Jeremy Holmes
To bring readers inside Thomas Jefferson’s head as he worked through the scientific inquiry process, I examined each step of the thought process. Jefferson explores bias and asks probing questions. He evaluates text and decides how to disprove a theory based on faulty reasoning. As a result, THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE models the scientific inquiry process students use today. The key, and challenge, for an author is to “show” young readers how critical thinking processes work, rather than “tell” them. And illustrator Jeremy Holmes engages the reader with Jefferson pondering, weighing possibilities, and reacting emotionally. What a treat to get inside Jefferson’s head! Here’s one of the thinking spreads from the book.
THE SNOW MAN by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Jeanette Winter
This is the true story of a man named billy barr (he prefers not to capitalize his name) who lives in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. To escape boredom, he begins gathering data and taking notes. Much like Thomas Jefferson, he fills journals with measurements and observations of weather and nature. He records snowfall and snowpack year after year. He notes dates of first yearly snowfalls, wildflower blooms, animal hibernation, and spring bird arrival. His data becomes irrefutable evidence of climate change over time. It proves, not only the importance and value of accurate data, but that one person can impact global scientific research.
EVIDENCE! HOW DR. JOHN SNOW SOLVED THE MYSTERY OF CHOLERA by Deborah Hopkinson, illustrated by Nik Henderson
In this book, a cholera outbreak in a London neighborhood in 1854 sets scientific thinking in motion. The reader is carried along as Dr. Snow investigates the spread of the disease. He has a theory, but how can he prove it? He observes, records notes, and studies maps. He investigates clues, examines patterns, and makes connections. This fascinating story shows scientific investigation in action, both thought processes and chasing down evidence. Stopping the disease depends on his ability to prove his theory and communicate his findings to officials.
BUZZING WITH QUESTIONS: THE INQUISITIVE MIND OF CHARLES HENRY TURNER by Janice N. Harrington, illustrated by Theodore Taylor III
This book shows how questions drive experimentation. Using a range of experiments, Charles Henry Turner tests animal behavior. As he draws conclusions, he makes new discoveries. The many types of experiments he performs provide great examples for students of how to test theories and find answers to questions. Scientists use creative and critical thinking, and need patience and perseverance.
DARWIN’S SUPER-POOPING WORM SPECTACULAR by Polly Owen, illustrated by Gwen Millward
Check out this book for a fun and unexpected look at scientific investigation. Charles Darwin’s curiosity knows no bounds! In this story he investigates worms, searching for their super-power. He tests their senses and observes their behavior in a variety of experiments.
Eventually, he discovers their extraordinary waste—worm castings. He measures and tests, and discovers that worms are responsible for creating amazing soil. Darwin also communicates his findings in interesting ways. This quirky bit of science history shares his investigative process, and also his joy.
MESMERIZED: HOW BEN FRANKLIN SOLVED A MYSTERY THAT BAFFLED ALL OF FRANCE by Sara Rockliff, illustrated by Iacopo Bruno
This book is near and dear to my heart. Benjamin Franklin was another Founding Father obsessed with science. He uses the scientific method to prove that the mysterious Dr. Mesmer’s magic doesn’t exist. Sidebars detail the process as the story unfolds. Readers see each step and scientific term in action. The story engages with superb text and art, modeling the scientific method as it plays out in a fascinating piece of history.
EXEMPLARY EVIDENCE: SCIENTISTS AND THEIR DATA by Jessica Fries-Gaither, illustrated by Linda Oliver
This anthology features brief overviews of nine scientists. Each spread shares how someone from the past collected data as they searched for answers to questions. The examples also show how data is used in different ways, such as comparing, interpreting, visualizing, and more. The book showcases a wide range of critical thinking skills.
ETTY DARWIN AND THE FOUR PEBBLE PROBLEM by Lauren Soloy
Here’s a charming fictionalized story of two real people. Etty wants to believe in fairies, but her father, Charles Darwin, wants proof. The clash of wanting to believe in something magical meets real world science. In the end, Etty sees that science is truly magical, and her father admits that not everything can be proven. The story features questioning, observation, analyzing evidence, and the importance of keeping an open mind.
While these books all model scientific investigation in action, each one is unique. The stories also reach beyond science, impacting and intersecting across disciplines and topics. With questioning, gathering data, experimenting, testing hypotheses, drawing conclusions, and communicating results, these books model multiple ways of “thinking like a scientist.”
About Beth Anderson
Beth Anderson is the author of more than ten picture books, including LIZZIE DEMANDS A SEAT, THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE, and REVOLUTIONARY PRUDENCE WRIGHT. Her books have received awards and recognition from Bank Street College, ILA, Colonial Dames of America, JLG, Chicago Public Library, Museum of the American Revolution, NCSS-CBC, and NSTA. A former ELL educator and Reading Specialist, Beth’s experience in the classroom continues to inspire and inform her writing as she shares true stories that widen our world and invite kids to laugh, ponder, and question. Born and raised in Illinois, Beth now lives in Colorado.
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