March 2017 - Anastasia Suen

S.M.A.R.T.S. and the Invisible Robot
by Melinda Metz (Author) and Heath McKenzie (Illustrator)

Booktalk: The S.M.A.R.T.S. can’t wait for the local high school’s Art of Science exhibition. It’s sure to be a great show, except for one problem–the centerpiece necklace has vanished!

Snippet: “Okay, everyone, listen up! I have a surprise for you,” Mrs. Ram–short for Mrs. Ramanujan–called to her students. All eleven kids in the makerspace–the community area at the back of the school’s media center where students could meet to collaborate on ideas, robotics, science, and computers–turned towards her. Mrs. Ram patted the sheet covering a large table next to her. Something lumpy and bumpy was hidden underneath.

It’s STEM Friday! (STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)

Akilak’s Adventure
by Deborah Kigjugalik Webster (Author) and Chalene Chua (Illustrator)

Booktalk: When Akilak must travel a great distance to another camp to gather food, she thinks she will never be able to make it. With a little help from her grandmother’s spirit, and her own imagination to keep her entertained, Akilak manages to turn a long journey into an adventure.

Snippet: Akilak’s grandmother told her which route to take and assured her, “If you walk north at a good pace, you will reach the camp by nightfall.”

Aliklak’s eyes widened. She had never walked such a great distance before and felt uneasy about being on her own.

Her grandmother raised her eyebrows in agreement. “Yes, granddaughter, you will walk a great distance, but keep in mind, your destination is not running away; it will be reached eventually.”