Category: nonfiction

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Engineering: How the Six Simple Machines Support the World

Engineering: How the Six Simple Machines Support the World
by Carla Mooney (Author) and Lex Cornell (Illustrator)
@ Amazon | Bookshop

Booktalk: Teen engineers learn how mechanical, structural, civil, and other types of engineering are based on the six simple machines that humans have been using for thousands of years. The screw, pulley, wedge, wheel and axle, inclined plane, and lever are used to build roads, skyscrapers, bridges, engines, and even other tools. They are the building blocks on which more complicated machines are based.

Dive deep into the history of simple machines, from ancient times to present day, and learn the physics behind how they increase efficiency and productivity through mechanical advantage. Hands-on STEM activities encourage use of the engineering design process as teens brainstorm and build practical prototypes and explore how we might employ simple machines in the future.

Snippet:

The author, Carla Mooney, is one of my former students.
Copyright © 2025 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)

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12 Things to Know about Global Immigration

12 Things to Know about Global Immigration
by Precious McKenzie (Author)
@ Amazon | Bookshop

Booktalk: Immigration is one of today’s biggest headlines. From war and persecution to natural disasters and better opportunities, there are a lot of reasons people move to a new country. Help middle-grade students get the essential facts about this broad current events issue with 12 short chapters that offer insights into the push and pull factors that drive immigration and the hardships that immigrants face on their journey to citizenship.

Snippet:

The author, Precious McKenzie, is one of my former students.
(Although the bookstore metadata says Luana Mitten wrote this book,
Precious McKenzie is listed as the author in the book itself.)
Copyright © 2025 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)