Author: Anastasia Suen

From her studio in Northern California, developmental editor Anastasia Suen reads, writes, and edits books for creators of all ages.
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Hands-On Science: Motion

Hands-On Science: Motion
by Lola M. Schaefer (Author) and Druscilla Santiago (Illustrator)
@ Amazon* | Bookshop*

Booktalk: Welcome to the physics lab! In this picture book, young scientists use their imagination to bring experiments to life. They poke whipped cream in the illustrations, tilt the book to roll a ball down a ramp, and slide beanbags to test friction. After predicting what will happen next, readers can turn the page to see the results.

Snippet:

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

Copyright © 2024 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)

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Water: Discovering the Precious Resource All Around Us

Water: Discovering the Precious Resource All Around Us
by Olga Fadeeva (Author / Illustrator) and Lena Traer (Translator)
@ Amazon* | Bookshop*

Booktalk: Water is everywhere, and we rely on it every single day. But do you ever wonder about water? How much water is on our planet? What happens when there is too much water or too little water? Why does it rain? What are lakes, rivers, seas, and oceans? Why are the seas and oceans blue and salty? What lives underwater? What about water in human history–how did people get water in ancient times? How do we get water today? What do humans build to travel on the water, and how have we harnessed waterpower? How do we protect this amazing resource for the future? Find the answers in this middle grade book!

Snippet:

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

Copyright © 2024 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)

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Arboretum (Welcome to the Museum)

Arboretum (Welcome to the Museum)
by Tony Kirkham (Author) and Katie Scott (Illustrator)
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Booktalk: This middle grade book celebrates trees from around the world and sheds light on the vital role they play in maintaining a healthy, thriving planet. Learn about everything from trees associated with ancient mythology to the rarest and most unusual specimens.

Snippet:

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

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Penguins Ready to Go, Go, Go!

Penguins Ready to Go, Go, Go!
by Deborah Lee Rose (Author)
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Booktalk: Just in time for World Penguin Day on April 25, a new picture book where readers will discover how Emperor penguins, birds that “never, ever fly”, have amazing adaptations to waddle, sled, huddle, dive, swim, leap, and snuggle their chicks to survive in the frozen world of Antarctica.

Snippet: Diving and watching underwater videos helped scientists discover that penguins use air bubbles around their bodies to speed up and out of the ocean, back onto the sea ice.

BONUS! Use the Support Materials (videos and activity guide downloads) at Reading Is Fundamental.

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

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The Lost Forest

The Lost Forest: An Unexpected Discovery beneath the Waves
by Jennifer Swanson (Author)
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Booktalk: After local fishers noticed a large swarm of fish in an unlikely area in the Gulf of Mexico, a team of divers found the remains of a forest deep beneath the waves. The ancient trees had been undisturbed for more than fifty thousand years before finally being uncovered by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Follow a group of scientists as they work to explore and map the site, collect samples of cypress wood, and learn about the marine creatures that live here–namely, shipworms. Page Plus links lead to videos of the scientists at work.

Snippet:

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

The author, Jennifer Swanson, is one of my former students.
Copyright © 2024 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)

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Be a Nature Explorer!

Be a Nature Explorer!: Outdoor Activities and Adventures
by Peter Wohlleben (Author), Belle Wuthrich (Illustrator), Jane Billinghurst (Translator)
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Booktalk: This paperback book for kids ages 6 to 10 has 52 short, hands-on activities to help kids explore and discover the outdoors–one for each week of the year.

Snippet:

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

Copyright © 2024 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)

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Climate Emergency

Climate Emergency: How You Can Make a Difference
by Cynthia O’Brien (Author)
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Booktalk: Our planet is in trouble. Climate change is resulting in rising sea levels, habitat loss, extreme weather, and many other issues. Fighting this climate change has become an urgent priority. All around the world, young people are leading the fight against climate change, challenging governments, spreading awareness, and taking action to help. Could you be one of them? Read this book to find out how to be a climate activist.

Snippet: Millions of young people around the world are already making a difference in the fight against climate change. Youth-led organizations, such as Earth Uprising, Fridays for the Future, and This is Zero Hour, empower young people to challenge leaders, spread awareness, and be involved in decision making.

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

Copyright © 2024 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)

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Pretty Tricky

Pretty Tricky: The Sneaky Ways Plants Survive
by Etta Kaner (Author) and Ashley Barron (Illustrator)
@ Amazon* | Bookshop*

Booktalk: Discover the tricky techniques some plants use to defend themselves, reproduce, or acquire food. From the copycat Boquila vine that changes shape to match its host plant, to the pungent carrion flower that lures pollinating flies with the scent of rotten meat, plants across the globe have adapted to survive all kinds of threatening fauna.

Snippet:

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

Copyright © 2024 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)