4 Books to Inspire a Black Child’s Inner Scientist
By Nosakhere Griffin-EL, Ph.D.
Ada Twist, Scientist is an amazing must-read book! The author takes the reader on a journey in the life of a future scientist. The main character’s learning quest is driven by asking what, why, when, where, and how questions. The constant questions of her environment illuminate her deep desire to learn by doing, her willingness to take risks, and ability to bounce back from failure.
The thought-provoking and detailed illustrations allows the reader to dream out loud. For parents, this book is a tool to learn how to be patient with and supportive of your young scientist. This is a must have book for your home or school library!
Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall is a must read book. The main character Jabari wants to make a flying machine to fly across his backyard. The author skillfully presents a playful journey through the engineering process. As the main character is walking through each step of the process, his father is there to support, encourage, and advise him. Two of his biggest bits of advice is for the main character to stay resilient and include his litter sister in the engineering process. The powerful illustrations display warm family interactions, intense problem solving, and the power of sibling teamwork. For parents, this book serves as a tool to teach us how to encourage and advise our children when they are engaging in problem solving play scenarios.
Mambo’s Toy Collection by Gladys Kenfack is a must-read book for future engineers. The story begins when an inquisitive little boy has an idea to make new toys out of various things (i.e. old toys and spare wooden parts). In the process of making new toys, he enlists a friend who becomes his teammate in the invention process. The author presents the main character as having a big imagination, limitless curiosity, and desire to create. The vibrant colors and intentional artwork guide readers through the inventing process. This powerful book introduces children to the invention process in a fun and kid-friendly manner.
The Magnificent Makers: How to Test a Friendship by Theanne Griffith is a must-read chapter book. The author begins the story with two friends excited to see each other at the start of the new academic year. When they find out they are sitting next to each other in a tripod desk arrangement, it adds to their excitement. However, things change when a new student named Deepak sits with the two best friends. What the three classmates do not know is that they will enter an alternative reality with a silly scientist. Entering in this reality allows the trio to apply their science knowledge, work as a team, understand the true meaning of friendship, and how to include new people in groups.
I love reading this early chapter book with my sons because it seamlessly integrated science knowledge into the storyline, it addressed how to treat people, and took all of us on an amazing adventure. I also loved how the author intentionally wrote a book that displayed characters of color with a high level of agency and love of science. This must read chapter book is the first in a three part series.
