The Importance of Representing Women and Girls in Science in Children's Books
We must not underestimate the importance of women and girls in science being represented in children’s books.
According to the United Nations:
“A significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields.”
Thus, we must include women and girls' engagement in science, technology, math, and engineering (STEM) in children’s fiction and non-fiction. It is important for equity and empowerment.
Here are some Common Deer Press book that feature women and girls in science:
Lucy and Dee The Silk Road by Kirsten Marion. Cover by Shannon O’Toole. This middle grade book has science, alchemy, a geography themes. And bold Lucy is certainly an empowered character!
Lucy wants an adventure. Dee needs money to help him find his missing parents. When a flaming bird leads them to a hidden road, and the lord of stone offers them a quest, the opportunity for both arises. In a land full of magic, dragons, and demons, all they have to do is befriend a young emperor―which would be a lot easier if he wasn't a royal pain and an angry queen didn't want to destroy him.
With the entitled ruler in tow, Lucy and Dee must find a way home with a mysterious feather and a dragon-whisperer (who looks suspiciously like a hedgehog) their only defence against capture . . . or worse.
The Adventures of Grandmasaurus (books 1, 2, and soon 3) by Caroline Fernandez. Illustration by Shannon O’Toole. This picture book series has strong paleontology themes via Grandma sneezing herself into many different dinosaurs.
Grandmasaurus at the Supermarket coming March 2023!
The grocery store may be a normal place to visit, but there's nothing normal about a Grandma who magically sneezes herself into different dinosaurs! When Grandma's dinosaur antics threaten to make a mess of the store, it's up to her grandchildren to find and stop her—even if they have healthy eating reports to write.
Nine new dinosaurs await in this fun addition to the Adventures of Grandmasaurus picture book series!
Asha and Baz (books 1 and soon 2) by Caroline Fernandez. Illustrations by Dharmali Patel. From the class science challenges (which can be done in real life using simple materials found around the classroom or home) to the amazing women in history who made great scientific discoveries, this early reader chapter book is filled with science!
Asha and Baz Meet Hedy Lamarr coming April 2023!
Computer class is off to a rocky start for Asha and Baz! They've been given a Coding Challenge and must correctly code instructions to send a digital frog across a computer screen. But they can't seem to figure it out. With their reputation as the smartest kids in their class at stake, the pair turn to their magic stick for answers. They use it to draw their coding problem in the sand and are transported back in time to 1941 Hollywood to meet Hedy Lamarr, leaving them even more confused: How can an actor help them solve the Coding Challenge?
But when they learn there's a war happening and that Hedy Lamar has been hard at work inventing a device to help with war efforts, the kids realize her problem-solving skills may be just what they need. Coding, frequency hopping, and more await in Asha and Baz Meet Hedy Lamarr!
STEM learning is an important part of a child’s education. Not only does it build science skills, but it also helps them understand the world around them.
What will you be reading to promote Women and Girls In Science?