Here, we share some of the key takeaways and resources to help educators, parents, and caregivers foster a love for STEM in young learners. 

 
Practical Tips for Using Diverse Books in STEM Education 

1. Utilize Expository Nonfiction: Expository nonfiction books present factual information in engaging ways, making complex STEM concepts accessible to young readers. These books are essential for providing a well-rounded understanding of STEM subjects. 

Tip: 

• Look for nonfiction books that combine interesting facts with captivating visuals and clear explanations. This can help children develop a deeper interest in subjects like science, technology, engineering, and math 
   

2. Promote STEM Engagement at Home: Encourage families to use diverse STEM books to spark curiosity and initiate STEM-related conversations with their children. This helps make learning a part of everyday life. 

Tip: 

• Create a reading routine that includes diverse STEM books. Discuss the content and encourage children to ask questions and explore further. This can turn reading time into a fun and educational experience. 
   

3. Integrate Books into Classroom Activities: Teachers can use diverse books to introduce and explain STEM concepts in relatable ways, helping students see themselves in the stories and subjects they are learning about. 

Tip: 

• Incorporate books into hands-on STEM activities. For example, after reading a book about space, engage students in a simple rocket-building project or a star-gazing activity. This reinforces the concepts in a practical and memorable way. 
   

4. Balance Storytelling with Education: Authors and educators can create engaging narratives that weave in educational content, making STEM concepts more relatable and enjoyable for young readers. 
 

Tip: 

• Look for books that tell compelling stories while introducing STEM principles. Books that combine fictional narratives with factual information can capture children’s imaginations while educating them. 
   

Resources for Diverse STEM Books 

To support your efforts in advancing early STEM learning with diverse books, choose books that represent a wide range of cultures, identities, and abilities, ensuring all children see themselves reflected in STEM literature. This promotes a sense of belonging and encourages all students to explore STEM fields. Additional resources include: 

• Melissa Stewart’s Nonfiction Reading Resources: Explore Melissa Stewart’s extensive collection of nonfiction books and resources tailored for young learners. Visit Melissa Stewart’s Website 
   
• Teresa Robeson’s Author Website: Discover Teresa Robeson’s award-winning books and her approach to integrating diverse people and STEM concepts. Visit Teresa Robeson’s Website 
   
• National Council of Teachers of English Position Statement: Read the NCTE’s position statement on the role of nonfiction literature in education. Read More 
   
• Thematic Reading Lists: Room to Read offers thematic reading lists that include diverse and inclusive books for various subjects, including STEM. Explore Reading Lists 

• Best STEM Books K–12 2024 | NSTA 

Watch the Webinar Recording 

If you missed the webinar or would like to revisit the discussions, you can watch the full recording here through the end of June. An edited version will be available ongoing.  

We are committed to fostering early literacy and STEM education through diverse books. By utilizing these practical tips and resources, you can help create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment for young learners.  

What strategies have you found effective in promoting STEM learning with diverse books?  

Share your thoughts and experiences on social media – click one of the links below.  

By Michelle Torgerson, President and CEO, Raising a Reader

Can we talk about Bruno?! Is Encanto’s soundtrack playing on loop at your house? It is at mine, and we almost have all the songs memorized!

The movie tells the story of the Madrigal family as they navigate their special powers within their community. So many people—young and old—are feeling seen and represented by characters in the movie.

At Raising a Reader (RAR), we are committed to ensuring our book library provides books that serve as mirrors and windows for all of the children we serve every day. We’ve developed a one-of-a-kind, multi-lingual book collection and curriculum that puts equity and diversity at the center. 

As part of our commitment to racial equity and belonging, RAR understands that we must value, respect and support all cultures and ethnicities.

Please join us and our partners at Too Small to Fail and National Black Child Development Institute on February 3 for a virtual conversation – Writing a New Chapter: Advancing Diversity in Children’s Books, a virtual conversation at 10:30 a.m P.T. | 12:30 p.m. C.T. | 1:30 p.m. ET.

Register today: https://lnkd.in/gCpWuHWc

Tune in LIVE on Facebook: : https://lnkd.in/gCYSvaFg

Panelists will discuss:   

The state of diversity in children’s books 
Why diverse representation is critical for identity development 
Innovative efforts to promote diverse children’s literature 
Concrete steps to take action

Hear from panelists including: 
K.T. Horning, Director, Cooperative Children’s Book Center, School of Education, University of Wisconsin–Madison

Shabazz Larkin, artist, writer, and author of The Thing About Bees

Dr. Iheoma Iruka, Founding Director, Equity Research Action Coalition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Philip Lee, Co-Founder, and Publisher, Readers to Eaters

Cynthia Leitich Smith, 2021 NSK Neustadt Laureate; children’s YA writer; author-curator of the Native-centered Heartdrum Imprint, HarperCollins Children’s Books  

Amongst other amazing leaders in the space! 

Empowering Parents to Engage Through Books

As we enter into National Book Month, all of us at Raising a Reader were once again heartened by the Washington Post article late this summer, “How To Get Kids To Look Away From Their Screens and Take Pleasure in Books.” While we still find it discouraging that it appeared in the Lifestyle section and not Education and Health, we will take what we can get in our ongoing fight against illiteracy in our nation. This article is a very good read for all parents struggling with the overbearing presence of technology in our children’s world and it makes the case for reading from traditional books.

All the research presented backs up our more than 15 years of work in the early childhood literacy landscape. What the article doesn’t touch on, and completely ignores, is that 16 million children live in poverty in our nation, and more than half do not have access to age appropriate books let alone “screens.” Our organization knows this too well as 65 percent of the children and families that we serve nationally are low-income, at risk populations.

Our core program brings books to families and empowers our low-income, at risk, and non-English speaking caregivers to participate in their child’s reading skill and literacy development even if they themselves are not readers or even English speakers. Family engagement in early childhood literacy is more than simply reading words on a page, but letting the imagination run wild as a book is shared in a nurturing way. As we train parents of all socio-economic means, all have the same revelation in one way or another – if I share books with my child, their brain, language, and comprehension grows. What parent doesn’t want this for their child?

We applaud those struggling with screen time versus book time – it’s a real struggle. We work to provide those without screens with books and tools for the entire family to succeed long-term. Today, only 4 out of 10 fourth graders are proficient in reading. This is not a sustainable situation for our nation. Let’s keep this in mind as we highlight National Book Month.