Ada Twist, Scientist

Ava goes through the processes of questioning things around her, practicing starting at the start and moving from there with creating hypotheses.

• Author: Andrea Beaty
• Illustrator: David Roberts
• Year Published: 2016
• ISBN: 1419721372

Science Topics

• Space Science
• Earth Science
• Physical Science
• Life Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Kindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 2nd Grade

Summary

Like her classmates, builder Iggy and inventor Rosie, scientist Ada, a character of color, has a boundless imagination and has always been hopelessly curious. Why are there pointy things stuck to a rose? Why are there hairs growing inside your nose? When her house fills with a horrific, toe-curling smell, Ada knows it’s up to her to find the source. What would you do with a problem like this? Not afraid of failure, Ada embarks on a fact-finding mission and conducts scientific experiments, all in the name of discovery. But, this time, her experiments lead to even more stink and get her into trouble!

Evaluation

• Appropriateness: Medium
• Authority: Medium
• Accuracy: Medium
• Liteary Artistry: High
• Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Ava goes through the processes of questioning things around her, practicing starting at the start and moving from there with creating hypotheses.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

It can help students practice not giving up when things aren't going the way you want them to go and when the answer doesn't come right away. It shows that asking the small questions first helps you get farther.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

Yes, Ava didn't talk for a long time, she asked question after question once she did. She gets scolded for experimenting around the house but it doesn't stop her curiosity. She thinks and questions things around her all the time.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

She wonders about smells and where they come from and why they make your nose curl, it helps get to the experimenting part of science.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

There aren't scientific facts stated in the book, it is focused on the questions of Ava of things around her.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

I wouldn't say there are facts in this book, it is more of Ava's exploration of the things around her, her wonderment.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

Yes, there are engaging and help picture the curiosity that is portrayed in Ava's mind.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, it is engaging for the students in the grade/age levels.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

The family seems to be African American based on the illustrations, there don't seem to be any biases or stereotyping.

Is the book free from gender bias?

This book promotes women and young girls as being just as capable to question ideas and things they see around them.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

The disciplines that are shown in this book are persistence with science and believing in yourself.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

Yes, it promotes girls involvement in science as well as not giving up when the scientific process doesn't go like you want it to.