Rosie Revere, Engineer

Rosie goes through the engineering process, creating devices she believed would solve various problems (like snakes and flying planes). She doubts herself throughout the book, but is reassured by her great aunt. The book says, "The only true failure can come if you quit." Adding to the beauty of the engineering process.

• Author: Andrea Beaty
• Illustrator: David Roberts
• Year Published: 2017

Science Topics

• Physical Science

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

• Prekindergarten

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

• 4th Grade

Summary

Rosie Revere, the engineer, builds projects in secret in her attic. After creating an invention and feeling embarrassed by it, she then

Evaluation

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

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

Rosie goes through the engineering process, creating devices she believed would solve various problems (like snakes and flying planes). She doubts herself throughout the book, but is reassured by her great aunt. The book says, "The only true failure can come if you quit." Adding to the beauty of the engineering process.

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

The book provides ways for children to relate to the character, by feeling and asking things that she may have asked. Rosie feels frustrated by those who did not believe in her, but persevered through the learning process to create something that made her great aunt fly. She chooses not to give up, which is s great learning method for all students who feel frustrated by a body of work.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

The book does encourage children to think for themselves. Rosie has this secret love of engineering, which students may be able to relate to. Students may feel discouraged about certain topics of study throughout their schooling time, but this book will help them out of having the fear of failure. It is a good encouragement piece.

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

The topic of building and engineering is very appropriate. The book is not necessarily factual and does not have exact building strategies (the cheese spray device is supposed to keep the python snakes away), but it does offer young children an insight into the engineering and building process. Rosie finds a problem, creates a device that she believes will offer a solution, and then shows it to the person who she is trying to assist. The book contains very practical teaching and engineering lessons.

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

The concept of trial and error is very strong when being involved in the engineering process. Building something to offer a solution to a problem, then demonstrating its' use and therefore fixing the problem, are all methods to use during the engineering process. It is accurate in the sense that it goes through a building process, but is not because the devices themselves are not necessarily realistic (they are entirely ficticious).

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

No, the book is fiction but does touch on important steps in learning and building. There aren't many facts in the book as it is purely fiction, but it does offer a realistic view of the building process and the realistic levels of frustration and perseverance that students may feel while experimenting.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are full of color and are very clear. They are accurate to what the story describes, but are not necessarily accurate in a factual sense - because the book is fiction.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

Yes, my fourth grade students would love this book. The book also offers a few words of vocabulary that may be good for students to think about (perplexed, etc.). It is a great SEL lesson in perseverance for students while building.

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

The book displays characters that are unique and different. It is free from stereotyping as well. Stereo-typically, women are not seen as engineers to be taken seriously in the world. Rosie's uncle laughs at her invention and is quite condescending toward her thoughtful efforts at building a machine just for him. However, Rosie perseveres despite the difficulties and creates a wonderful flying machine.

Is the book free from gender bias?

Yes, women are not often thought of in the field of STEM. Rosie is a great example of a young girl who triumphed, even despite what a family member thought of her work.

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

The book can be taught in a multitude of classrooms. Social Studies offers an insight to women engineers who may have faced the kind of difficulties that Rosie did. SEL lessons may involve a closer look at Rosie's determination when building, and how she handled her frustration. Writing and reading lessons could demonstrate the idea of having a secret passion that you'd love to share with people.

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

Yes, the book presents a positive attitude toward science and technology. It also mentions the struggles/triumphs that a person may face while going through the engineering process (a persons' dislike/like for your product, the fear of failure or ridicule, self-consciousness, perseverance, triumph and the gratitude of success).