I AM GRAVITY- How’s That For An Intriguing Picture Book Title? A STEM Review and Giveaway

How do you tackle something as complicated as gravity in a picture book? Author Henry Herz (author of I am Smoke) and Illustrator Mercè López did just that in another impressive picture book published by Sleeping Bear Press. Because it tackles an advanced scientific concept, I recommend this book for middle-grade classrooms as well as for younger readers. Everyone can learn from this STEM book!

REVIEW

As you might imagine from the book’s title, this mighty law of physical interaction is written using personification. Each page describes a way in which gravity works but in such a way that readers of all ages can understand it. The color pallete of gray, brown, with splotches of orange, turquoise, and white creates a subdued and awe-filled feeling.

The book opens with this gorgeous illustration and a poetic definition.

The narrative goes on to describe what gravity does. Notice the vivid verbs– gather, compress, and squeeze.

I tug on everything…My grip even warps the path of light around stars and planets.

The greater the distance, the weaker my grasp…I have the strength to hold the Milky Way together–and I never, ever tire. I am gravity.

The winds blow because I hold colder air down. I make rain fall and smoke rise.

Author Notes for Curious Readers (or in other words, physics explained)

Back Matter is a wonderful addition to informational picture books and historical novels. (Readers tell me they particularly enjoy the pictures and information at the back of Half-Truths.) I AM GRAVITY is a great example of providing more information about the topic as well as the key scientists (Newton and Einstein) who played such important roles in explaining gravity.

On a side note, nonfiction picture book author, Beth Anderson, has been running a great series of blog posts on Back Matter. If you are an educator or aspiring nonfiction writer, I highly recommend checking out what she has to say. Part 1 (Types of Back Matter) and Part 2 (images and graphics).

Curriculum Resource

Clearly, this is a book that can be used in a Science curriculum, but also teachers and home educators can use it as a Language Arts resource. As I mentioned, it is a great example of personification. Ask your students to pick a concept from science and try to personify it. Highlight the active verbs and ask students to employ active verbs in their writing sample.

For Further Thought

Read Jena Benton’s interview with Herz and his thoughts on the illustrations. Click on Kathy Temean’s post for information about the book’s journey.

Giveaway

Leave a comment by August 13 to enter this giveaway. If you are a teacher, libarian, or home educator, let me know and you’ll get a second chance. U.S. addresses only.

The post I AM GRAVITY- How’s That For An Intriguing Picture Book Title? A STEM Review and Giveaway first appeared on Carol Baldwin - Author, Writing Teacher, Speaker.