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Ada Lovelace: The Poet of Science
From nonfiction stars Diane Stanley and Jessie Hartland comes a beautifully illustrated biography of Ada Lovelace, who is known as the first computer programmer.
Two hundred years ago, a daughter was born to the famous poet, Lord Byron, and his mathematical wife, Annabella.
Like her father, Ada had a vivid imagination and a creative gift for connecting ideas in original ways. Like her mother, she had a passion for science, math, and machines. It was a very good combination. Ada hoped that one day she could do something important with her creative and nimble mind.
A hundred years before the dawn of the digital age, Ada Lovelace envisioned the computer-driven world we know today. And in demonstrating how the machine would be coded, she wrote the first computer program. She would go down in history as Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer.
Diane Stanley’s lyrical writing and Jessie Hartland’s vibrant illustrations capture the spirit of Ada Lovelace and bring her fascinating story vividly to life.
Two hundred years ago, a daughter was born to the famous poet, Lord Byron, and his mathematical wife, Annabella.
Like her father, Ada had a vivid imagination and a creative gift for connecting ideas in original ways. Like her mother, she had a passion for science, math, and machines. It was a very good combination. Ada hoped that one day she could do something important with her creative and nimble mind.
A hundred years before the dawn of the digital age, Ada Lovelace envisioned the computer-driven world we know today. And in demonstrating how the machine would be coded, she wrote the first computer program. She would go down in history as Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer.
Diane Stanley’s lyrical writing and Jessie Hartland’s vibrant illustrations capture the spirit of Ada Lovelace and bring her fascinating story vividly to life.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2016
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665 people want to read
About the author
Diane Stanley
77 books175 followersDiane Stanley is an American children's author and illustrator, a former medical illustrator, and a former art director for the publisher G.P. Putnam's Sons. Born in 1943 in Abilene, Texas, she was educated at Trinity University (in San Antonio, TX) and at Johns Hopkins University. She is perhaps best known for her many picture-book biographies, some of which were co-authored by her husband, Peter Vennema. (source: Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 202 reviews
June 22, 2024
As I write this, it seems extraordinary that exactly 208 years ago today, the very first computer programmer was born. (To be strictly accurate, they were probably the first person to recognise that a computer had applications beyond pure calculation.) Who was this remarkable person? It was Augusta Ada King, Countess of Lovelace: a bright star, who sadly was to die at the early age of 36. She was born on 10th December 1815, to a clever mathematician, Annabelle.
Annabelle’s husband had expected his child to be a “glorious boy” and was disappointed, never actually meeting his daughter. He separated from Annabelle a month after Ada was born and left England forever, dying in Greece when Ada was eight. Who was this man? It was none other than the flamboyant poet Lord Byron. For many years history had ignored Ada, whilst according fame to her father. Now though, she is accorded her correct place, as a brilliant scientist and mathematician: “the first computer programmer”.
This large picture book for children explains her story in simple language. It tells how when very young, Ada lived in an old dark country house, lonely and apart from both her parents. She studied flight and the anatomy of birds, experimenting and writing a book about her flying projects, with diagrams. She used to write to her mother telling her about them, signing herself as “Your Affectionate Carrier Pigeon”. But her mother was worried that Ada was becoming too wild and fanciful, like her father, so arranged a world-class scientific and mathematical education for her.
“Like her father, Ada had a vivid imagination and a creative gift for connecting ideas in original ways. Like her mother, she had a passion for science, maths, and machines. It was a very good combination. Ada hoped that one day she could do something important with her creative and nimble mind.”
Ada was to meet many famous and talented people: scientists such as Andrew Crosse, Sir David Brewster, Charles Wheatstone, Michael Faraday, and the author Charles Dickens. She used these contacts to further her education. In 1833, aged eighteen she met Charles Babbage. Ada Lovelace began to work with him in the development of his mechanical general-purpose computer, the “analytical engine”. The programming language “Ada” is named after her.
It’s a fascinating story, told simply and entertainingly by Diane Stanley, who is known for her many picture-book biographies. It is illustrated with quirky humour by Jessie Hartland, who is also an established children’s book illustrator. I just have one quibble … the age range is stated to be 4-8 years. Although it looks attractive enough for a young child, there is no way a 4 year old could follow the text - or be interested in the technical parts - even if read aloud. Here is an example at random:
“Ada imagined the Analytical Engine writing text, composing music, reproducing images - even playing games like checkers or chess. But before the machine could do any of those things, the symbols and rules of operation had to be changed into digital form. Today we call that programming.”
Yes, the anecdotes are charming and entertaining, but this copy is destined for my 8 year old cousin, and I would not have considered it suitable reading material for them before about last year. As far as enjoyment is concerned, well as an adult I still found it fascinating!
Although this is an American book about an English pioneer, (as you can tell by the use of “checkers” for “draughts”), I found it relatively easy to obtain. Hopefully the next generation of children will no longer need to refer to Ada Lovelace as “an important but little-known woman”.
Annabelle’s husband had expected his child to be a “glorious boy” and was disappointed, never actually meeting his daughter. He separated from Annabelle a month after Ada was born and left England forever, dying in Greece when Ada was eight. Who was this man? It was none other than the flamboyant poet Lord Byron. For many years history had ignored Ada, whilst according fame to her father. Now though, she is accorded her correct place, as a brilliant scientist and mathematician: “the first computer programmer”.
This large picture book for children explains her story in simple language. It tells how when very young, Ada lived in an old dark country house, lonely and apart from both her parents. She studied flight and the anatomy of birds, experimenting and writing a book about her flying projects, with diagrams. She used to write to her mother telling her about them, signing herself as “Your Affectionate Carrier Pigeon”. But her mother was worried that Ada was becoming too wild and fanciful, like her father, so arranged a world-class scientific and mathematical education for her.
“Like her father, Ada had a vivid imagination and a creative gift for connecting ideas in original ways. Like her mother, she had a passion for science, maths, and machines. It was a very good combination. Ada hoped that one day she could do something important with her creative and nimble mind.”
Ada was to meet many famous and talented people: scientists such as Andrew Crosse, Sir David Brewster, Charles Wheatstone, Michael Faraday, and the author Charles Dickens. She used these contacts to further her education. In 1833, aged eighteen she met Charles Babbage. Ada Lovelace began to work with him in the development of his mechanical general-purpose computer, the “analytical engine”. The programming language “Ada” is named after her.
It’s a fascinating story, told simply and entertainingly by Diane Stanley, who is known for her many picture-book biographies. It is illustrated with quirky humour by Jessie Hartland, who is also an established children’s book illustrator. I just have one quibble … the age range is stated to be 4-8 years. Although it looks attractive enough for a young child, there is no way a 4 year old could follow the text - or be interested in the technical parts - even if read aloud. Here is an example at random:
“Ada imagined the Analytical Engine writing text, composing music, reproducing images - even playing games like checkers or chess. But before the machine could do any of those things, the symbols and rules of operation had to be changed into digital form. Today we call that programming.”
Yes, the anecdotes are charming and entertaining, but this copy is destined for my 8 year old cousin, and I would not have considered it suitable reading material for them before about last year. As far as enjoyment is concerned, well as an adult I still found it fascinating!
Although this is an American book about an English pioneer, (as you can tell by the use of “checkers” for “draughts”), I found it relatively easy to obtain. Hopefully the next generation of children will no longer need to refer to Ada Lovelace as “an important but little-known woman”.
January 3, 2017
Yes, there is a sudden mini-flood of Ada Lovelace biographies. Think of it as simply correcting a terrible oversight. And this is so far my favorite of the bunch.
Read
August 2, 2017A fantastic biography of an amazing, but little-known, hero of STEM. The art is whimsical and her story is told in an orderly fashion.
Included in the back are a glossary, notes from the author and a timeline of important dates in computer science.
This book is a great way to introduce kids to the concept of computer programming.
Included in the back are a glossary, notes from the author and a timeline of important dates in computer science.
This book is a great way to introduce kids to the concept of computer programming.
February 27, 2018
This is an informative biography for children to get a sense of what Ada Lovelace contributed. It is also a quality jumping off place for adults to begin learning about Lady Lovelace. I was stunned to learn that Ada Lovelace was the daughter of the rascally, if talented Lord Byron. Now, while I am going to go to work learning more about Lady Lovelace, my real hunger is to learn more about her mother.
February 13, 2017
Review from my blog www.picturebookplaylist.wordpress.com:
Where will booksellers keep all the amazing nonfiction books that are popping up? I recently read an article in Publishers Weekly which stated that “even before 2009 and the beginning of Common Core, some booksellers were seeing narrative non-fiction and information picture books take off.” It’s no wonder that with beautifully illustrated and well-written nonfiction books like Ada Lovelace Poet of Science that publishers and readers can’t get enough!
Summary
Two hundred years ago, a daughter was born to the famous poet, Lord Byron, and his mathematical wife, Annabella.
Like her father, Ada had a vivid imagination and a creative gift for connecting ideas in original ways. Like her mother, she had a passion for science, math, and machines. It was a very good combination. Ada hoped that one day she could do something important with her creative and nimble mind.
A hundred years before the dawn of the digital age, Ada Lovelace envisioned the computer-driven world we know today. And in demonstrating how the machine would be coded, she wrote the first computer program. She would go down in history as Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer.
What I love about this book
From the perspective of an author, it is a challenge to tell the life story of any significant figure in history or historical event with minimal text that will not only inform but entertain the reader. From the perspective of a reader, Diane Stanley (Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare) and illustrator Jessie Hartland (Lexie the Word Wrangler) have taken this task to heart and created a story to be devoured.
Ada Lovelace’s story is told in the third person and with minimal text (just 1354 words to be exact) beginning from when she was a little girl “Long, long ago, on a cold winter day, a lonely little girl walked from room to room in a big, old, dark country house. Her name was Ada Byron and she was looking for something to do,” to a still determined, grown women with children of her own, “but she hadn’t lost sight of her dream, just postponed it. Now at last her moment had come.”
I was pleased to see that Stanley managed to insert a bit of humor within the pages when tells the reader that Ada’s mother was worried about her active imagination, “She hoped the study of math and science would suppress her daughter’s imagination. So Ada was given a world-class scientific education.” She goes on to explain that “her imagination was not harmed in the least.”
There is oodles of back matter to peruse including an Author’s Note, Important Dates, and a Glossary.
Artwork by Jessie Hartland, rendered in colorful gouache breathes a refreshing bit of whimsy and detail throughout this 40-page picture book.
Where will booksellers keep all the amazing nonfiction books that are popping up? I recently read an article in Publishers Weekly which stated that “even before 2009 and the beginning of Common Core, some booksellers were seeing narrative non-fiction and information picture books take off.” It’s no wonder that with beautifully illustrated and well-written nonfiction books like Ada Lovelace Poet of Science that publishers and readers can’t get enough!
Summary
Two hundred years ago, a daughter was born to the famous poet, Lord Byron, and his mathematical wife, Annabella.
Like her father, Ada had a vivid imagination and a creative gift for connecting ideas in original ways. Like her mother, she had a passion for science, math, and machines. It was a very good combination. Ada hoped that one day she could do something important with her creative and nimble mind.
A hundred years before the dawn of the digital age, Ada Lovelace envisioned the computer-driven world we know today. And in demonstrating how the machine would be coded, she wrote the first computer program. She would go down in history as Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer.
What I love about this book
From the perspective of an author, it is a challenge to tell the life story of any significant figure in history or historical event with minimal text that will not only inform but entertain the reader. From the perspective of a reader, Diane Stanley (Bard of Avon: The Story of William Shakespeare) and illustrator Jessie Hartland (Lexie the Word Wrangler) have taken this task to heart and created a story to be devoured.
Ada Lovelace’s story is told in the third person and with minimal text (just 1354 words to be exact) beginning from when she was a little girl “Long, long ago, on a cold winter day, a lonely little girl walked from room to room in a big, old, dark country house. Her name was Ada Byron and she was looking for something to do,” to a still determined, grown women with children of her own, “but she hadn’t lost sight of her dream, just postponed it. Now at last her moment had come.”
I was pleased to see that Stanley managed to insert a bit of humor within the pages when tells the reader that Ada’s mother was worried about her active imagination, “She hoped the study of math and science would suppress her daughter’s imagination. So Ada was given a world-class scientific education.” She goes on to explain that “her imagination was not harmed in the least.”
There is oodles of back matter to peruse including an Author’s Note, Important Dates, and a Glossary.
Artwork by Jessie Hartland, rendered in colorful gouache breathes a refreshing bit of whimsy and detail throughout this 40-page picture book.
January 19, 2018
Nice picture book biography of Lord Byron's daughter Ada Lovelace, who in the 19th century wrote a translation of an article on Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine, the first computer--and in so doing she created the first computer program: step by step instructions for it to function. Sadly she died of cancer at age 36 and never wrote more. Illustrations are kind of goofy, cartoony, look a little like primitive paintings. Selected bibliography, brief author's note on how Ada's work was lost for a long time, but resurfaced and noted computer genius Alan Turing read it as part of his work.
August 30, 2022
So much of a picture book is the pictures, and I just didn't like these. Even allowing for a cartoony style, the image of Lovelace throughout the book was inaccurate, giving her blonde hair instead of dark brown. The text is great, and goes into some good detail about Lovelace's life and contributions. An authors' note goes into a bit more depth about Lovelace's work. Lists of important dates, further reading, and a glossary will make this even more useful in an educational setting.
February 29, 2016
With our society inextricably dependent on technology, kids should know the name Ada Lovelace
October 2, 2023
Ada Lovelace: The Poet of Science is a short biography picture book that highlights the life and achievements of Ada Lovelace.
Liked: I liked that Ada is depicted as knowing the importance of her imagination and she does not lose sight of her dreams even when life takes her another route. She is shown to be both a brilliant young girl and grown woman with a great interest and talent in science and mathematics throughout the book.
Didn’t like: I enjoyed the first half of the book much more than the end half. I felt the end half touched briefly on Ada’s achievements but didn’t successfully explain them at the understanding level of a child. A book about an imaginative girl writing a story about her flying project would probably have more appeal to a child than this. As this is a picture book, the story was just the highlights of Ada’s life and achievements and because of this I felt that too much of the story space was taken up by the men in her life; Lord Byron and Charles Babbage.
Quote: “Ada was good at imagining things. She imagined it would be fun to fly. Then she went about it in a scientific way. First she studied the flight and anatomy of birds.”
Illustrations: The illustrations by Jessie Hartland are not a favourite of mine but I am sure they will appeal to children. They have a childlike hand painted quality to them. The childlike quality doesn’t completely mesh with the reading level of the book. The story is about aristocrats in the 1800’s which isn’t an opportunity for diversity in the accompanying illustrations.
Vegan Notes: Some topics that might arise with vegan children reading this book include the use oil-rubbed silk, fox hunting, feather quills, and horse-drawn carriages.
Audience Age: 4+
There are very brief mentions of divorce and death. The words contained in this book would be great for building a child’s vocabulary although there are many words that would need to be explained to younger children.
Liked: I liked that Ada is depicted as knowing the importance of her imagination and she does not lose sight of her dreams even when life takes her another route. She is shown to be both a brilliant young girl and grown woman with a great interest and talent in science and mathematics throughout the book.
Didn’t like: I enjoyed the first half of the book much more than the end half. I felt the end half touched briefly on Ada’s achievements but didn’t successfully explain them at the understanding level of a child. A book about an imaginative girl writing a story about her flying project would probably have more appeal to a child than this. As this is a picture book, the story was just the highlights of Ada’s life and achievements and because of this I felt that too much of the story space was taken up by the men in her life; Lord Byron and Charles Babbage.
Quote: “Ada was good at imagining things. She imagined it would be fun to fly. Then she went about it in a scientific way. First she studied the flight and anatomy of birds.”
Illustrations: The illustrations by Jessie Hartland are not a favourite of mine but I am sure they will appeal to children. They have a childlike hand painted quality to them. The childlike quality doesn’t completely mesh with the reading level of the book. The story is about aristocrats in the 1800’s which isn’t an opportunity for diversity in the accompanying illustrations.
Vegan Notes: Some topics that might arise with vegan children reading this book include the use oil-rubbed silk, fox hunting, feather quills, and horse-drawn carriages.
Audience Age: 4+
There are very brief mentions of divorce and death. The words contained in this book would be great for building a child’s vocabulary although there are many words that would need to be explained to younger children.
January 20, 2022
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I have loved seeing the recent flood of materials about Ada Lovelace and was excited to find a picture book among them. Hers is a fascinating story. The combination of creativity and original thinking with an interest in math and science makes for some truly remarkable accomplishments. I really enjoy learning more about the first computer programmer.
A great, informative book about Ada Lovelace's life and work. It provides information about her childhood, family, education, and of course her work with Charles Babbage. There's a strong emphasis on following one's dreams and finding people you can relate to.
The writing style was great. Informative while still entertaining. The art style didn't appeal to me personally, but it represented the events of the story well.
More information is included in the backmatter such as a selection of important dates, a glossary, and some of the impact Lovelace's work had after her lifetime.
Happy to see Ada Lovelace get more publicity and recognition as a great mathematician.
I have loved seeing the recent flood of materials about Ada Lovelace and was excited to find a picture book among them. Hers is a fascinating story. The combination of creativity and original thinking with an interest in math and science makes for some truly remarkable accomplishments. I really enjoy learning more about the first computer programmer.
A great, informative book about Ada Lovelace's life and work. It provides information about her childhood, family, education, and of course her work with Charles Babbage. There's a strong emphasis on following one's dreams and finding people you can relate to.
The writing style was great. Informative while still entertaining. The art style didn't appeal to me personally, but it represented the events of the story well.
More information is included in the backmatter such as a selection of important dates, a glossary, and some of the impact Lovelace's work had after her lifetime.
Happy to see Ada Lovelace get more publicity and recognition as a great mathematician.
July 1, 2021
La storia di Ada Lovelace, nata Byron, riassunta e illustrata in modo intelligente, simpatico e colorato; un ottimo libro da leggere ad alta voce a bambine e bambini per avvicinarli al mondo dell'informatica. Dal testo emerge bene la mente sia letteraria sia scientifica di Ada, ed è meraviglioso che si associ l'immaginazione alla creatività matematica della pioniera della programmazione.
Mi domando quindi, purtroppo un po' delusa: perché tradurre il titolo originale "Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer Programmer" in "Ada e i numeri tuttofare. Lady Lovelace e l'invenzione del computer"? Perché togliere la parte poetica, legata al pensiero e alle parole, rimpiazzandola con qualcosa che si collega più al "fare" e a delle azioni pratiche? Non suonava bene (se non meglio) la traduzione alla lettera "Ada Lovelace, Poetessa della Scienza: La Prima Programmatrice"? Sarebbe stato, secondo me, addirittura più accattivante. Facciamo emergere, fin dai titoli per libri per bambini, quest'intreccio tra umanesimo e scienza, spesso considerati mondi (e competenze) distinti.
Mi domando quindi, purtroppo un po' delusa: perché tradurre il titolo originale "Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer Programmer" in "Ada e i numeri tuttofare. Lady Lovelace e l'invenzione del computer"? Perché togliere la parte poetica, legata al pensiero e alle parole, rimpiazzandola con qualcosa che si collega più al "fare" e a delle azioni pratiche? Non suonava bene (se non meglio) la traduzione alla lettera "Ada Lovelace, Poetessa della Scienza: La Prima Programmatrice"? Sarebbe stato, secondo me, addirittura più accattivante. Facciamo emergere, fin dai titoli per libri per bambini, quest'intreccio tra umanesimo e scienza, spesso considerati mondi (e competenze) distinti.
June 7, 2017
I'd never heard of Ada Lovelace before hearing of this book. It's kind of hard to fathom that she lived 200 years ago and is considered the first computer programmer. It was fascinating to read about her life and her work with Charles Babbage. This left me intrigued and wanting to know more. I'll probably read more about her. Stanley includes an author's note, a timeline of important events (about her life but also about computer programming and inventions related to programming), a bibliography and a glossary. The illustrations are fun and whimsical, highlighting her creativity and imagination.
April 12, 2019
I DID NOT KNOW punch cards weren't invented by someone in the 1950's to lure kids coming out of high school into this brand new profession, 'key punch operator!' I had a friend who got sucked into this idea and had to be re-educated for another job that would last.
Ada Lovelace (the daughter of THE Lord Byron!) a new factory for weaving cloth into intricate patterns, and saw the punched cards that seem to be 'giving' the looms the correct directions...and her imagination started to work overtime. She inherited Byron's imagination, she just took her creativity in a new direction.
She worked with Charles Babbage on a new invention called the Analytical Engine that could do mathematical functions. Ada partnered with Babbage, translated a promotional article into French, added footnotes, and actually expanded the possibilities of the Engine. She actually programmed the symbols and rules of operation into digital forms. But she was afraid to put her name on her work, fearing people would not take the work seriously if a woman was the author.
Just another Mighty Girl who is finally getting her due with the general public. Bout time.
Ada Lovelace (the daughter of THE Lord Byron!) a new factory for weaving cloth into intricate patterns, and saw the punched cards that seem to be 'giving' the looms the correct directions...and her imagination started to work overtime. She inherited Byron's imagination, she just took her creativity in a new direction.
She worked with Charles Babbage on a new invention called the Analytical Engine that could do mathematical functions. Ada partnered with Babbage, translated a promotional article into French, added footnotes, and actually expanded the possibilities of the Engine. She actually programmed the symbols and rules of operation into digital forms. But she was afraid to put her name on her work, fearing people would not take the work seriously if a woman was the author.
Just another Mighty Girl who is finally getting her due with the general public. Bout time.
July 6, 2017
Loved this book. I had no idea who Ada Lovelace was prior to this read. Fascinating story about a young girl who goes against the mold. Very inspiring for young girls. This will find a permanent place on my shelf.
October 26, 2017
A great way to get acquainted with Ada and her work.
January 24, 2018
My daughter brought this home to read to me. A great little book giving much overdue credit to the first computer programmer. I loved learning about her life and her contributions to STEM fields!
January 21, 2024
This was so delightful 😭😭😭 adding this to the list of books I shall be reading out loud to the dorm girls tonight!!
March 21, 2017
I loved the illustrations. As a children's book I think it's fun with all the bright colors. I really like how you can see every stroke like the book was hand painted. It's a good intro to Ada Lovelace and inspirational to any child who gets to read it or have it read to them.
March 28, 2017
My little one was bored but interested to learn about Ada Lovelace.
July 5, 2018
Great book! It's a little long for a picture book biography but the details are great and the illustrations are fabulous. A very important topic to introduce early elementary kids to and a great way to do it. Did not hold the 4-year-old's attention, I would say probably primary level for this one.
November 9, 2017
My first exposure to the remarkable Ada Lovelace. I will definitely be exploring more books about her.
February 25, 2019
The art of the narrative is very lively and imaginative. It shows the protagonist of the story, Ada Lovelace, growing up through her early years as a young child, to her growth as a mom and inventor. The illustrations depict Ada as a curious and inventive young girl, who asks questions about everything. The words chosen for the narrative very well match the illustrations of the book.
(EDUC 412, assign. #1).
(EDUC 412, assign. #1).
February 8, 2017
Fun introduction to Ada Lovelace and her part in history. I do wish it had incorporated more of the endnotes into the text, but I can see why they weren't.
April 15, 2018
Can you think of some characteristics you took from both your parents? Well Ada Lovelace can, she took her dads creativeness and ability to imagine things while from her mother she took her love for science and math. Ada puts these great characteristics to use throughout this story as she wrote the first computer program. She had the gift to imagine the technological driven world that we live in today and knew the importance that could come with this computer program. This is a great book to crack into the creative side of your students!
February 5, 2017
2017 Amelia Bloomer Project Top Ten
November 29, 2016
This is my personal opinion and I have nothing negative to say about the author and illustrator.
I did not care for this book at all. I felt that some of the words led the reader to assume misinformation and the illustration style is not my favorite.
I am disappointed, I was eagerly awaiting the book to read, I really like a lot of Diane Stanley's work. I didn't care for this at all.
I did not care for this book at all. I felt that some of the words led the reader to assume misinformation and the illustration style is not my favorite.
I am disappointed, I was eagerly awaiting the book to read, I really like a lot of Diane Stanley's work. I didn't care for this at all.
October 4, 2016
Another picture book biography of Ada Lovelace, appealing and informative.
February 4, 2024
Read aloud to the littles (my youngest granddaughters). <3
June 23, 2017
For my final twin text I choose to pair my nonfiction book Ada Lovelace: The Poet of Science by Diane Stanley copyright 2016 with the fiction book Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished by Camille Andros copyright 2017. I would start by reading my fiction book, Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished. This book is about a rabbit named Charlotte. She feels like she is being squished by all of her siblings. Using the scientific method, she devises a plan to stop feeling so squished. In her first two attempts she tries to make her family disappear and then make herself disappear. That does not work. Next, she flies her rocket ship to space to get some alone time. While she is up there she, is lonely. So she comes back to earth and realizes it is not too bad to be around all the people you love. Next, I would read my nonfiction book, Ada Lovelace: The Poet of Science. Ada Lovelace is about a very unique girl, Ada. Her father was an imaginative poet named Lord Byron. Her mother was a logical reasoned thinker, who excelled in math and science. The marriage between the two only lasted a year but, they created a very smart girl, Ada. She was highly educated in math and science pairing that with the imagination she inherited from her father, she became the first computer programmer. This book was written about two hundred years ago, so it is a huge feat that Ada accomplished. I would relate these two books with both science and history. In the science lesson we would talk about the scientific method, which is outlined in my fiction book. There are also experiments in the back of the fiction book. We could all do the experiments together and be like Ada trumping new grounds. In the history lesson, I would show the class that Ada received traits from both her mother and her father. Charlotte thought that she wanted to get away from her family but she just wanted to have a break. Both of these books show the importance of family. The class could make family trees. If the students had siblings, parents, or grandparents they could find out what kind of activities others in their family like and compare and contrast those traits to their own life.
Bibliography
Andros, Camille, and Brianne Farley. Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished. Boston: Clarion , Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017. Print.
Diane Stanley (Author), Jessie Hartland. "Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer Programmer Hardcover – October 4, 2016." Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer Programmer: Diane Stanley, Jessie Hartland: 9781481452496: Amazon.com: Books. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 June 2017.
Bibliography
Andros, Camille, and Brianne Farley. Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished. Boston: Clarion , Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017. Print.
Diane Stanley (Author), Jessie Hartland. "Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer Programmer Hardcover – October 4, 2016." Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First Computer Programmer: Diane Stanley, Jessie Hartland: 9781481452496: Amazon.com: Books. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 June 2017.
February 21, 2019
Ada Lovelace is a biography presented in the form of a juvenile picture book written by Golden Kite Award- winning author, Diane Stanley. This book is a great work about the power of imagination and perseverance. I was unsure about the quality of the book and whether it would be a watered-down biography of sorts-due to the text complexity being primarily for the elementary-age student. However, it was a very smooth read and captivated my interest at just page 3. This book highlights the lifespan of Ada Lovelace, the first woman computer programmer. It is interesting in that it gives a unique view into her life that is both relatable to adults, but light enough for children to express, perhaps even sigh, "Me too." This book has such a span of great teaching points because there are so many important lessons and topics a teacher could cover using this one book. On a most basic, yet profound level, a teacher could share this book during a morning meeting or social studies unit that mentions women inventors. It would provide wonderful insight to students who may not know much about inventors, especially women inventors. The power of imagination is strongly prevalent as well. The book stresses how Ada had a dream and a vision from a young age, yet outside factors tried to come in and influence that dream.
Additionally this would be a wonderful book to use to help students to develop goals for themselves. This profound woman had goals from childhood all the way up to adulthood. Due to the themes presented in this book, it would be ideal for fourth or fifth grade students. In my own classroom, I could see the book being useful in helping students to understand the process of an idea and how often it is an intricate journey that requires hard work; not necessarily just a destination to arrive at. It can help communicate the value of hard work. This is certainly a book that offers up many possibilities for teachers in the classroom while leaving students with important life concepts.
Additionally this would be a wonderful book to use to help students to develop goals for themselves. This profound woman had goals from childhood all the way up to adulthood. Due to the themes presented in this book, it would be ideal for fourth or fifth grade students. In my own classroom, I could see the book being useful in helping students to understand the process of an idea and how often it is an intricate journey that requires hard work; not necessarily just a destination to arrive at. It can help communicate the value of hard work. This is certainly a book that offers up many possibilities for teachers in the classroom while leaving students with important life concepts.
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