Monday, June 23, 2014

STEM related YA Fiction and Other Resources

     In undeniable ways my daughter embodies the characteristics of her generation, coined the iGeneration, Gen Z, or Gen Next.  Though she's a social butterfly, she can be spotted in her bliss, simultaneously surrounded by her IPad, tablet, and cellular phone.  I commonly observe her multitasking between these devices.  And though it makes me a little anxious to watch, she's content, it seems.  
   
    Still, part of her personality is so, well, retro.  For instance, on her mannequins she designs the cutest eclectic clothing from scraps of fabric.  She thinks reruns of Full House and The Cosby Show are cool.  In musical taste, one of her favorites is a young acapella group by the name of Pentatonix.  (very talented)  And, just the other day as we were acquiring our next summer read, she requested a paperback over a digital download.  Go figure.


     Nevertheless, The Maze Runner by James Dashner, our next summer read, is a young adult science-fiction novel.  It is the first in a popular dystopic book series, and is soon to be a major motion picture.  It has been mentioned in 2011 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers and 2011 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults.
   
     Why have I mentioned it in this blog entry?  Mainly to direct you to the Young Adult Library Services Association's (YALSA) STEM book recommendations:  YOUNG ADULT FICTION WITH TIES TO STEM
 
     On a related note, pressingly there is a need to attract more girls toward STEM professions.  In the periodical, Scientific American, contributing editor Anna Kuchment argues storytelling may attract more girls to science.  
  Back to my middle school gal.  "A paperback?  Sure, let's stop by the library on our way home," I answered.  But, the book we wanted, The Maze Runner by James Dashner, was unavailable, as there were about 100 holds on 30 copies.  I again suggested we get a digital copy for our Kindle.  Nope. She prefers the flexible bend of a paperback.  The ability to fan through the paper pages.  Minutes later, we were at the check out counter in Barnes and Noble.  So '90s.  


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