and Raymond Obstfeld,
illustrated by Ben Boos and A. G. Ford
Twins Herbie and Ella aren’t happy about their new
house — it needs so much work! While talking with
their parents’ handyman, they learn about 16 Black
individuals who invented many of the things around
their house. With sidebars, fun flaps and some comic-
style pages, this book is a fun one to flip through.

“STEM Lab: 25 Super Cool Projects:
Build, Invent, Create, Discover”
By Jack Challoner
Kids can create items like homemade instruments
and wind-up cars by following the clear instructions
in this DIY book. The scientific concepts behind each
of the 25 projects are clearly explained as well as
their real-world applications.

“Elements of Genius: Nikki Tesla
and the Ferret-Proof Death Ray”
By Jess Keating
The first book in the Elements of Genius series
introduces readers to Nikki Tesla, kid inventor
extraordinaire. Unfortunately, her inventions tend to
cause destruction and mayhem. When her pet ferret
sets off her death ray and explodes her bedroom,
Nikki’s mother packs her off to the Genius Academy.

Nikki isn’t certain about the other kids there, but
she’ll have to make friends and learn to work with
others when someone steals her death ray.

READER: SEVENTYFOUR/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS
YOUNG ADULTS
“The Boy Who
Harnessed the Wind”
By William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer,
illustrated by Anna Hymas
After a flood devastated his family’s crops and
left them with nothing to eat, 14-year-old William
Kamkwamba went to the library to see if he could
find a solution. Using the information he learned
in books, he built a windmill out of bicycle parts
and scrap metal to electrify his family’s home
and help pump water from deep underground to
use on the fields. Older teens may be interested
in reading the original version of this book, first
published for adults.

“CRISPR: A Powerful
Way to Change DNA”
By Yolanda Ridge
This book offers a clear, concise introduction to
CRISPR, the gene-editing technology. In addition to
explaining the science, Ridge explores the exciting
developments that could result from using CRISPR
as well as its unknown consequences. Each chapter
ends with questions for further thought, inviting the
reader to critically engage with the issues at play.

This thought-provoking book makes an excellent
read for teens, especially those considering a career
in medical science.

“Bomb: The Race to Build — And Steal —
The World’s Most Powerful Weapon”
By Steve Sheinkin
During World War II, both sides raced to invent a
new type of weapon that used nuclear energy to
create maximum destruction. In this gripping book,
readers not only learn about the science behind
nuclear weapons, but also the high-stakes story
surrounding its invention, complete with daring raids
by saboteurs and secret labs hidden in the desert.

Sheinkin doesn’t shy away from the devastating
consequences of the invention and will explore
these issues even further in his upcoming September
release, “Fallout.” P
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