Awesome Achievers in Science
Super and Strange Facts about 12 Almost Famous History Makers
By Alan Katz
August 6, 2019
Running Press Kids
Part of a super fun middle grade series, Awesome Achievers in Science puts the spotlight on lesser-known heroes and their contributions in major scientific fields.
Everyone has heard the names Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin, but what about Michael Collins--the third brave Apollo 11 astronaut who didn't get to walk on the moon? Many of the most relevant figures in scientific history have remained in the shadows, but not any longer! From Alan Katz's new Awesome Achievers series, Awesome Achievers in Science gives kids a look behind the scenes at 12 lesser-known scientists whose contributions are personally relevant to their lives today. Each figure is given a traditional biography but is also subject to Katz's unique brand of silliness, with humorous elements such as imagined poems, song lyrics, and diary entries by or about the not-so-famous figure accompanying each bio.
Spot illustrations throughout add to the lighthearted and appreciative humor each figure receives. Reluctant readers and budding scientists alike will delight in this imaginative and engaging continuation of a new series of laugh-out-loud biographies.
Awesome Achievers in Technology
Super and Strange Facts about 12 Almost Famous History Makers
By Alan Katz
August 6, 2019
Running Press Kids
Part of a super fun middle grade series, Awesome Achievers in Technology puts the spotlight on lesser-known heroes and their contributions in tech.
Everyone has heard the name Steve Jobs, but what about Nolan Bushnell--Jobs's boss before the invention of Apple, and the founder of the first major video game, Pong? Many of the most relevant figures in tech history have remained in the shadows, but not any longer! From Alan Katz's new Awesome Achievers series, Awesome Achievers in Technology gives kids a look behind the scenes at 12 lesser-known inventors whose contributions to tech are personally relevant to their lives today. Each figure is given a traditional biography but is also subject to Katz's unique brand of silliness, with humorous elements such as imagined poems, song lyrics, and diary entries by and about the not-so-famous figure accompanying each bio.
Spot illustrations throughout add to the lighthearted and appreciative humor each figure receives. Reluctant readers and budding tech enthusiasts alike will delight in this imaginative and engaging introduction to a new series of laugh out loud biographies.
*******************************
Alan Katz’s Awesome Achievers series is a cleverly fun and laugh-out-loud middle-grade series that introduces readers to amazing people who did/invented/discovered/etc extraordinary things, but may not be as well-known as their peers. Engaging writing, well presented facts and information, and pitch-perfect humor abound in these delightful page turners.
In each Awesome Achievers book, Katz explores 12 important people, presenting quick, captivating bios and highlighting their achievements in easily understood ways. Each book features a wide range of diverse people whose accomplishments cover a wide range of careers, scientific fields, and more. Through snort-inducing humor and silly illustrations, poems, letters, and more, Katz wonderfully honors and celebrates each person, while encouraging readers to explore even further.
Awesome Achievers in Science and Awesome Achievers in Technology will inspire readers’ minds and imaginations, and amusingly entertain from beginning to end.
MY RATING
4/5 Cupcakes
Alan Katz is the author of many seriously silly books for children, including the bestselling Take Me Out of the Bathtub and Other Silly Dilly Songs, illustrated by David Catrow as well as the Ricky Vargas series illustrated by Stacy Curtis. He lives in Fairfield County, Connecticut, with his journalist wife, Rose, and their four children. Alan can also be found at www.alankatzbooks.com.
