By Michelle Blaylock and Patricia Poe

Title: “Women In Science and Technology: Annie Easely”

Author: M. M. Eboch

Illustrator: Elena Bia

Reading Level: second to third grade

I love books that introduce children to history in ways that spark children’s interest, such as the “I Survived” series or the “Time Hop Sweets Shop” series.  I can now add the “Women in Science and Technology” series to that list. 

This particular book focuses on one of the early NASA computers, Annie Easley.  Annie was born in 1933 in Birmingham. Although few African-American young women went to college during that time, Annie did. She became a human computer for NASA.   

Throughout Annie’s life, she strived to have a positive impact on people around her. She counseled people who had to face bias at work because of race, sex or age. She tutored children in elementary and high school and even visited colleges, encouraging students to try science and math careers. 

The way this book illustrates Annie Easley’s life is exceptional. The beginning of the book has a page dedicated to guided reading. 

At the end of the book, there is a glossary, index, text-dependent questions and an extension activity.  

This is an exceptional book.  Hope you stop by soon and check it out!

Title: “The Military Wife” 

Author: Laura Trentham

“The Military Wife” by Laura Trentham is the first in a new series by this wonderful author. 

The families of our military personnel are front and center of this book. The story centers on what can happen in the day-to-day life of a widow and her friend whose husband is dealing with PTSD.  

Harper Wilcox is worried about her son forgetting his dad, who died when he was younger, and she realizes there is a need for support for the wives and widows of the military community. She comes up with a plan after seeing what kind of problems her best friend is dealing with since her husband came home. 

Will she be able to recognize the relationship that is starting with a friend of her husband’s? Will her plan of starting a business get off the ground? 

This is a great story that pulled me in from the very beginning, and I cannot wait until the next title comes out in 2020. 

The William Bradford Huie Library of Hartselle has this title and will be getting the next in the series. I hope to see you soon at the library.