Find inspiring STEAM stories at the library

Whether with the activities on our Mobile Technology Lab or in our Maker Space, the Cedar Rapids Public Library encourages kids of all ages to get involved in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, also known as STEAM. Check out an upcoming STEAM Saturday activity at the Downtown Library, like the LEGO Monster Challenge on Oct. 15 at 10 a.m. or 3D Printing with Doodle Pens on Nov. 5 at 10 a.m.

In the meantime, get inspired by these books that present STEAM topics in fun and engaging ways for all ages. All are available at the library.

The Wild Robot and The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown

This two-book series features a lovable robot named Roz. Jam packed full of adventure, Roz finds herself stranded on an island inhabited only by animals. With the help of her programming, she learns how to survive and even thrive on the island. Just as Roz is settling in, the company who made her shows up on the island trying to remove her from the home and friends she knows and loves. Roz’s story encourages readers to think about the relationship technology has to nature and humanity. These books make great read-alouds at bedtime for all children and can be enjoyed by readers 8-12.

Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall

Out in his backyard with his tools, Jabari tries to make one of his toys fly across his yard. His dad asks if he needs any help, but Jabari is confident he can do it himself. Gathering the tools and supplies he needs, Jabari gets to work. However, attempt after attempt leads to failure. With a pep talk from his dad and help from his little sister, Nika, will Jabari make his toy fly? Find out in this beautifully illustrated picture book perfect for kids ages 4-9.

Mimic Makers: Biomimicry Inventors Inspired by Nature by Kristen Nordstrom

Did you know the shape of a kingfisher’s beak inspired the design of bullet trains? Or that the skin of sharks told scientists how to make the surface of submarines resistant to underwater slime and sludge? These are just two examples of how nature inspired scientists to find solutions to everyday problems. Charming infographics tell the stories of 10 scientists on the pages of this picture book inspiring readers ages 7-10.

STEAM Play & Learn: 20 Fun Step-by-Step Preschool Projects about Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math! by Ana Dziengel

Inspire toddlers to early elementary school kids with fun and easy experiments that can be done at home. Most of the experiments included use inexpensive or household items. The instructions are easy to follow and are rated by difficulty. Parents can get a brief overview of how to guide exploration as well as what the experiments are designed to show.

The Curie Society by Heather Einhorn

Dive into the pages of this graphic novel that follows an elite squad of young women who take on missions for the covert Curie Society, a secret organization founded by scientist Marie Curie to support the most brilliant female scientist in the world. Using their expertise in genetics, coding, chemistry, and engineering, the heroes of this book thwart the designs of more nefarious scientists. This action-adventure novel is great for readers ages 12-16.

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