Happy birthday, Fungi are…More Than Mushrooms! This lyrical, nonfiction picture book is finally out in the world! Booklist says, “…Perfect for classrooms or bedtime reading, this title is a heartwarming introduction to the surprising connections fungi have to our lives.” And to support educators, I’ve written a detailed Teacher’s Guide to extend the learning. Download your copy here, or from the publisher’s website.
In past news, Funky Fungi: 30 Activities for Exploring Molds, Mushrooms, Lichens, and More won the 2023 AAAS/Subaru Book Prize for Excellence in Science Books in the Hands-On category!
During the first week of March 2023, I flew to Washington, DC to accept this book prize and to attend the 2023 AAAS annual meeting. Read more about the book prize and the winning books in all four categories: https://www.sbfprize.org/blog/2023-prize-winners
Visit my bookshop affiliate link to purchase Funky Fungi and shop for other amazing books: https://bookshop.org/a/85247/9781641605779
Fungi are more than pizza toppings! Did you know mushroom mycelium is used to grow bricks, packing materials, and myco-leather for shoes, bags, and clothing? Discover the many ways fungi are being used, from STEM fields to fashion!
This engaging book includes 30 activities for exploring fungi, which is like having a built-in teacher’s guide. Please reach out if you’re interested in bringing me to your school, either in-person or virtually, and I’ll do my best to fit it into my schedule. Read more about my school visits and send me an email!
More about my other books:
Do your students struggle with new procedures? Using spare text and delightful illustrations by John Joseph, The Line Rhyme includes an easy rhyme for classes to say together to remember hallway procedures, and provides a great jumping-off point for learning other routines.
Elliot Mack, Quarterback is ideal for K-2 readers who are gaining independence and ready to read short chapters. Elliot is the only girl on her school’s football team and deals with overprotective parents, a third grade bully, and an uncertain coach.
Escaping an Animal Attack was fun to research and write. All four chapters include brief accounts of people who survived wild animal attacks. Young readers will love reading the stories of survival. It is written at a fourth grade reading level and will appeal most strongly to grades 3-6.
I’m proud of The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire Triggers Reform, but admit it was challenging to write from both a research and emotional angle. It’s written at a fourth grade reading level, with appeal for grades 3-6. Researching and writing it was like riding an emotional roller coaster, but I chose this topic because I remember learning about the fire when I was in elementary school in New York. I hope this story sparks important conversations and honors the victims. As Frances Perkins said, “They did not die in vain, and we will never forget them.”
Almost everyone has heard the popular song, “Watch me whip, now watch me nae nae,” or heard a cultural reference to the song at least once. My nonfiction chapter book, Silentó: Breakout Rapper, tells the extraordinary story of 17-year-old Ricky Hawk, known as the rapper Silentó, and how he created a hit song. This biography is written at a third grade reading level, but has been well received by teachers and students in grades K-5. Though out of print, you can still read this book on Epic!
