Computer Science Education Week was created in 2009 in order to raise awareness of the need for K-12 computer science education. Since then, it's incorporated a popular "Hour of Code" program, as well as other initiatives. To celebrate the importance of computer science education, here are some outstanding books for all ages:
Did you know that the person considered to be the first computer programmer was a 19th century English noblewoman? Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine is a revelatory picture book introduction to this fascinating woman.
I've only played with Scratch a few times for preparation for our coding labs; many of the kids/teens that attended were already familiar with it, so they were able to do some quite advanced stuff. Coding Games in Scratch is a child-friendly but comprehensive guide to all things Scratch.
If you've ever wondered how moviemakers create amazing special effects, Eye-Popping CGI; Computer-Generated Special Effects is your guide. Everything from animation to creating computer-generated characters is covered.
Need a gift for your gamer? Game On! 2017 should definitely be on your list. Not only does it contain facts and tips about the hottest games, but it also features interviews with game creators.
Game On! Video Game History From Pong and Pac-Man to Mario, Minecraft, and More is high on my to-be-read list; as someone who fondly remembers playing Pac-Man and Mario, I'm looking forward to learning the history and behind-the-scenes stories of their creations.
The History of Fun Stuff series is ideal for all young readers, but especially reluctant readers. The High Score and Lowdown on Video Games conveys the history of video games and the technology used to create them in a fun and inviting way for young elementary school students.
So You Want to be a Coder? is part of the Be What You Want series, which includes comprehensive in-depth profiles of careers. From the education needed to be a coder to the various disciplines in which coders work (along with interviews with coders), this is a must-read for serious future coders.
Until recently, famed graphic novelist Gene Luen Yang was also a high school computer science teacher, which is undoubtedly his inspiration for his Secret Coders series. Students at Stately Academy are constantly using their intellect and computer coding skills to crack mysteries; readers are encouraged to solve the logic puzzles and programming instructions along with the students.
Who is Bill Gates? and Who Was Steve Jobs? , part of the insanely popular Who Is/Was biography series (kids ask for it by name!) are fun and succinct introductions to two giants in computing history.
3-D Printing: Science, Technology, Engineering is a great introduction to careers in 3-D printing, including an interview with a 3-D designer.
November is Native American Heritage Month, which was the focus of last month's post on the ALSC blog. Check it out for authentic portrayals of Native American characters.
Jennifer Schultz, Youth Services Librarian, Fauquier County Public Library