You may have experienced being constantly hammered with questions by a child. And there must be times when you get quite exasperated with the constant onslaught of “Why?” after “Why?”.
Pretty tiring, yes. But you can’t help but admire, the endless wonder of a child’s mind.
Such is the case of our feature fiction story for today, Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty. A beautifully illustrated book featuring a black little girl, who at her young age has the makings of a scientist.
It starts with little Ada who was too engrossed with the things around her, to talk, and who never said a single word until she was three. And guess what her first word is? You’re right: Why.
The book with it’s intricate and detailed illustrations followed Ada’s quest for facts and her experiments. Her poor parents were surely proud but at the same time unsure of what to do with her.
Until one day, she was deeply puzzled on a problem and decided to embark on a journey with quite stinky results. Her parents were exasperated. But later on, they finally figured out how to help their little girl who has lots of questions.
I love how this book features a black little girl as a little scientist that goes to show being a scientist is for everyone, whatever the race and gender. It creates a positive impact for me as a reader. And I hope, for everyone too, who came across this book, children, and adult alike.
And this note by the author at the end of the book just sums up how this book is the perfect fit for our Girl Power Monday:
Women have been scientists for as long as there has been science. They’ve asked questions and looked for answers to the secrets of the universe. Of soil and stars. Stalactites and seahorses. Glaciers and gravity. Brains and black holes. Of everything.
Ada Marie Twist is named for two of the many women whose curiosity and passion led them to make great discoveries. Marie Curie discovered the elements polonium and radium, and her work led to the invention of X-rays. Ada Lovelace was a mathematician and the very first computer programmer.
-Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty
Girls can be scientists. That seems to be a no-brainer now. But back in those days where there was unjust discrimination against girls and women, a girl would be laughed at if she ever talks about wanting to be one.
I also like how the parents in this book show support to their daughter and how they are patient with her. It just shows how parents strive to give the best for their child even when it is really difficult at times. Hey, it’s hard to be a parent as my mama often says. And well, she is always right. 😉
I really do recommend this book. I had a great time with it and I hope you’d do too!
Ada Twist, Scientist
Ratings: 5/5 stars
Author: Andrea Beaty
Illustrator: David Roberts
Age Level: 5+