How do you tackle something as complicated as gravity in a picture book? Author Henry Herz (author of I am Smoke) and Illustrator Mercè López did just that in another impressive picture book published by Sleeping Bear Press. Because it tackles an advanced scientific concept, I recommend this book for middle-grade classrooms as well as for younger readers. Everyone can learn from this STEM book!
REVIEW
As you might imagine from the book’s title, this mighty law of physical interaction is written using personification. Each page describes a way in which gravity works but in such a way that readers of all ages can understand it. The color pallete of gray, brown, with splotches of orange, turquoise, and white creates a subdued and awe-filled feeling.
The book opens with this gorgeous illustration and a poetic definition.
The narrative goes on to describe what gravity does. Notice the vivid verbs– gather, compress, and squeeze.
I tug on everything…My grip even warps the path of light around stars and planets.
The greater the distance, the weaker my grasp…I have the strength to hold the Milky Way together–and I never, ever tire. I am gravity.
The winds blow because I hold colder air down. I make rain fall and smoke rise.
Author Notes for Curious Readers (or in other words, physics explained)
Back Matter is a wonderful addition to informational picture books and historical novels. (Readers tell me they particularly enjoy the pictures and information at the back of Half-Truths.) I AM GRAVITY is a great example of providing more information about the topic as well as the key scientists (Newton and Einstein) who played such important roles in explaining gravity.
On a side note, nonfiction picture book author, Beth Anderson, has been running a great series of blog posts on Back Matter. If you are an educator or aspiring nonfiction writer, I highly recommend checking out what she has to say. Part 1 (Types of Back Matter) and Part 2 (images and graphics).
Curriculum Resource
Clearly, this is a book that can be used in a Science curriculum, but also teachers and home educators can use it as a Language Arts resource. As I mentioned, it is a great example of personification. Ask your students to pick a concept from science and try to personify it. Highlight the active verbs and ask students to employ active verbs in their writing sample.
For Further Thought
Read Jena Benton’s interview with Herz and his thoughts on the illustrations. Click on Kathy Temean’s post for information about the book’s journey.
Giveaway
Leave a comment by August 13 to enter this giveaway. If you are a teacher, libarian, or home educator, let me know and you’ll get a second chance. U.S. addresses only.
Can’t wait to read it
thanks, Cindy. That was fast and you’re the first person to start my giveaway list! Carol
This book looks terrific, both from a science perspective and from a poetry perspective (personification). I would love to win this!
You’re in, Linda! Thanks for commenting.
Looks like a beautiful book 📖❤️
Thanks, you’re in!
Sounds like a great book!
I think you’d like it, Kim. Your name is in the giveaway!
Looks like a great book for a kid with a physics-teacher dad!
That’s what I thought, Rebecca!
Such a pretty book! Seems like it explains it in a way that’s very accessible for children, and those illustrations are simply beautiful!!
thanks, Journey. I agree!
This book is incredible! Just from the spreads you shared, I can already tell (and am so impressed) by the concrete way this author shares the concept of gravity with readers. It’s going to make readers see their world in new ways.
Thanks for your comment, Danielle. I know you’d love this book.
The illustrations are really good and I love the poetic language. Seems like a wonderful way to introduce children to the concept of gravity. Thanks for sharing!
And thanks for commenting, Valinora. Sorry you can’t try and win it!!
This book sounds amazing! Both my sons have science bents, and when they were younger and homeschooling, I was always on the lookout for books just like this. (My sons are both graduated from homeschooling, but I’d still love this book.) The text and the illustrations are lovely!
Thank you for the giveaway!
Thanks, Jenni. You’re in!
The vocabulary might be a bit much for a 1st or 2nd grader, but older science loving kids up to about age 12 would enjoy the way this topic is presented. Thanks for featuring your review on this week’s MMGM! (I’ll let someone else win the giveaway but thanks for the chance).
I agree, Greg!
Sounds like a great book and one that will appeal to lots of kids (and adults). I have a lot of students who loved science in my elementary school library. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Stephanie. YOu’re in twice!
And I thought I AM SMOKE was a gem. Looks like this one is as well.
YES!!!
This looks like a terrific way to introduce this difficult concept. Thanks for the review.
Thanks Rosi. You’re in! And yes, it is a difficult concept for sure!