From School Library Journal: "Gr 3–6—In the tradition of Encyclopedia Brown and "Solve Them Yourself" mysteries comes this STEM-friendly book filled with very short science-based mysteries. Each of the stories presents a "how" or "why" question that can be resolved through the application of scientific principles. The short, breezy, and fun entries range in topic from the colors of the rainbow to how to tell if eggs are fresh or hard-boiled. The authors give each tale a familiar and realistic setting—home, school—so that young readers will have an easier time grasping the concepts, which include general, physical, life, and earth science, with a bonus section on math. Each tale is presented in English, with the Spanish translation on the opposite page. At the bottom of each page is a reminder to think/piensa before turning the page to read the solution. The bilingual solutions are also on facing pages. Photos are sprinkled throughout, and a bilingual glossary is also included. VERDICT In a STEM-conscious curriculum environment, this book is a boon for teachers, who can use it to create interest in the subject matter."
—Tim Wadham, Children's Literature Consultant, WA
"Got a minute? Washington DC based publisher Science, Naturally has released a powerful new educational tool that encourages kids to solve science brainteasers in two languages.
One Minute Mysteries: More Short Mysteries You Solve with Science! ~ Misterios de un minuto: ¡Más Misterios Cortos que Resuelves con Ciencias! was created to grow reading, reasoning, and language skills using a science mystery that takes just one minute to read. Each mystery challenges a student’s knowledge in essential, age-appropriate, scientific topics in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth, Space, and General Science. Kids in grades 4-8 will be entertained and educated at the same time!"
— Latin Times
Read the rest of the article here: New for Pre-Teens: Bilingual edition of One Minute Mysteries You Solve With Science!
"This book is also ideal for parental involvement. It’s an ideal text for parents to read with their children at home to stimulate academic conversations in Spanish or even to independently study.
My students and I enjoyed reading the short stories, and the content provided us with some interesting discussion points.
I think these books will be a great way to bridge the home-school connection and to strengthen the ties between my students’ native languages and their new language!"
— Erika Bell, ESL K-12 Teacher
Read the rest of her blog post: What if My Bilingual Kid is Losing Literacy?.
"The book design is clear and the text is readable, without illustrations or clues to detract from each “mystery.” The problems are presented in English on the left and Spanish on the right and generally headed by puns in each language to grab attention. The images—black-and-white photos and drawings—are appropriately reserved for the “solution” pages: those on each two-page spread are related to each other so young readers can intuit more than one connection between image and solution. The colloquial Spanish translation reads well, and this layout of the mysteries and solutions enable English-speakers, hablantes, and bilingual students to work in the language in which they’re most proficient, and look to the other side for corresponding words, phrases, and particular idioms that interest them. Engaging and fun… Highly recommended.”
-Beverly Slapin, De Colores: The Raza Experience in Books for Children
Read rest of the review here.
“Bilingual materials addressing science are long overdue. This book gives kids the vocabulary and confidence they need to succeed in the science classroom. A must-read for any bilingual educator or family!”
Hace tiempo que hacen falta materiales bilingües que traten temas científicos. Este libro le da a los niños el vocabulario y la confianza que necesitan para triunfar en el salón de ciencias. ¡Lectura obligatoria para cualquier educador o familia bilingüe!
— Carmen M. Martines-Roldan, Ph.D., Bilingual/Bicultural Education Program, Columbia University, NY
"Parents and kids alike will babe challenged by these stimulating, real-world science mysteries. A great way to grow a young scientists— or improve an old one!"
Tanto padres como niños se verán desafiados por estos misterios estimulantes del mundo real de las ciencias. ¡Tremenda manera de cultivar a un científico joven—o mejorar a uno viejo!"
— Julie Edmonds, Co-Director, Carnegie Academy for Science Education
“These brainteasers are science magic! They help kids extract the important data needed to solve science and logic problems while strengthening and rewarding their reading skills. My ten year old grandson devoured the book!”
“¡Estos enigmas son ciencia mágica! Ayundan a los niños a extraer los datos importantes para resolver problemas de ciencias y lógica, y simultáneamente fortalecen y benefician sus habilidades como lectores. ¡Mi nieto de 10 años devoró el libro!”
— Robert Fernstermacher, Ph.D., Professor of Science and Society, Drew Univeristy
"This book is excellent for helping children see how science really is part of their life all day, every day. The Mathematics Bonus Section also gives a sneak-peak into how the similarly titled math books can offer the same experience with mathematical concepts. The fact that it is bilingual makes it useful for second language learners and for using in bilingual homes, schools, co-ops or tutoring environments."
- Brittney Rutherford, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Read rest of the review here!
“These books are some of the most engaging nonfiction books I have ever read!”
“¡Estos libros son de los más cautivadores de no ficcion que he leido!”
— Sonya Smith, Advancing Teachers of Middle School Science, Mississippi State, MS
"This book is a treasure for homeschooling parents who are looking for ways to make learning fun, while nurturing their child's bilingualism. So if you are looking for a fun way to keep your kids' science skills sharp, this book is for you!"
— Monica Olivera, mommymaestra.com
Read the rest of the review here.
"These short stories make you think."
— Janice VanCleave, Homeschool Science For Kids
