Reviews

Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty

mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition

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3.0

Again the best thing about this book is the title. And then the idea. The writing and art is really not there. But the title and idea are fantastic. There is a possibility here of something grand that's just not here. There's not enough of a story and neither the art nor writing sing.

missprint_'s review against another edition

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4.0

Like her classmates Iggy Peck and Rosie Revere, Ada Twist is an unusual second grader. Ada is curious and full of questions. "Why are there pointy things stuck to a rose? Why are there hairs growing inside your nose?" All day, she peppers her parents with inquisitive questions.

When a noxious smell fills her house, Ada sets out to use the scientific method to figure out what is behind that foul odor. But in her search for answers Ada also ends up scaring the family cat and annoying her brother and parents. It's not easy pursuing scientific discovery, but luckily for Ada she has her family's full support once they stop to think about everything this girl dynamo has already discovered in Ada Twist, Scientist (2016) by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by Dave Roberts.

Beaty and Roberts continue their delightful series of companion pictures that began with Iggy Peck, Architect and Rosie Revere, Engineer.

This time around Ada is inspired by scientists such as Marie Curie and, as her name suggests, Ada Lovelace. While I am very fond of this series, previous installments missed opportunities to include a more diverse cast of characters. The author and illustrator work to correct that here with Ada and her family. Ada is a thoughtful, intelligent, black girl and aspiring scientist--something we need to see more often in picture books (and other books for children and teens).

While Ada encounters some pitfalls on her way to becoming a scientists she remains curious and persistent. This story includes rhyming text that rolls trippingly off the tongue and cartoon-like illustrations filled with details to draw readers into the story. Ada Twist, Scientist is a smart story that is sure to inspire many young scientists. A winner for storytimes and one-on-one readings. Recommended.

*An advance copy of this title was provided by the publisher for review consideration*

maireador20's review against another edition

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inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

eileenseitz's review against another edition

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5.0

One of my favorite authors who builds strong characters to inspire children of all ages.

drcopeland's review against another edition

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3.0

Good book for children who are curious about the world around them.

kemendraugh's review against another edition

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5.0

This one's my favourite so far!

annelives's review against another edition

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5.0

A great STEM story!

snazel's review against another edition

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Science demands LOTS OF QUESTIONS.

bluenicorn's review against another edition

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4.0

Super cute! Can't get enough of diverse picture books- not to mention one that encourage girls to be thinkers! Very cute rhyming and artwork, too.