Book club
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READER RECOMMENDS
WIN A BOOK!
We’re giving away fi ve copies
of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big ShotFor a chance to win, send
your name and address to
contests@theweekjunior
.com with Big Shot in the
subject line. Enter by
midnight on November 26.
See theweekjunior.com/
terms for complete rules.Do you have a book to recommend? Send your review to [email protected].November 12, 2021 •The Week Junior
Get inspired to enter a science fair
with the fun projects in these picks.4 books with science
experiments to trySteve Spangler’s
Super-Cool Science
Experiments for Kids!
By Steve Spangler
(Media Lab Books)
Science teacher Steve Spangler created 50
experiments using materials you may
already have around the house. Experiments
include a battery-powered light bulb that
uses a pencil. Ages 8–12BOOK OF THE WEEK
ASK THE AUTHOR
Kate the Chemist: The
Awesome Book of Edible
Experiments for Kids
By Kate Biberdorf
(Philomel Books)
This book turns recipes into experiments. For
example, one project has you make ice cream
two ways and then compare how they look
and taste. You will also learn the science
behind each project. The photos make it
simple to follow the directions. Ages 8–12Chemical Reactions!
By Dr. Susan Berk Koch,
illustrated by Tom Casteel
(Nomad Press)
The author explains how
simple everyday activities, such as making
toast and washing your hands, are
chemical reactions. The book has 25
diff erent projects to choose from, including
building a model of a water molecule
using fruit. Ages 7–10Real Engineering
Experiments: 25+
Exciting STEAM
Activities for Kids
By Anthony Tegtmeyer
(Rockridge Press)
Find out how to clean polluted water, create a
wind-powered car, and much more with this
book. The experiments have step-by-step
instructions and photos. The time it takes to
complete each one is listed. Ages 8–12What is your advice for
kids pursuing sports?
This book really is for the kid
who’s not sporty. Try to fi nd
something that fi ts you and
don’t try to fi t into a sport
that’s not a match for you.
As a child, would you
have related to Greg?
Yes, I think I would have seen
himself in me, because Greg is
very loosely based on me.
What is it like to write a
book series?
It’s very familiar and reliable.
It’s sort of a warm feelingrevisiting characters and not
introducing them to audiences
for the fi rst time.
Which do you do fi rst,
illustrate or write?
I think of all the jokes fi rst,
and then I do my writing.
At the end of it all, that ‘s
when I do my illustrations.
But when I fi rst think of the
jokes, an illustration always
springs to my mind.
Do you have a favorite
basketball team?
The Boston Celtics is my
favorite. I live south of Boston.Je Kinney
We spoke to the author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot.The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide
By Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
“When the Grace children, Jared, Simon, and Mallory, move to a
new house, they hear something in the walls. That night, the
thing causes mischief. What will these kids do when the thing
goes too far? This is the best book I have ever read because I like
mystery and adventure.” Seth, 9, OregonDiary of a Wimpy
Kid: Big Shot
By Je Kinney
(Amulet Books)
Greg has hilarious adventures
playing basketball in the 16th book
of this popular series. As you may
remember from earlier books, Greg
doesn’t like playing sports. After he
competes at fi eld day, his mom
urges him to try out for the two
basketball teams at school. Greg
hopes he doesn’t make it, and he
almost gets his wish. But then the
school adds a third squad! Game
after game, they hardly score and
Greg mostly sits on the bench. A
tournament off ers the team a last
chance for victory—and for Greg to
get his “big shot.” Although this book
includes only one part with Rowley,
Greg’s best friend, it introduces fun
new characters. The details in the
drawings are just as funny as the
text, so be sure to look carefully at
them before you continue reading.BOOKS: COURTESY OF THE PUBLISHERS; AUTHOR: FILIP WOLLAK; GETTY IMAGES