Welcome to another First Chapter Friday! In this episode, we’re diving into The Atlas Obscura Explorer’s Guide to Inventing the World by Dylan Thuras and Jennifer Swanson, with stunning illustrations by Ruby Fresson. This brand-new #1 New Release in Children’s Mystery & Wonders Books takes readers on a STEM-packed, globe-spanning journey through 50 of the world’s most fascinating inventions and scientific discoveries.
Not only will you hear the opening pages of this exciting middle-grade nonfiction book, but you’ll also enjoy a special interview with co-authors Dylan Thuras and Jennifer Swanson, where they share behind-the-scenes insights about the book, the research process, and what they hope students will discover through the power of curiosity and innovation.
This video is perfect for:
✅ Middle school ELA teachers looking to spark curiosity and connect literacy with STEM
✅ Librarians and media specialists building book buzz
✅ Parents who want to inspire a love of reading and science in their kids
✅ Students who love wild facts, big ideas, and adventures in invention
Grab your copy of the book here: https://amzn.to/4mMjBkX
Learn More:
Atlas Obscura Website: https://www.atlasobscura.com/
Atlas Obscura YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@atlasobscura
Jennifer Swanson's Website: https://jenniferswansonbooks.com/
Science Rocks with Jen YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ScienceRocks--JenniferSwanson/
MIDDLE SCHOOL ELA TEACHERS - To get 5 GOOD THINGS for TEACHERS from the WORD NERD delivered to your inbox twice a month, click here: www.amandazieba.com/teachersignup
** The videos in this First Chapter Friday Playlist were created in the spirit of: helping teachers and students find high quality and engaging books to read, promoting amazing authors and great books celebrating stories.
Each video in this playlist features a book chosen by Amanda Zieba based on its literary merit, thematic/curriculum connection, or simply because she loves it and thinks you will too. All commentary and facts shared about the book and author were also researched/gathered by Amanda. Books were purchased by Amanda from Birdy’s Bookstore, Barnes and Noble or Amazon, unless otherwise stated. These videos are recorded and edited from Amanda’s home office in Wisconsin, USA. **
#FirstChapterFriday #AtlasObscura #STEMBooksForKids #MiddleSchoolELA #StudentEngagement #ReadAloud #JenniferSwanson #DylanThuras #RubyFresson #BookTalksForKids #TeachersOfYouTube #ReadingStrategies #NonfictionForKids #CuriosityInTheClassroom #WorldOfInvention
Not only will you hear the opening pages of this exciting middle-grade nonfiction book, but you’ll also enjoy a special interview with co-authors Dylan Thuras and Jennifer Swanson, where they share behind-the-scenes insights about the book, the research process, and what they hope students will discover through the power of curiosity and innovation.
This video is perfect for:
✅ Middle school ELA teachers looking to spark curiosity and connect literacy with STEM
✅ Librarians and media specialists building book buzz
✅ Parents who want to inspire a love of reading and science in their kids
✅ Students who love wild facts, big ideas, and adventures in invention
Grab your copy of the book here: https://amzn.to/4mMjBkX
Learn More:
Atlas Obscura Website: https://www.atlasobscura.com/
Atlas Obscura YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@atlasobscura
Jennifer Swanson's Website: https://jenniferswansonbooks.com/
Science Rocks with Jen YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ScienceRocks--JenniferSwanson/
MIDDLE SCHOOL ELA TEACHERS - To get 5 GOOD THINGS for TEACHERS from the WORD NERD delivered to your inbox twice a month, click here: www.amandazieba.com/teachersignup
** The videos in this First Chapter Friday Playlist were created in the spirit of: helping teachers and students find high quality and engaging books to read, promoting amazing authors and great books celebrating stories.
Each video in this playlist features a book chosen by Amanda Zieba based on its literary merit, thematic/curriculum connection, or simply because she loves it and thinks you will too. All commentary and facts shared about the book and author were also researched/gathered by Amanda. Books were purchased by Amanda from Birdy’s Bookstore, Barnes and Noble or Amazon, unless otherwise stated. These videos are recorded and edited from Amanda’s home office in Wisconsin, USA. **
#FirstChapterFriday #AtlasObscura #STEMBooksForKids #MiddleSchoolELA #StudentEngagement #ReadAloud #JenniferSwanson #DylanThuras #RubyFresson #BookTalksForKids #TeachersOfYouTube #ReadingStrategies #NonfictionForKids #CuriosityInTheClassroom #WorldOfInvention

