Dive into some kids' non-fiction books and discover worlds of fascination (ages 5-9)

Spark: Jim West's Electrifying Adventures in Creating the Microphone by Ainissa Ramirez; illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey (MIT Kids Press, for ages 5-9, available October 21, 2025)

My thoughts:  This is an absolutely fascinating kid's biographic book about a little know scientist. It also demonstrates the ingenuity and perseverance of a young black kid whose curiosity led him from "first spark" (literally) to becoming an icon of invention. His story parallels, to some degree, the space exploration mathematicians "Hidden Figures" venture into the working world of black scientists.

Jim West's story is well written and illustrated for the young reader and will hopefully instill a sense of inventiveness and discovery in another young person.

I encourage the inclusion of this book in school libraries everywhere. Also, parents should seek out a copy for their own child in order to encourage them to venture forward with their own inquisitiveness.

About the book: In this first picture book in the Black Innovators series, meet the insatiably curious Jim West, who invented a vital piece of the device we all carry in our pockets—transforming how the world communicates today.

Young Jim West loves to pull apart whatever electronics he can get his hands on to see how they work. Those around him say there’s no path for a kid like him to become a scientist, but Jim is determined to forge his own way. His knack for all things electric (and luck in landing a summer job offering the freedom to experiment) lead him to invent an important part of the devices we rely on every day. In this picture book biography for science lovers, future inventors, and anyone aiming to inspire the next generation, author Ainissa Ramirez shares the story of the man who patented the foil-electret microphone, a unit integral to everything from cell phones to hearing aids. Just as Jim West’s advocacy for more diversity in the field paved the way for many scientists of color to follow, Spark inspires readers of all ages to follow their curiosity—and see what it ignites. Back matter provides an author’s note, a time line, a bibliography, and more information on the life and work of Jim West.

 

This Is Orange: A Field Trip Through Color by Rachel Poliquin; illustrated by Julie Morstad (Candlewick, for ages 5-9, available October 21, 2025)

My thoughts:  I think this is a very interesting children's book about the color orange and the naming of the color orange. I, as an adult, have learned from this book which is often the case with adults reading children's books.

Illustrations present various nuances of the color orange beautifully bringing life to the information set forth on these stark and brilliant pages. Things I learned....

• 600 years ago there was no word for "the colour betwixe yelow and reed." (from The Canterbury Tales)
• The birthplace of oranges (the fruit) is India and China.
• The word "orange" is derived from a word in several languages for fragrant - narange - eventually dropping the "n."
• The Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco, CA, USA) is painted "International Orange" to aid in its being seen in the famous San Francisco fogs.

A range of other information on how shades of orange are used, the cultural meaning or the color, and/or where it is seen all around the world is very interesting. Certainly, the color "betwixe yelow and reed" has brought invigorating joy to our visual world.

Quite an interesting book. A good choice for libraries.

About the book: With more than thirty vivid examples and a gentle introduction to color theory, this eye-opening voyage into the heart of orange is a clever appeal to experience other colors—and the world at large—with an open and expansive mind. This tour de force from Rachel Poliquin encourages a different way of interacting with the world by utilizing an unusual visual lens for history and art.

DISCLOSURE: I received copies from Candlewick Press, MITKidsPress, to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.