The set of three books is a fascinating, interactive look at 3 famous scientists. Names you’ve heard before but maybe not their full stories.

Each volume begins with a 2-page timeline of the person’s life. It sets the stage for what you are about to experience. Next comes a longer text section giving details of the struggles and successes each scientist faced. Insights are revealed and they go beyond the surface of straight facts. It’s a journey through their life’s work along with personal challenges. Finally, 6-7 chapters cover many of their inventions and work.

Several excellent features make this series standout. Over a dozen QR codes in each book are scattered throughout the pages (Those small black and white squares). Point your phone’s camera at each and you are whisked off to the Internet for maybe a video or interesting extensions of what you’ve been reading.

There are also BUILD IT pages you’ll know by the dark blue background. You can do fun hands-on projects like Build a Heart Model, Take a Ride in an Ocean Current, or Model an Atomic Structure. This is the way kids love to learn.

Photographs and illustrations mix in well with the text. There’s even a cartoon series where each of our famous scientists meet the modern day world.

The authors and Nomad Press have come up with a winning formula for the BUILD IT SCIENCE BIOGRAPHY set of books. Ones that make learning fun and memorable. Ben and Leonardo are available this month and Marie will follow in June. Great learning resources for home or in the classroom.

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(I received copies of the books in exchange for my honest review)

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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration.

All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.