32 pages
Ages 7-10
2016
Charlesbridge
ISBN: 9781580892971
Find it at your nearest library or local bookstore
Collected posts about Whoosh! on my blog, Bartography
YouTube playlist: Lonnie Johnson, inventor of the Super Soaker water gun
*Starred Review* Barton shows the tenacity and dedication (and, sometimes, plain good timing) needed to prove ideas. ... A delightfully child-friendly and painfully necessary diversification of the science field.
*Starred Review* [T]he story of African-American inventor Lonnie Johnson is tailor-made for a young audience, and Barton and Tate do it justice in this inspiring account of a man driven toward innovation against the odds.
The author's note explains Barton's mission to diversify common perceptions of what scientists and engineers look like and who they can be. This engaging and informative picture book exploration of Johnson's life succeeds in that right.
This upbeat tribute makes an engaging and inspiring addition to STEM collections.
Booklist
Barton's clean, lively prose and Tate's boldly composed, often comical illustrations--including a dramatic gatefold capturing the Super Soaker's mighty trajectory--make Lonnie Johnson's story of passion and persistence whoosh to life.
The story focuses on an unlikely character who is not privileged, but has a persistence and patience that will act as a role model for all young inventors. A great depiction of an inventor with the "right stuff"! Highly recommended for all ages!
Association for Library Service to Children
Notable Children's Books 2017 (Non-Fiction) - Nominee
Bank Street College of Education
The Cook Prize (Best Science, Technology, Engineering and Math [STEM] picture book) - 2017 Finalist
The Children's Book Council and the National Council for the Social Studies
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People 2017
The Cooperative Children's Book Center
CCBC Choices 2017
Every Child a Reader
2017 Children's Choice Book Awards, 3rd-4th Grade Book of the Year - Finalist
Maine Association of School Libraries
The Chickadee Award, The Maine Children's Choice Picture Book Award - 2017-2018 Nominee
Maryland Association of School Librarians
2017-2018 Black-Eyed Susan Book Award (Picture Book, Grades 4-6) - Nominee
Maryland Library Association, Children's Services Division
2017 Maryland Blue Crab Young Reader Award, Transitional Non-Fiction - Winner
North Carolina Children's Book Awards
2017-18 Junior Book Nominee
Pennsylvania School Librarians Association
2017 - 2018 Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Awards Program Master List, Grades 3-6
Read-On Wisconsin
2017-2018 Primary (Grades K-2) Books
Rhode Island Library Association, School Librarians of Rhode Island, and the Rhode Island Center for the Book
2018 Rhode Island Children's Book Award Nominee
Tennessee Association of School Librarians
2018-2019 Volunteer State Book Award Nominee List
Texas Institute of Letters
Denton Record Chronicle Award for Best Children's Picture Book - 2017 Finalist
Texas Library Association
2017-18 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List
Vermont Center for the Book/Mother Goose Programs and the Vermont Department of Libraries
2017-2018 Red Clover Award (Picture Book Award For Grades K-4) - Nominee
Washington Library Association
2018 Towner Award - Nominee
Arizona Library Association
2019 Grand Canyon Reader Award (Nonfiction) - Nominee
Children's Literature Association of Utah
2018 Beehive Book Awards (Informational) - Nominee
Indiana Library Federation
2018-2019 Young Hoosier Book Award (Intermediate) - Nominee
Writers' League of Texas
2016 WLT Book Awards (Picture Book) - Finalist