Forensics: Cool Women Who Investigate

by Anita Yasuda, Allison Bruce (Illustrator)

Overview

How do scientists solve mysteries? With forensics! Every crime scene contains forensic evidence that helps investigators discover exactly what happened. Forensics is the science of gathering and examining information about a past event, usually to solve a crime or legal problem.

In Forensics: Cool Women Who Investigate, children ages 9 through 12 learn about this fascinating field and meet three women who are succeeding in their chosen profession of forensics. Christine Gabig-Prebyl is a forensic scientist with Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Krishna Patel is a Forensic Supervisor with the Torrance Police Department, and Jessica Frances Lam is a researcher at England’s University of Leicester INTREPID Forensics Programme. Forensics combines high-interest content with links to online primary sources and essential questions that further expand kids’ knowledge and understanding of a topic made popular by TV shows, movies, and books. Compelling stories of real-life forensic scientists provide role models that readers can look toward for examples of success. Nomad Press books in the Girls in Science series supply a bridge between girls’ interests and their potential futures by investigating science careers and introducing women who have succeeded in science.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781619303461
Publisher:	Nomad Press
Publication date:	03/15/2016
Series:	Girls in Science Series
Pages:	112
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	980L (what's this?)
Age Range:	9 - 12 Years

About the Author

Anita Yasuda is the author of more than 100 books for children and adults, including Explore Simple Machines!, Explore Native American Cultures!, and Astronomy: Cool Women in Space for Nomad Press. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) and the Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP). Anita lives in Huntington Beach, CA.

Allison Bruce studied chemistry at the University of California, Davis, and design, illustration, and animation at the Academy of Art University, San Francisco. Allison is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) as well as the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI). She lives in Brisbane, CA.

Table of Contents

Introduction
Chapter One: Reading the Scene
Chapter Two: Christine Gabig
Chapter Three: Krishna Pate
Chapter Four: Jessica Frances Lam
Essential Questions
Timeline
Glossary
Resources
Index

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Forensics: Cool Women Who Investigate 

Archimedes Notebook
". . . This is the perfect book for a young woman headed to college with an interest in sciences, but not quite sure what she wants to do."

Booklist Online Exclusive
“. . . High-interest content coupled with relatable role models make this a quality career and occupational resource. “

Rebecca Barlag, PhD, Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Director, B.S. Forensic Chemistry Program, Ohio University
“Forensics  is an educational book that encourages young women to pursue forensic careers through engaging examples of real women in the field. The inclusion of stories about how these women worked to overcome challenges as well as celebrated their successes sends a powerful, much-needed, nonfiction message to young women who are constantly bombarded with fictional forensic shows.”

Dr. Thomas Parsons, Director of Forensic Science, International Commission on Missing Persons
“If you are interested in learning what it’s like to set out in forensics, this is a great place to start!”

Allison Y. Eastman, PhD, Associate Professor of Biology, University at Albany, SUNY
“Forensics: Cool Women Who Investigate introduces exciting forensic science career opportunities to young readers. . . ” 

Praise for other books by Anita Yasuda:

Astronomy: Cool Women in Space
Dr. Laura Trouille, Astronomer, the Adler Planetarium and Northwestern University
“An engaging and inspirational addition to a genre in significant need of quality publications for young women and girls. I will be happily recommending this book to every aspiring astronomer who visits the Adler!”

Catherine Piper Shelton, Director of Curriculum and Technology, U.S. Space & Rocket Center
“I see this book sparking an interest in astronomy for any girl. It connects the science with
careers, and the past with the present—and future.”

Victoria Obenchain, science teacher, instructor at Sally Ride Science Camp
“This book is a testament to the fact that women are incredibly important to science and that their contributions to understanding the universe as it is known today are huge!”

Explore Flight!
2013 Society of School Librarians International Honor Book Award

Praise for similar books in other series:

Forensics: Uncover the Science and Technology of Crime Scene Investigation
2013 Silver Moonbeam Children's Book Award
2013 Society of School Librarians International Honor Book Award

Booklist
“. . . Like other titles in the ‘Inquire and Investigate’ series, this book focuses on a high-interest topic in a cutting-edge field to reinforce young people’s understanding of the scientific method . . . an appealing and age-appropriate STEM resource."

From the Publisher

Yasuda examines the professional lives of three female forensic scientists and their paths to success as a way of introducing the field of forensic science to girls. Instructions on “How to Use This Book” precede the introductory section which explores the question, “What is Forensics?” Chapter one looks at the development and future of the science of fingerprinting, examines the history of the role of forensics in law enforcement, the contribution of fiction (e.g., Sherlock Holmes) to public expectations of forensics, the contribution of related sciences, the role of early forensic specialists and specific careers in the forensic sciences. Chapters two, three and four examine the training and careers of Christine Gabig-Prebyl, Jessica Frances Lamand, and Stephanie Kristen Callian, respectively. Sidebars titled “Ask and Answer” suggest discussion questions for the reader to consider. Paragraphs set apart in green outlines offer more detailed information about related aspects of forensics and blue sidebars offer details about specific individuals who work in forensics. The symbol “PS” in a magnifying glass icon identifies a primary source, people who were eyewitnesses to events. Photographs, simple graphs, and pen and ink-line and ink-wash drawings add visual interest. The depictions of the women suggest varied racial and ethnic backgrounds which adds a subtle and welcome statement about the appeal of the forensic sciences to girls of diverse backgrounds. Yasuda concludes her book with a timeline, a list of essential questions titled “Ask & Answer,” a glossary, a list of additional books, websites, associations, exhibits and a QR code glossary titled “Resources” and an index. Part of the “Girls in Science” series, Yasuda’s book does a good job of the series’ stated goal: “to supply a bridge between girls’ interests and their potential futures” by presenting a brief yet comprehensive explanation of the field, illuminated by three real-life women who have made successful careers in the forensic sciences. This book would be a good addition to career literature in middle school libraries and as a focus for discussion about careers in forensics for the classroom. Reviewer: Hazel Buys; Ages 9 to 12.

Children's Literature - Hazel Buys