Inspiration from Failure

Are you looking for a read-aloud that encourages motivation and perseverance? If so, this is your book, right here – Rosie Revere, Engineer! This children's book is written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts. It is perfect for Grades 1-2. It's a story about a little girl named Rosie, who is quiet during the day, but has big dreams at night. She is a brilliant little inventor who collects unused items and turns them into gizmos and gadgets. One day, she gets discouraged by the failure of one of her inventions and decides she will never invent anything again. That is, until her great-great-aunt pays her a visit and inspires her to continue her dream, and not to give up. Rosie decides to build a contraption that flies, to make her aunt's dream come true. When she tests out her contraption, it crashes, and Rosie considers it a failure. However, her Aunt Rose insists that it is a success, since it flew first, before crashing. The main message here is that you only fail if you quit. Keep on trying, and you will succeed!

This book offers a great opportunity to integrate literacy and STEM. There are numerous activities that could follow this story. It is also a great book to relate to one of the important learning keys – the value you of failure. While reading this story, as well as the other four similar ones, children can stop and reflect on cultural representation as well. If you're not already familiar with her stories, you can check out Andrea Beaty's website by clicking here. The other four books are: Ada Twist, Scientist; Aaron Slater, Illustrator; Sofia Valdez, Future Prez; and Iggy Peck, Architect. Beaty promotes personal growth, and her stories are just lovely to share with a class!

 

"The only true failure can come if you quit."
--Rosie Revere

 Check out the read-aloud of Rosie Revere, Engineer, read by astronaut Kate Rubins.

 Thank you - Ivet@NU

 

References: 

Popova, M. (2015, September 18). Rosie Revere, Engineer: A Stereotype-Defying Children's Book Celebrating the Value of Failure. Retrieved November 8, 2021, from

https://www.themarginalian.org/2014/09/17/rosie-revere-engineer/

Rosie Revere, Engineer. (n.d.). Retrieved November 8, 2021, from

http://www.andreabeaty.com/rosie-revere-engineer.html