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Iqbal and His Ingenious Ideas: How a Science Project Helps One Family and the Planet

Iqbal and His Ingenious Ideas: How a Science Project Helps One Family and the Planet

Reviewed by: Jan Hamilton - Little Dolphin School, Scarborough, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 9, 2018

Review

Science fairs are common in this country and probably there are some projects that improve life circumstances while advancing science. Children all over the world notice what is lacking just as Iqbal desired to improve his family's health by making a solar cooker. This Citizen Kid book is a fictionalized story that is based on truth. Suneby tells the story of Iqbal in Bangladesh who is a creative thinker and solved a problem his and other families experience. Science and ingenuity blend to achieve a positive outcome.

The story is compelling and the illustrations takes the story to another level. Green's art work provides a look at Iqbal's lifestyle and surroundings. The pale and soft tones of the background give the impression that the people can jump off the page. Back pages offer instructions for a do-it-yourself pizza box solar cooker and provide information concerning clean cook stoves. Educational and enlightening, this is a book that belongs on the shelves of all public libraries. Schools with science fairs will want this on the library shelf.

Overall Book Score: very good