T. rex Teeth for 200 please, Alex: Books for Junior Jeopardy! Champs
Question: This recent Jeopardy! star will be returning for the Tournament of Champions later this year.
Answer: Who is James Holzhauer?
Viewers of the long-running trivia game show were amazed by Holzhauer's incredible knowledge, bold wagers and lightning fast reflexes. He amassed an astounding $2.46 million in 32 games from April to June, breaking a number of records including the highest amount won in one game — in fact, he currently holds all Top 10 spots in the single-game winnings category of the Jeopardy Hall of Fame! One of his strategies for success? Reading children's books!
"I've found that in an adult reference book, if it's not a subject I'm interested in, I just can't get into it," he told the New York Times. But books in the kids' section at the library provided him with plenty of engaging study material. He credited the libraries of Las Vegas, Naperville, San Diego and Seattle for their resources. Potential trivia champions and reluctant readers can take a page from Holzhauer's playbook! The summer is a wonderful time to visit your local library and check out some children's nonfiction on topics such as history and science. Here's a selection of fun and fascinating books to inspire learning, discovery and play in middle childhood:
The Atlas Obscura Explorer's Guide for the World's Most Adventurous Kid by Dylan Thuras and Rosemary Mosco
From a wall of fire in Azerbaijan to a wild waterfall in Zambia, intrepid readers can explore 100 extraordinary destinations around the world. Embark on a journey to lost cities and hidden places, and be awed by natural wonders and human marvels!
Does It Fart? A Kid's Guide to the Gas Animals Pass by Nick Caruso and Dani Rabaiotti
Do parrots fart? What about lemurs? Find out in this hilarious book of facts about flatulence! (Yes, it's adapted from a book written for adults.)
How Does A Lighthouse Work? by Roman Belyaev
Curious about who decides where to build lighthouses and how the light shines so far? Learn about early lighthouses, the keeper's job, famous landmarks and more!
How Many Guinea Pigs Can Fit on a Plane? by Laura Overdeck
Are math problems more fun when they're weird and improbable? Check this out to decide!
How to Become an Accidental Genius by Elizabeth MacLeod and Frieda Wishinsky
Popsicles, penicillin and Post-it notes: discover the stories behind inventions that changed the world in big ways or improved life in little ways. Each chapter is packed with interesting biographies, sidebars and advice for aspiring inventors.
How to Think Like an Absolute Genius by Philippe Brasseur
Train your brain in different ways! Be inspired by the lives and works of famous artists, scientists and thinkers and explore ways to be more creative.
My Little Book of Big Questions by Britta Teckentrup
What will my life be like? Will I be happy? Will I ever be able to reach the stars? Asking the realest questions! Evocative illustrations paired with profound musings will keep you in deep thought and conversation.
Science is Magic by Steve Mould
Astonish your audience with spectacular science experiments featuring concepts of density, light, magnetism and more.
What Do They Do With All That Poo? by Jane Kurtz
Everything you never realized you wanted to know about how zoos manage animal poop.
What If You Had T.Rex Teeth!? by Sandra Markle
It would certainly make flossing a more thrilling experience! Check out the rest of the series about what it would be like to have different animal body parts!
Comments