The Nora Notebooks, Book 1: The Trouble with Ants

(Paperback)

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Science-obsessed fourth grader Nora has ants all figured out-now she just has to try to understand her fellow humans! The trouble with ants is . . . . . . people think they're boring. . . . they are not cuddly. . . . who would ever want them for a pet Nora Alpers is using her new notebook to record the behavior of ants. Why Because they are fascinating! Unfortunately, no one agrees with her. Her mom is not happy about them being in the house, and when Nora brings her ant farm to school for show and tell, her classmates are not very impressed. They are more interested in cat videos, basketball practice, or trying to set a Guinness World Record (although Nora wouldn't mind that). Mostly they are distracted by the assignment their teacher Coach Joe has given them-to write a persuasive speech and change people's minds about something. Will Nora convince her friends that ants are as interesting as she thinks they are Or will everyone still think of ants as nothing but trouble With real science facts, a classroom backdrop, an emphasis on friendship, and appealing black-and-white interior illustrations from artist Katie Kath, The Nora Notebooks is perfect for newly independent readers-especially budding scientists like Nora!-and adults who want to encourage awareness of STEM subjects in young readers.

Reviews

In drily funny writing and b&w illustrations, Mills (the Franklin School Friends series) and Kath capture Noras delightful enterprising and willingness to push the boundariessometimes (she knows the limit when it comes to sitting with the boys at lunch). Noras genuine love for ants will resonate with children who have a passion for something out of the ordinary. Publishers Weeklystarred review

Readers will be drawn into the story by the sincere and realistic characters Mills has created, as well as the pleasing and appealing illustrations found in every chapter. School Library Journal

The bright and charming Nora . . . displays independent thought, vision, and passion, while letting the reader know . . . that science is unassailably cool. Booklist

Middle-grade readers will hope for more Nora Notebooks, soon. Kirkus Reviews

Author Bio

Claudia Mills is the author of over fifty books for young readers. She does not personally keep an ant farm, but she does have a cat, Snickers, with whom she curls up on her couch at home in Boulder, Colorado, drinking hot chocolate and writing.