Industry Reviews of Charli's Dorsal Device
"Burns’ early reader chapter book, the third in a series, focuses on girls pursuing careers in STEM. . .
The diverse cast of girls effectively encourages participation in STEM—the female mentors in the book are all positive and successful in jobs they love. Schroeder’s expressive illustrations draw readers deeper into the story, and the text’s formatting will help early readers catch context clues. The story effectively shows how representation and dreaming big can lead to the drive and tenacity required to follow those dreams.
A rousing story that shows girls getting excited about STEM. Our Verdict: GET IT"--Kirkus Reviews
"From introducing key terminology (such as CAD and GPS) to illustrating scientific work in action in the real world, the Charli Explores STEM books help make science feel real, achievable, makescience feel real, achievable, exciting, and fulfilling to readers whoseprevious exposure may only have been theoretical or abstract. The cartoon illustrations in this story emphasizeexpressions, showing readers just how much fun the girls are having, both in the school assembly and in their imaginedfuture careers as designers, engineers, and writers. Best of all, the story celebrates problem-solving as a key part of science, showing the steps Charli uses to overcome design problems as they occur in real time—and howrewarding it is when she finds the solutions!
Inspiring and informative, Charli’s Dorsal Device is a fantastic new addition to the series.
—The Children's Book Review"
". . . highlights a realistic STEM career but also gives kids a genuine taste of what it means to work through a problem from start to finish.
A book that stirs imagination and encourages creativity, Charli’s Dorsal Device grows the characters and Bristol community that fans. . . have come to adore. Vicki Scott Burns has written an empowering book that will make kids want to start creating something the moment they put it down."--Indies Today
It sends a powerful message that mistakes are normal and that girls belong in labs, offices, and workshops where big, world-changing ideas are born."--Literary Titan
"Burns’s second installment in the Charli Explores STEM series, following Charli’s Turtle Triumph, is yet another thoughtful, relationship-driven day in the life of Charli. . .Burns allows her to experience failures and pitfalls, teaching kids that no process is perfect . . . Charli’s willingness to ask for help and rework her park as many times as it takes is inspiring, and she never gets discouraged in the process: instead, she realizes that revision is a necessary part of creative design. For early readers, Charli’s Pawsome Park sparks innovation and offers practical advice and tools for any children interested in landscape architecture—or simply wanting to make their community a more inclusive, beautiful place."--BookLife