The Next Scientist: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of the World’s Great Scientists

Stylish, rotoscope-esque illustrations by Kuo (Luminous) give this inspirational picture book poster-like visual impact as Messner (The Next President) explores the career trajectories of several dozen scientists and researchers of various backgrounds and birth dates. They’re pictured first as children, “building stuff,” “taking things apart,” “sewing and knitting,” and more, and then as scientists in adulthood as newspaper-like text draws a direct line between their early interests and their professional arcs. On one page, a young James West takes apart his grandfather’s pocket watch, a young Grace Hopper disassembles an alarm clock, and a young Ayah Bdeir explores the inner workings of a portable radio. A page turn shows the trio as adults: microphone innovator West with components of his invention, coding pioneer Hopper in front of a computer, and computer engineer Bdeir with educational toys she developed. Including figures iconic and lesser-known, this pep-talk-like work suggests that STEM careers might have seeds in childhood passions, inviting readers to consider how, if their own interests align, “you might just be the next great astronaut.” Ages 8–12. (Aug.)