HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) - Celebrated Huntsville author Laura W. Carter and illustrator Anna Doherty are inspiring and empowering children to explore the limitless possibilities of STEAM careers.
Carter's newly released book, "What Will I Be From A to Z," introduces young readers to the world of exciting professions in STEAM while celebrating diversity and imagination. It is a vibrant picture book showcasing STEAM careers from astronauts to zoologists. The book encourages all children to envision themselves in careers where they can innovate, explore, and lead.
Laura W. Carter joined 48 Now to share the story behind her book and how she hopes it will inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders.
STEAM is an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math, and "What Will I Be From A to Z" looks at 26 different jobs children can consider in STEAM fields.
Carter is a teacher at New Century Technology High School, and she said her inspiration to write this book comes from all the incredible, unique work her students do, and she was inspired to create something to inspire young children like her son.
"This book is a blended inspiration from both my son, who was three when it was initially written, but also from my job at New Century, where I watched students go through year after year specializing in different STEM jobs, in particular, computer science, biomedical, or engineering and they go on to do really cool things," Carter said.
I also really like the arts, and I think the arts are important, and we share a building with Lee, who has an incredible art magnet program, so I thought I absolutely want to bring the 'A' in and make it 'STEAM' as well. I wanted to have a book that would introduce my son to something but also could be used in an educational setting for early literacy.
Carter wanted to celebrate the accomplishments her students are making in STEAM programs and careers, and show younger children that there are endless possibilities with STEAM careers.
"They are doing things that when I was in high school, I didn't even know would exist and they are incredible at it, and they go on to be CEOs, computer scientists, and they are writing programs and they're also engineers, and beyond that, they go into law fields and all these other things, and I just think it's really cool to celebrate that," Carter said.
Carter also wants her book to show that no matter a person's gender or race, as long as someone keeps learning, anyone can succeed in whatever they want to do.
"Any kid should be able to envision themselves in any work and any job. I know historically there have been exclusions, but that doesn't mean that there should be," Carter said.
Whether you are a boy or a girl or whatever your ethnicity is, I think it is important to know that there is a place for you, and if it is something that you like, then you should work towards that and hopefully achieve your goals and make changes if changes need to be made.
Carter wrote another book in 2024 titled "A Feminist Force," which celebrates female pioneers in STEM and women who have paved the way for different types of STEM jobs.
Her goal with these books is to broaden children's mindsets towards various career opportunities that are available for their future, which they might be interested in. Carter said the main messages she wants children to gain from anything she writes are to "never stop learning because the possibilities are endless!"
Carter provided lesson plans and a teaching guide on herwebsiteTo help children reflect after reading "A Feminist Force" and "What Will I Be From A to Z." She said this teaching guide will also help students and children envision themselves in various STEAM careers.
Carter said she hopes to publish more inspiring children's books in the future, but in the meantime, "A Steminist Force" and "What Will I Be From A to Z" are available for purchase at local bookstores, Snail on the Wall and Blue Apple Books, Barnes and Noble, online.Amazon, and theFamilius publishing website.
She will also be at the Family Book Festival at Blue Apple Books on Thursday, August 21st, at 5 p.m., along with several other children's book authors, to showcase her books.
"A Steminist Force" and "What Will I Be From A to Z" are perfect books for classrooms, libraries, and families looking to encourage children to dream big about their futures!
To hear more about Laura W. Carter's books and her journey and mission with writing them,the full 48 Now interview can be viewed at the top of this page.
To follow more of Laura's journey and to connect with her, she can be found on herwebsiteand through herInstagramandFacebookpages.
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