Shirley Duke writes for children in a variety of genres but she has always loved science. You Can’t Wear These Genes and Infections, Infestations, and Diseases are her debut nonfiction books in the series “Let’s Explore Science.” She will book talk You Can’t Wear These Genes as her part of the 2011 ALA panel and present a library activity about dominant and recessive traits. She’ll also include a DNA extraction activity on her handout.
Rourke, 2011
You Can’t Wear These Genes introduces readers to genes, DNA, and genetic inheritance. Physical characteristics, genetic diseases, gene engineering, and cloning are explained in a way young readers can understand.
Rourke, 2011
Many thanks to Rourke and Lerner at the 2011 ALA Nonfiction BookBlast. Visit Rourke at Booth #3515 and Lerner at Booth #916.
Shirley taught school at the elementary and secondary levels for many years and holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and master’s degree in education from Austin College. She blogs for NOVA’s web program, “The Secret Life of Scientists,” and about books and science at her SimplyScience blog.
She’s spoken at TLA, NAEYAC, TSRA, Chicago Reading Recovery, Del Mar College, The Bill Martin, Jr. Symposium, the Texas Book Festival, many elementary schools, and numerous book fairs and festivals. She speaks about reading and how science book support the content subects, ways in which picture books support literacy, and ways children can improve their own writing.
Darby Creek/Lerner, 2010
Shirley also writes fiction. Her YA novel, Unthinkable was selected for the 2011 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers list.
Peachtree, 2006
Her first picture book is No Bows! She’s written eight teacher guides for Peachtree Publishers nonfiction, too.
Shirley has just finished four new nonfiction books.
Rourke Publishing:
ENTERPRISE STEM
FORCES AND MOTION AT WORK
ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTERS
Cherry Lake Publishing
New book available September 1, 2011
