Iqbal and His Ingenious Idea: How a Science Project Helps One Family and the Planet (CitizenKid)

... informative ...―Booklist

Deftly promotes a positive message about embracing and harnessing one's curiosity and intelligence to make a difference.―Kirkus Reviews

An excellent example of how children can apply science to problem solving.―School Library Journal

... another successful entry in this series of encouraging stories about children empowered by education and engaged in problem-solving in their communities.―Publishers Weekly

Iqbal's story is great fun and comes with pearls of both cultural and environmental insights. Bravo to Iqbal for his ingenious idea. And kudos to Suneby and Green for raising awareness about solar cookers. I have seen first hand what a tremendous difference they make.―Khaled Hosseini, internationally acclaimed author, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, and former refugee

... a heart warming story about a child's resourcefulness supported by family love and school support.―Resource Links

... enjoyable ...―CM Magazine

Iqbal's story is steeped in the customs and language of Bangladesh while celebrating universal human qualities such as curiosity and ingenuity.―Science Magazine

It's monsoon season in Bangladesh, which means Iqbal's mother must cook the family's meals indoors, over an open fire. The smoke from the fire makes breathing difficult for his mother and baby sister, and it's even making them sick. Hearing them coughing at night worries Iqbal. So when he learns that his school's upcoming science fair has the theme of sustainability, Iqbal comes up with the perfect idea for his entry: he'll design a stove that doesn't produce smoke! With help from his teacher, Iqbal learns all about solar energy cooking, which uses heat from the sun to cook --- ingenious! Has Iqbal found a way to win first prize in the science fair while providing cleaner air and better health for his family at the same time?

Award-winning author Elizabeth Suneby's thoroughly researched and inspiring story introduces young children to the problems associated with open-flame cooking in the developing world, as well as background information on sustainable technology. Part of the CitizenKid collection, this book uses the common experience of a science fair project to help children recognize that they, too, can help make the world a better place through innovative thinking and creative problem solving. The artwork by Rebecca Green, filled with details of everyday life in a Bangladesh village, beautifully evokes a sense of place and culture. Iqbal offers a perfect example for the character education subject of initiative. End matter includes information about clean cookstoves, a DIY solar cooker activity and a glossary.

Gr 2–5—Based on actual experiences of people living in Bangladesh, this fictional story highlights the role of scientific problem—solving to improve daily life through the conceit of a science fair project. When Iqbal's teacher announces that the theme of this year's science fair will be sustainability, he constructs a solar cooker; that way, when the monsoon weather arrives in Bangladesh, his mother and baby sister will not have to breathe in the smoke-filled air caused by cooking indoors. With the help of his sister, Iqbal does win and, more important, he solves a problem in a way that protects the environment, reduces health problems, and especially benefits girls and women. The well-written text is clear and descriptive. A monsoon, for example, is described as follows: "Not a light mist or even a steady downpour, but gusts of rain that whip across your face and make you squint your eyes." The illustrations provide many details of the setting in Bangladesh, of Iqbal's dreaming and planning, and of the details of the solar cooker. Back matter includes more information about solar cookers and directions for making one from a pizza box. VERDICT An excellent example of how children can apply science to problem solving.—Myra Zarnowski, City University of New York

Elizabeth Suneby loves words! Writing helps Liz come up with new ideas, learn new things, figure out her feelings and express them to others. Writing is also how Liz earns a living. She writes content for companies large and small. She writes magazine articles. And she writes books for children and teens that help kids find their voice in a hopeful world.

Rebecca Green is an illustrator and painter whose work can be found in children's books, magazines and galleries. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee.