About
Valerie Tripp is writing a STEM series for National Geographic Kids called "Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad." Valerie Tripp wrote the books in the American Girl Felicity®, Josefina®, Kit®, Mary Ellen, and Molly series and three of the books in the Samantha series. She also wrote American Girl’s eleven Welliewisher titles and the eight Hopscotch Hill School titles. She has written songs, stories, skills book pages and plays as part of The Superkids’ Reading Program. Tripp was a writer and the editorial director of the “Boys Camp” series. She was a writer, editor, and art editor for Starry Forest/Sterling Publishing Company. Tripp received a Bachelor of Arts degree and graduated with honors as a member of the first co-educated class at Yale University and has a Master's of Education degree from Harvard University. She lives in Silver Spring, Maryland. She speaks frequently at schools, libraries, and scout troop meetings. She gave the Anne Scott McLeod Lecture at the Library of Congress, and has spoken at Williamsburg, The Smithsonian, Mt. Vernon, The New York Historical Society, many universities including Yale, Harvard, American University, and the University of Maryland. Tripp was a March of Dimes Mother of the Year and recipient of The Prevention of Blindness Community Service Award.
Featured Work
Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad
Washington, D.C. (DATE:X) This fall, National Geographic Kids’ Under the Stars imprint is proud to introduce the premier book in its new middle grade fiction series: Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad: Absolute Hero written by award winning author and girl-power expert Valerie Tripp. Inspired by iconic scientists and scientific fact, the STEM-based series explores the challenges of middle school, friendship, and growing up—all with unmatched authenticity and gentle humor.
Mysteries, mishaps, and mayhem; Atom Middle School’s a mess. As if starting sixth grade isn’t tough enough, an overcrowded school and an overloaded schedule are enough to make Izzy dizzy. But with best friends Allie Einstein and Charlie Darwin by her side, Izzy’s ready to try her hardest. Then first-day jitters take an icy turn when their old pal Marie Curie gives them the cold shoulder in favor of the new girl, Gina Carver. On top of it all, the school’s air-conditioning goes on the fritz and the temperature feels like absolute zero. Cold temperatures and a frigid friendship? Izzy rallies the girls to use their brainpower and scientific smarts to solve the school’s chilly mystery and—she hopes—warm up a certain friendship along the way.
Science, technology, kindness, and humor are an unbeatable combination when Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad team up and use the scientific method to Solve Mysteries And Reveal Truths. The five brainy buddies have lots of adventures along the way in this educational and fun new series that’s sure to delight girls around the world.
“Valerie Tripp has an innate ability to tap into the hearts and minds of young women through her inspiring characters and uplifting stories,” said Rebecca Baines, executive editor of National Geographic Kids Books. “We are honored to work alongside her to deliver this fun new series that reaffirms National Geographic’s ultimate goal of inspiring kids to work hard, dream big, and to never stop chasing their goals.”
Izzy Newton and the S.M.A.R.T. Squad: Absolute Hero is the first title in the middle grade series. (September 8, 2020; ISBN: 978-1-4263-3869-4; ages 8 – 12; $12.99.) Families can learn more about the S.M.A.R.T. squad at www.national geographic.com/smart-squad.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: VALERIE TRIPP
Part of the creative team behind the American Girl series, Valerie Tripp has written many of the American Girl books about Felicity, Josefina, Samantha, Kit, Molly, and Maryellen. She also wrote American Girl’s Welliewisher and Hopscotch Hill School books. Tripp has also written numerous leveled readers, songs, stories, skills book pages, poems, and plays for educational publishers and is the editorial director of the Boys Camp series. She is a frequent speaker at schools and libraries.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR: GENEVA BOWERS
Geneva Bowers is a self-taught illustrator who lives in the North Carolina mountains. Her drawing career started at age seven, when she wanted to draw horses better than her sister. Bowers works mostly digitally, using a vivid palette and simple shapes to create interesting images that reflect whimsy with a touch of realism. She has illustrated several webcomics, books, and book covers and is a 2018 Hugo award winner.
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