Sweet Dreams Sarah by Vivian Kirkfield is a nonfiction picture book that hits the sweet spot of combining STEM principles with social studies content.

In the book, we see the engineering process at work. Every element of the story zeroes in on the engineering process:

identify the problem

brainstorm solutions

construct a prototype

analyze the results

redesign

A nineteenth century, newly-freed woman, Sarah, tries to solve a problem for the customers in her furniture shop. They live in tiny apartments and the furniture she sells is just too bulky. Once she has identified the problem, she brainstorms solutions and builds a prototype. The prototype has problems so she redesigns it. When her patent is rejected, she revises and resubmits it. Her story would be a great introduction to a unit on invention

At the same time, her story has lots of social studies content that can spark conversation and build understanding in kids. It addresses slavery, Reconstruction, entrepreneurship, and how government processes (like patents) work. Importantly, it discusses the roles of women in history in a clear way.

The book is clear and fun to read aloud. It keeps the story active and moving along with refrains like, “Measure. Cut. Sand.”

And now I want one of the desk-beds that Sarah invented!

Sweet Dreams Sarah by Vivian Kirkfield, illustrated by Chris Ewald. (Creston Books: 2019).