2015 AIP children's writing awards go to Agnieszka Biskup, Tammy Enz and Dia L. Michels

The American Institute of Physics (AIP) has named three winners for this year's AIP Science Writing Awards in the Writing for Children category for fun works on the science behind a famous superhero and the solution to a kids' mystery:
- Agnieszka Biskup and Tammy Enz will receive the prize for Batman Science: The Real-world Science Behind Batman's Gear, published by Capstone Young Readers.
- Dia L. Michels, who led a team of writers, will receive the prize for Ghost in the Water, published by Science, Naturally.
In Batman Science, young readers learn all about the science that can help make the fantasy of the superhero seem a little more realistic. Biskup and Enz take what Batman can do and liken it to real life, including body armor, echolocation, thermal imaging and transportation. On every page, readers will find a gadget from Batman's world compared to something used today—something that can excite readers of all ages given the huge current appeal of superheroes.
In Ghost in the Water, the Science, Naturally writers tell the story of John, a new boy at school. Many young readers will relate to the unsure waters of new friendships, rude bullies, and helpful adults. As kids read about how John and his new friends work to solve two mysteries, they will see science in action and, in particular, how the scientific method can apply to real-world situations.
The selection committee praised Batman Science, Biskup and Enz's entry, for its visual appeal to young people, with its high-color, bright graphics, as well as for the way they chose to handle the popular subject matter; the individual "article" approach creates a kid-friendly style that will attract reluctant readers as well as those who are more confident. The judges also enjoyed Ghost in the Water's child-centered story, with positive role models of young people banding together to create a positive, supportive atmosphere as they use science and engineering to solve a mystery.
Catherine O'Riordan, AIP's Chief Operating Officer, praised the two books for their approachability. "Each one is an example of the best writing and art that a science book for children can achieve," she said. "They explain the technical details well, without taking shortcuts, and each one touches upon teamwork as a lesson for success."
"We are pleased to award this prize to these two fantastic works," O'Riordan said.
The winners will share a $3,000 prize and each will receive an inscribed Windsor chair and a certificate of recognition from AIP. The awards will be presented Jan. 12, 2016 at the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) 2016 winter meeting in New Orleans. https://www.aapt.org/Conferences/wm2016
Provided by American Institute of Physics